The Medina to Mecca train covers roughly 450 km in about 2 hours 20 minutes, at speeds up to 300 km/h. It runs on the Haramain High Speed Railway, the fastest and most reliable journey between the two holy cities of Saudi Arabia. With up to 20 daily departures, from 06:30 to 21:30, it suits pilgrims traveling for Umrah and Hajj as well as anyone moving between Makkah and Madinah.
Use the search above to compare departure times, travel classes and ticket prices for your day of travel. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during Ramadan, Hajj and other peak travel seasons, when trains sell out fast.
Why take the train?
Faster than the 4–5 hour drive on the Haramain road, with no traffic.
First train from Medina at 06:30, last at 21:30.
Air-conditioned coaches, clean restrooms, snacks and beverages on board.
The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Mecca and Medina through Jeddah on a single 450 km line. It opened to passengers in 2018 and was built to carry 60 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest high-speed rail routes in the Middle East. The name Haramain means “the two holy mosques,” a nod to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
The line has five stations: Makkah, Jeddah Al Sulaymaniyah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah. Not every service stops at all five, so the journey time on the same route can vary by train. Express services skip the intermediate stops, while others call at Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City along the way.
| Detail | Haramain high speed train |
|---|---|
| Route | Madinah – KAEC – King Abdulaziz International Airport – Jeddah – Makkah |
| Distance Medina to Mecca | About 450 km |
| Top speed | 300 km/h |
| Journey time | About 2 h 20 min (some direct trains about 2 h) |
| Daily departures from Medina | Up to 20 |
| First / last departure from Medina | 06:30 / 21:30 |
| Seats per train | 417 across 13 coaches (113 Business, 304 Economy) |
| Travel classes | Economy and Business |
| Opened | 2018 |
Before the railway, the Haramain road was the main way between the holy cities, a drive of 4 to 5 hours by car or longer by bus. The train turns that into a smooth, comfortable ride with fixed departure times and no traffic.
The route
Where you board
All five stations are large, modern buildings with ticket desks, waiting halls, prayer areas, cafes and assistance for passengers with special needs. The two end stations sit outside the city centers, so plan a short transfer at each end of your train journey.
● StartFrom SAR 150 per person
Madinah station is in the Al Hadra district, about 9 km from the Prophet’s Mosque. Most travelers reach it by taxi or hotel shuttle. It is the starting point for every Medina to Mecca train.
2 h 20 min20 trains a day
● Stop 2Coastal stop north of Jeddah
King Abdullah Economic City station serves the new coastal city north of Jeddah. Some trains stop here for a few minutes before continuing south.
Red Sea coastKAEC
● Stop 3Linked to Terminal 1, no road transfer
The King Abdulaziz International Airport station is linked to Terminal 1 at Jeddah airport. Pilgrims flying into Jeddah can step off the plane and take the train straight to Makkah or Madinah without a road transfer.
Fly inRail onJeddah
● Stop 4Best stop for central Jeddah
Jeddah Al Sulaymaniyah station serves central Jeddah. It is the best stop for travelers staying in the city or the old town before heading on to Mecca.
City centerAl Sulaymaniyah
● EndShort taxi to the Grand Mosque
Makkah station is in the Al Rusaifah district. The train station in Mecca is not directly next to the Grand Mosque, so allow time for a taxi, bus or hotel shuttle to the Haram area after you arrive.
Plan the last mileAl Rusaifah
Timetable basics
The train journey from Medina to Mecca takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, and some direct services do it in about 2 hours. Travel times may vary based on specific train services and how many stops each one makes. Trains typically run multiple times daily throughout the day, with up to 20 daily departures from Madinah.
Timetables change for Ramadan, Hajj and Eid, when extra trains are added. Check the live departure and arrival times in the search above before you travel.
| Medina to Mecca train | Details |
|---|---|
| Earliest departure from Medina | 06:30 |
| Latest departure from Medina | 21:30 |
| Daily departures | Up to 20 |
| Average journey time | About 2 h 20 min |
| Distance | About 450 km |
The train is the fastest door-to-door option for most travelers. Driving the Haramain road covers a similar distance but takes 4 to 5 hours, and buses take longer. There are no direct flights from Madinah to Makkah, as Makkah has no airport; flying means landing at Jeddah airport and then traveling on by road or rail.
