Haramain High-Speed Train (2026): Fares, Stations, Times & Booking

Saudi Arabia Railways · High-Speed Rail

Haramain Train: Makkah · Jeddah · Madinah

The fast, comfortable way between the two holy cities

The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Makkah and Madinah — via Jeddah and its airport — at up to 300 km/h, turning a five-hour road trip into a smooth two-hour ride. This guide covers the stations, fares, journey times, and exactly how to book, plus the airport connection every pilgrim should know about.

300 km/hTop speed

2h 20mMakkah–Madinah

5 stationsOn one line

from SAR 40Short routes

The Essentials

What is the Haramain train?

The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) is Saudi Arabia’s flagship intercity rail service, operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). Its 449-kilometre main line runs from Makkah to Madinah through Jeddah, with a dedicated branch straight into King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA).

Reaching up to 300 km/h, it is one of the fastest trains in the world and covers Makkah to Madinah in about 2 hours 20 minutes — roughly a third of the road time. It’s not only for pilgrims: residents, tourists, and business travellers use it daily between Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and KAEC.

The Route

Five stations on one line

Most services run direct between the major cities; some call at all five stops. From south to north:

MakkahRusaifah District, near the 3rd Ring Road. Access for Muslim visitors only.
Jeddah (Al Sulaymaniyah)The central city station, in the heart of Jeddah.
King Abdulaziz Airport (KAIA)A branch line links directly into the international airport terminal.
KAECKing Abdullah Economic City, near Rabigh and the Hejaz Gate.
MadinahAl Hadra District, about 10 minutes from the Prophet’s Mosque.

Fares & Classes

Two classes, prices by route

Both classes are clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Fares below are indicative for 2026 on the Makkah–Madinah route and change with date and demand.

Economy

~SAR 150–200

Comfortable, well-equipped seating.
Wi-Fi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Excellent value — more than enough for the two-hour ride.

Business

~SAR 250–300

Wider seats with more legroom.
Personal video screens.
Seat-side cafeteria service.

Other routes (approx, one-way). Makkah–Jeddah from ~SAR 65; Jeddah Airport (KAIA)–Makkah from ~SAR 40. Fares rise sharply during Hajj, Ramadan, and school holidays, so book early. Children aged 2–11 travel at a discount; infants under 2 travel free without their own seat.

The Smoothest Arrival

Land at Jeddah Airport, board the train

Flying into King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA)? You can walk from the international arrivals hall straight to the Haramain platform via covered walkways and be on the Makkah train in under 45 minutes — no taxi, no road traffic. For arriving pilgrims, it’s the most stress-free connection there is.

Direct branchThe high-speed line runs right into the airport terminal.

Under 45 minFrom the arrivals hall to on board the Makkah train.

No road trafficSkip the taxi queues and Jeddah congestion entirely.

Step by Step

How to book Haramain tickets

Booking takes a couple of minutes online. Book early for pilgrimage seasons, when popular departures sell out weeks ahead.

Use an official channel

Book at sar.hhr.sa, the SAR/HHR app, or the Nusuk app for pilgrims. Be careful of unofficial look-alike websites that add extra fees.
Choose route, date, and class

Select your two stations, travel date, and Economy or Business. Compare a few departure times for the best fare.
Enter passenger details

Foreign travellers add passport details. Keep your passport or Iqama with you for identity checks at the station.
Pay online

Settle securely by card. Fares are per departure and non-transferable to other trains.
Get your e-ticket

Your ticket arrives by SMS and email. The QR code on your phone is all you need — no printing required.
Arrive early at the station

Get there 30 minutes before departure — 60 during peak seasons — as security screening takes time.

Good to Know

Practical tips

Your ticket is for one departure

It’s valid only for the train you booked. Miss it and you’ll need a new ticket; no-shows forfeit the fare.

Getting to the station

Stations aren’t walking distance from the Harams. Use ride-hailing (Uber, Careem) or, in peak seasons, a hotel shuttle.

Not for Mina or Arafat

The Haramain links the cities only. Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat use the separate, permit-only Mashaer Metro during Hajj.

Book early for peak

Around Hajj week, Makkah–Madinah departures can sell out two to three weeks in advance.

Fully accessible

Every station and train has ramps, lifts, and designated spaces. Pre-book assistance with SAR for a smooth trip.

Bring your documents

Carry your passport or Iqama for boarding checks, and keep your QR code handy on your phone.

Getting There

Flying in to catch the train?

Most pilgrims fly into Jeddah (KAIA) or Madinah and connect to the Haramain from there. Compare live fares below. This is a NewHaj travel tool — separate from Saudi Arabia Railways and the official booking platforms.

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Flight search is powered by Travelpayouts technology in partnership with NewHaj. Your purchase agreement is made directly with the ticket seller, who is solely responsible for refunds, changes, and any missed flights.

Taking the train to Makkah? Compare hotels near the Haram across six booking platforms.

Find Makkah hotels →

Answers

Haramain train FAQ

How long is the Makkah to Madinah train journey?

The Haramain High-Speed Train covers Makkah to Madinah in about 2 hours 20 minutes at speeds up to 300 km/h, compared with five to six hours by road. Exact times vary slightly by departure and number of stops.

How much does a Haramain train ticket cost in 2026?

As an indicative guide for 2026, Makkah to Madinah is roughly SAR 150 to 200 in Economy and SAR 250 to 300 in Business. Shorter routes are cheaper — Makkah to Jeddah from around SAR 65, and Jeddah Airport to Makkah from around SAR 40. Fares rise sharply during Hajj, Ramadan, and school holidays.

Where do I book Haramain train tickets?

Book through the official Saudi Arabia Railways site sar.hhr.sa, the SAR/HHR app, or the Nusuk app for pilgrims. Some authorised travel platforms also sell tickets. Be cautious of unofficial look-alike websites that add fees.

Can the Haramain train take me to Mina or Arafat for Hajj?

No. The Haramain train only links Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Airport, KAEC, and Madinah. The holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat are served by the separate, permit-only Mashaer Metro during Hajj.

Do I need to print my Haramain ticket?

No. Your e-ticket arrives by SMS and email, and the QR code on your phone is all you need to board. Keep your passport or Iqama handy for identity checks at the station.

Can non-Muslims use the Haramain train?

Yes, non-Muslims can travel between Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Airport, KAEC, and Madinah. However, access to Makkah — and therefore Makkah station — is restricted to Muslim visitors only.

What happens if I miss my train?

Your ticket is valid only for the specific departure you booked. If you miss it, you must buy a new ticket, and no-shows forfeit the full fare. Cancelling before departure typically incurs a cancellation fee.

Is the Haramain train wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All stations and trains have ramps, lifts, and designated spaces. It is best to pre-book assistance through SAR’s customer support for the smoothest experience.

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Independent information notice. NewHaj is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) or the Haramain High-Speed Railway. Timetables, fares, and station rules change over time. For official schedules and ticket purchases, always use the official platform: sar.hhr.sa — and beware of unofficial booking sites.

Author: NewHaj

NewHaj for Hajj and Umrah Tourism in Saudi Arabia Hotels, Transfers, Aviatickets