Opened in October 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah. Running at speeds of up to 300 km/h aboard Spanish-built Talgo trains, the HHR has transformed pilgrim travel β what once took three to four hours by road on congested highways now takes as little as 43 minutes by rail. The railway recorded nearly 7 million passenger journeys in 2023, making it one of the busiest high-speed lines in the Middle East.
The Route and Stations
The HHR spans approximately 450 km, linking five stations in sequence:
| Station | City / Function | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Makkah | Holy city terminal | Rusaiyfah district; bus/taxi to Masjid al-Haram (~15β20 min) |
| King Abdulaziz Intβl Airport (KAIA) | Jeddah Airport | Branch line; ideal for arrivals/departures |
| Jeddah | Central Jeddah | Al Sulaymaniyah district; ~30 min from Al Balad |
| King Abdullah Economic City | Rabigh (KAEC) | Mainly for KAEC residents; limited value for pilgrims |
| Madinah | Holy city terminal | East of Masjid al-Nabawi; short taxi to city centre |
Journey times (approximate):
- Makkah β Jeddah (KAIA): 43 minutes
- Makkah β Jeddah city station: ~35 minutes
- Makkah β Madinah (full route): ~2 hours
- Jeddah (KAIA) β Madinah: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Ticket Classes and Prices
The HHR offers two classes of service. Prices are dynamic β they rise sharply during Hajj, Ramadan, and Eid, and fall for off-peak weekday travel. Book early, especially during pilgrimage season, when trains sell out weeks in advance. All prices below are approximate as of 2026; check sar.com.sa for live fares.
Economy Class
Economy carriages are comfortable, air-conditioned, and clean. Seats are airline-style with adjustable headrests, USB charging points, and a fold-out tray table. Luggage is stored in overhead racks.
| Route | Economy (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Makkah β Jeddah (KAIA) | SAR 65β95 |
| Makkah β Jeddah city | SAR 55β85 |
| Makkah β King Abdullah Economic City | SAR 65β90 |
| Makkah β Madinah | SAR 145β200 |
| Jeddah (KAIA) β Madinah | SAR 100β130 |
Business Class
Business class adds wider leather seats in a 2+1 configuration, dedicated overhead storage, lounge access at major stations, and complimentary refreshments on longer segments. Trains departing during Hajj and Umrah peak periods fill quickly in both classes.
| Route | Business (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Makkah β Jeddah (KAIA) | SAR 110β160 |
| Makkah β Jeddah city | SAR 95β145 |
| Makkah β King Abdullah Economic City | SAR 110β160 |
| Makkah β Madinah | SAR 250β350 |
| Jeddah (KAIA) β Madinah | SAR 180β260 |
Children under five travel free. Students with valid ID may access discounted fares on some services.
How to Book Tickets
Saudi Railways app (SAR app) β this is the simplest option for most travellers. Download it (iOS and Android) and create an account using your passport or Iqama number. Booking opens up to 30 days in advance; train availability appears live. Pay by credit card or Apple/Google Pay.
SAR website β sar.com.sa offers the same inventory and is easier to navigate on desktop. You will need to register an account.
Station kiosks and ticket offices β available at all five stations, but popular departure times regularly sell out days ahead during pilgrimage season. Do not rely on walk-up purchasing during Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah.
Third-party booking β platforms such as Bookaway list HHR tickets at a small premium but offer English-language interfaces for travellers unfamiliar with Arabic. Omio also lets you compare train and bus routes across Saudi Arabia in one search β useful if youβre planning connections beyond the HHR network.
Tickets are issued as QR codes β screenshot or download to your phone before travelling, as Wi-Fi at stations can be unreliable during peak periods.
What to Expect at Stations
All five HHR stations operate airline-style security. Allow at least 30β40 minutes before departure:
- Entrance and bag drop β luggage goes through X-ray scanners. Large bags (over 23 kg) should be declared at the counter.
