The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects مكة, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and المدينة at speeds up to 300 km/h. The full مكة to المدينة journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets can be booked online through the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) website or app, with prices starting from around 150 SAR for economy class.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) is a 450-kilometer rail line connecting the two holiest cities in Islam — مكة and المدينة — via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). Inaugurated in 2018, it is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in المملكة العربية السعوديةn تاريخ and the fastest rail system in the Middle East, with trains operating at speeds up to 300 km/h. The railway was specifically designed to serve the millions of الحج and العمرة الحجاج who travel between the holy cities each year, transforming a journey that previously required 4 to 5 hours by road into a comfortable 2 hour and 15 minute rail experience. The trains are operated by the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and feature modern, air-conditioned carriages with spacious seating, onboard الصلاة areas, and luggage storage. The railway has become one of the most convenient and popular modes of transportation for الحجاج.
The Haramain line has four stations along its route. مكة Station (Rusayfah) is يقع في the Rusayfah district, approximately 5 kilometers from المسجد الحرام. It is accessible by taxi, ride-hailing, or local bus services. Jeddah Station is located at the King Abdulaziz International Airport complex, making it convenient for الحجاج arriving by air who wish to travel directly to مكة or المدينة by train. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Station serves the economic zone north of Jeddah, used primarily by residents and business travelers. المدينة Station is located near Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport, approximately 10 kilometers from المسجد النبوي. All stations are modern, climate-controlled facilities with الصلاة rooms, restrooms, cafes, and taxi pickup zones. Wheelchair accessibility is available at all stations.
Tickets for the Haramain train can be booked through the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) website (sar.com.sa) or the SAR mobile application, available on both Android and iOS. Tickets can also be purchased at station ticket counters and self-service kiosks. Two classes are available: Economy Class and Business Class. Economy Class tickets from مكة to المدينة start at approximately 150 SAR, while Business Class tickets range from 250 to 350 SAR. Business Class offers wider seats, complimentary refreshments, and dedicated lounge access at stations. Trains typically operate from early morning to late evening, with departures roughly every 30 to 60 minutes during peak periods. During الحج and رمضان seasons, additional services are scheduled to handle increased demand. It is strongly مستحب to book tickets in advance during peak seasons, as trains can sell out days ahead. Passengers should arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for security screening and boarding.
The Haramain trains are manufactured by Talgo (Spain) and provide a comfortable travel experience. Each carriage is air-conditioned and features reclining seats with power outlets and USB charging ports. Onboard الصلاة areas are available, and a small cafe car offers refreshments and snacks for purchase. Wi-Fi connectivity is available on most services, though speeds can vary. Luggage allowance permits two large suitcases per passenger plus hand luggage, which is generally sufficient for الحاج travel. Large items such as oversized boxes or excessive luggage may be refused. The trains have designated luggage storage areas at the ends of each carriage, as well as overhead compartments for smaller bags. Passengers with special needs, including wheelchair users and elderly travelers, are well accommodated with priority boarding, accessible seating areas, and station staff trained to assist.
Neither مكة Station nor المدينة Station is within walking distance of the respective holy مسجدs, so onward transportation is necessary. From مكة Station in Rusayfah, taxis and ride-hailing services to the Haram area take approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. SAPTCO buses also connect the station to central مكة. From المدينة Station, the journey to المسجد النبوي takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes by taxi. Some hotels offer shuttle services from the train station, which should be confirmed at the time of booking. During peak الحج season, dedicated bus services connect the train stations to الحاج accommodation areas. Pilgrims should plan for this additional travel time when scheduling their journeys and avoid cutting it too close to الصلاة times or الحج ritual timings.