On board
Every Haramain high speed train has 13 air-conditioned coaches: four Business Class cars, eight Economy cars and one cafeteria coach. The trains were designed for a smooth, quiet ride at 300 km/h, even across the desert heat.
Business Cafeteria Economy
Staff on the platform help travelers find their coach and carry luggage. Families booked on one reservation are seated together in the same coach.
Onboard services and amenities include:
Travel classes
Haramain trains offer two travel classes, Economy and Business. There is no first class. Both are comfortable for a ride of about two hours; Business Class adds more space, meals and a lighter boarding experience.
Economy Class has 304 seats per train in a 2+2 layout. Seats recline and some face each other around shared tables, which works well for families and groups. Economy passengers can buy snacks and beverages from the cafeteria coach and trolley. It is the best value for most pilgrims and the class that sells out first in peak travel seasons.
Business Class has 113 seats per train in a 2+1 layout, with single seats along one side. Business Class features spacious seats with extra legroom, priority boarding and complimentary snacks and drinks served at your seat. Business travelers also get a larger baggage allowance and, at some stations, lounge access. Two Business seats on every train are reserved for passengers with special needs.
Side by side
Fares change with date and demand
| Feature | Economy Class | Business Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats per train | 304 | 113 |
| Seat layout | 2+2, some facing seats with tables | 2+1, wider leather seats |
| Legroom | Standard | Extra legroom |
| Boarding | Standard | Priority boarding |
| Food and drinks | Buy from cafeteria coach and trolley | Complimentary snacks and drinks at seat |
| Wi-Fi and power outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Station lounge | No | Yes, at selected stations |
| Baggage | 1 large bag up to 25 kg + 1 small carry-on | 2 large bags up to 25 kg each + 1 small carry-on |
| Child discount (ages 2–12) | 50% off base fare | 40% off base fare |
| Typical Medina to Mecca fare | From about SAR 150 | Roughly SAR 315 and up |
| Best for | Budget travelers, families, groups | Extra comfort, more luggage, quieter coach |
Fares change with date, demand and season, so the live price in the search above is the one to trust.
Tickets
Tickets for the Medina to Mecca train go on sale weeks ahead, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. During Ramadan, Hajj and school holidays, popular departure times can sell out days before. Use the search above to see live seats and prices, choose your class and get your e-ticket.
Passengers are typically allowed one large bag up to 25 kg and one small carry-on in Economy. Business Class allows two large bags. All luggage is security-screened before boarding. Sealed bottles of Zamzam water are generally fine within your allowance; large containers are better shipped separately.
Things to know before you book:
For pilgrims
The Haramain High Speed Railway is a preferred transport option for Umrah and Hajj travelers, because it is fast, reliable and avoids long road transfers between Makkah and Madinah. Mecca trains fill up quickly around these seasons, so book as soon as your dates are set. A few habits make the day smoother:
It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Allow extra time at Madinah station in peak season, when security lines are long.
The train station in Mecca is not directly next to the Grand Mosque. Arrange a taxi, bus or hotel pickup for the ride into the city.
If you are traveling from Madinah for Umrah, change before you board. The miqat is passed on the way, and there is little space to change on the train.
Keep to the baggage allowance and carry water, especially in summer.
Have your ID and ticket QR code ready for the gates and onboard checks.
Trains fill up fast in Umrah and Hajj seasons.
Book trainsGood to know
About 2 hours 20 minutes on most services, and about 2 hours on some direct trains.
The distance between Medina and Mecca is approximately 450 km.
It runs at speeds up to 300 km/h.
Up to 20 daily departures, with the earliest at 06:30 and the latest at 21:30.
Economy fares start from about SAR 150, and Business Class costs roughly SAR 315 and up. Prices change with date and demand.
Economy and Business Class. Business Class features spacious seats, priority boarding and complimentary snacks.
Yes. Haramain trains provide free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Yes. An onboard cafeteria serves snacks and beverages, and Business passengers get complimentary refreshments.
One large bag up to 25 kg and one small carry-on in Economy; two large bags in Business.
Yes. King Abdulaziz International Airport has its own station on the line.
No. It is a short taxi or bus ride from the Haram area.
At least 30 to 45 minutes before departure, and earlier in peak season.
Trains sell out fast during Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah peaks. Compare departure times and fares and book in advance.
Search trains