- Passport and ticket check β staff verify your travel document and ticket QR code. Non-Muslim passengers travelling to or via the Jeddah and KAEC stations do not require special documentation, but non-Muslims cannot board services that terminate exclusively in Makkah or Madinah without appropriate visas and may be redirected at checkpoints.
- Departure hall β each station has air-conditioned waiting areas, prayer rooms (musallas), and food and beverage outlets. Madinah and Makkah stations also have dedicated areas for pilgrim groups.
- Platform boarding β trains are called 10β15 minutes before departure. Find your carriage number and seat from the ticket.
Stations are clean, modern, and well signed in Arabic and English. Madinah Station, in particular, is architecturally striking β its white lattice roof was designed to echo the shading screens of the Prophetβs Mosque courtyard.
Tips for Pilgrims During Hajj Season
Hajj (typically early June in 2027) significantly changes how the HHR operates:
Book the moment tickets open. During Dhul Hijjah, trains are prioritised for registered Hajj groups and fill within hours of availability opening β often 30 days out. If you are travelling independently, set a reminder and book the moment the booking window opens.
Expect surcharges. Demand-based pricing during peak Hajj and Ramadan periods pushes fares noticeably above base rates. Budget for 20β40% above standard prices on the MakkahβMadinah route during these windows.
Separate Hajj metro. Within Makkahβs holy sites β Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat β the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro operates as a separate network exclusively for Hajj pilgrims, running only during the five days of Hajj. It is distinct from the HHR and free for registered Hajj pilgrims to use. See our Hajj guide for full details on navigating the pilgrimage circuit.
Ihram clothing and security. If you arrive at Makkah or Madinah stations already in ihram, note that full security screening still applies. Wear sandals rather than closed shoes for faster processing at checkpoints.
Pre-arrange onward transport. Taxis from Makkah station to Masjid al-Haram take 15β20 minutes in normal traffic but can take over an hour during peak Hajj days. Consider pre-booking a hotel transfer or arranging transportation through your Hajj operator.
Connections to the Holy Sites
From Makkah Station: The station sits in the Rusaiyfah district, about 7β8 km from Masjid al-Haram. Regulated taxis, Uber, and hotel shuttles all operate from the station exit. During off-peak times, budget approximately SAR 25β40 for a taxi to the Grand Mosque area. For pre-booked station transfers, Kiwitaxi covers major Saudi cities including Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah.
From Madinah Station: The station is roughly 2β3 km east of Masjid al-Nabawi. The walk is manageable outside peak hours; taxis cover the distance in under 10 minutes for approximately SAR 15β25. During large Umrah and Hajj seasons, allow additional time. See our Madinah city guide for where to stay and what to do near Masjid al-Nabawi.
For Jeddah travellers connecting through King Abdulaziz International Airport or the city station, the HHR eliminates the need for a road transfer entirely. For full guidance on performing Umrah or planning your route around Makkah and Madinah, see our dedicated guides.
Looking for things to do on arrival? Last-minute tours in Saudi Arabia β including Jeddah Al-Balad walking tours and Riyadh heritage experiences β are updated twice daily with confirmed availability.
Practical Notes
- Photography on trains: Generally permitted in carriages; avoid photographing security areas at stations.
- Food and drink: A light catering trolley service operates on longer routes. Bringing your own snacks is allowed.
- Luggage limit: Two bags per passenger, maximum 23 kg each, plus one cabin bag.
- Prayer times: Trains do not stop for prayer, but there are prayer rooms at every station. Schedule connections around salah times if needed.
- Mobile coverage: The network is solid between Jeddah and Madinah; some rural stretches near King Abdullah Economic City can drop signal briefly.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the infrastructure achievements underpinning Saudi Vision 2030βs push to make the Kingdom a world-class pilgrimage and tourism destination. For pilgrims arriving at Jeddah Airport, it eliminates the stress of road transfers entirely β step off the plane, clear customs, and board a train that reaches the Prophetβs Mosque in 80 minutes.