How to travel to Mecca by Haramain High-Speed Railway during Hajj season
Saudi Arabia's high-speed rail: Ticket prices, stations, and how to book
Dubai: With Saudi Arabia temporarily closing entry for Umrah pilgrims to shift focus to the upcoming Hajj season, many prospective pilgrims are looking ahead and planning for future journeys. One of the most efficient and comfortable ways to travel between Mecca and Medina the Haramain High-Speed Railway - a modern and reliable alternative to road travel.
What Is the Haramain High-Speed Railway?
Launched in 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Railway was specifically developed to facilitate the movement of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The train operates at speeds of up to 300 km/h, connecting the cities of Jeddah, Mecca), and Medina, and covering a distance of 450 kilometres.
With up to 50 trips made daily, this high-speed rail service plays a crucial role during the Hajj pilgrimage, swiftly transporting thousands of passengers on their sacred journey.
Train route and key stations
The Haramain High-Speed Railway covers a mainline track of 449.2 kilometres (279.1 miles) and includes a 3.75-kilometre (2.33-mile) branch that links to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The train efficiently connects major cities and pilgrimage points, helping travellers reach their destination on time.
Below are the five key train stations along the route:
Makkah Station: Located in the Ar Rusayfah District, approximately 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah Al Mukarramah.
Al-Sulimaniyah, Jeddah Station: Situated in the An Nassim District, 20 km from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Station: Integrated within the Main Airport Terminal Building.
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Station: Positioned near the Hejaz Gate of KAEC, 18 km from King Abdullah Port.
Madinah Station: Located in the Al Hadra District, about 9 km from the city of Madinah.
Ticket fares for routes
The railway offers two classes of travel: Business Class and Economy Class. Below are the current fares for each route:
Makkah to Jeddah:
Business: 90 SAR (Dh88.10)
Economy: 40 SAR (Dh39.16)
Makkah to KAIA:
Business: 101.4 SAR (Dh98.87)
Economy: 60 SAR (Dh58.73)
Makkah to KAEC:
Business: 195 SAR (Dh190.88)
Economy: 85 SAR (Dh83.21)
Makkah to Madinah:
Business: 455 SAR (Dh445.39)
Economy: 150 SAR (Dh146.83)
Jeddah to KAIA:
Business: 40 SAR (Dh39.16)
Economy: 20 SAR (Dh19.58)
Jeddah to KAEC:
Business: 110 SAR (Dh107.68)
Economy: 50 SAR (Dh48.94)
Jeddah to Madinah:
Business: 375 SAR (Dh367.08)
Economy: 125 SAR (Dh122.36)
KAIA to KAEC:
Business: 105 SAR (Dh102.78)
Economy: 50 SAR (Dh48.94)
KAIA to Madinah:
Business: 365 SAR (Dh357.29)
Economy: 120 SAR (Dh117.47)
KAEC to Madinah:
Business: 270 SAR (Dh264.30)
Economy: 100 SAR (Dh97.89)
Discounts for children and passengers with special needs
Passengers can benefit from the following discounts:
Children in Economy Class: 50 per cent off base fare
Children in Business Class: 40 per cent off base fare
Infants sharing a seat with an adult: 90 per cent discount (limited to one infant per adult)
Additional infants with their own seat: same discounts as children (40 per cent and 50 per cent )
Passengers with special needs: 50 per cent discount with a valid ID proving eligibility
Where to buy Haramain train tickets
Tickets can be purchased at:
Ticket offices at stations
Ticket vending machines
Online via the official Haramain High-Speed Railway website: sar.hhr.sa
Booking tickets online
Visit sar.hhr.sa
On the homepage, select the 'Book a seat' option
Choose whether your trip is one-way or round trip
Select your route and date of travel
Indicate the number of passengers, including children or infants
Click 'Search' to view available trains
Select a departure time and preferred seat
Enter personal details: full name, nationality, date of birth, and gender
Select travel document type (National ID, Passport, Iqama, or GCC ID)
Enter your document number and expiry date
View the ticket price with applicable discounts and proceed to payment
Pay using a valid credit or debit card
When travelling, ensure you carry all necessary documents, including your valid passport, vaccination certificates, Hajj permit, hotel booking confirmation, and any other required paperwork, always confirm the specific requirements with your tour operator.
Luggage allowance and rules
Passengers are allowed:
One large suitcase (up to 25 kg) with maximum dimensions of 65 x 55 x 35 cm
One piece of hand luggage, such as a backpack, laptop bag, purse, nursery bag, or similar
All seats feature overhead storage for hand luggage, and additional shelf stacks are available for large bags.
Onboard facilities and station services
The Haramain Train offers several amenities such as onboard entertainment systems, food service trolleys, accessible features for passengers with disabilities and premium hospitality for business class passengers,
Stations also provide a comprehensive range of services, including medical clinics, mosques, restaurants and cafés, pharmacies and retail shops, business lounges, hotel booking assistance, luggage handling services and shuttle buses and taxis to key locations, including the Grand Mosque.
This article was originally published on April 21 and has been updated since.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
