Booking the train
Book on the Haramain railway site or app, up to 30 days ahead. The 07:00 and 09:00 departures sell out first because they fit the standard itinerary. Bring your passport. ID is checked at the gate and the name must match.
| Mode | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haramain high-speed rail | 2h 10m | SAR 150-250 | Book 30 days ahead; stations 12 km out |
| Private car | 4h 30m | SAR 450-700 | Door to door; best with elderly or children |
| VIP coach | 5h 30m | SAR 90-150 | Standard in group packages |
| Standard bus (SAPTCO) | 6h 00m | SAR 60-90 | Cheapest; own luggage handling |
Practical notes
Stations are 12 km out of both cities: budget 25-30 minutes and SAR 40-60 by taxi at each end. Arrive 45 minutes early; security is airport-style. Two large bags per passenger plus hand luggage.
Travelling Makkah to Madinah you are not in ihram. Going the other way, enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah before boarding, the train does not stop there.
Questions
How do you travel from Makkah to Madinah?
The Haramain high-speed rail covers the 450 km in 2 hours 10 minutes for SAR 150 to 250. A private car takes about 4.5 hours at SAR 450 to 700. VIP coaches take 5.5 hours at SAR 90 to 150.
How much is the Haramain train ticket?
SAR 150 to 250 depending on class and booking window, roughly 3,500 to 5,800 rupees. Booking 30 days ahead secures the lower end.
Where is the Haramain station in Makkah?
At Rusayfah, about 12 km from the Haram, roughly 20 minutes by taxi. The Madinah station is similarly about 12 km from Masjid an-Nabawi.