Haramain Railway Station Guide: What to Know Before You Go  

Get on board for a ride that you will never forget.

Traveling between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah has never been easier, thanks to the Haramain High-Speed Railway that puts a new twist on transport. Imagine the marble floors shining brighter than your phone screen, and air conditioning that will surely make you forget that you’re in a desert, and a train so swift that it may outrun your jetlag! This modern and comfy train station connects several holy places in Islam, making the journey smoother and scenic than ever before. Whether you're boarding in Makkah, Madinah, or at one of the mid-route cities, including Jeddah and King Abdulaziz Airport, this guide will provide key tips on how to navigate your trip. So, gear up with your ticket, enjoy some snacks, and hop into the Haramain railway station in Makkah, which’ll get you to your destination.    

You can book your train tickets in advance using the official website. The online option is convenient, but in-person tickets can be bought from the station's booking office. Don’t want to wait in a queue at the station office? If you have booked online, it is a good idea to print your ticket, including the QR code that makes boarding easier.   

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to travel or want elevated comfort, the Haramain High-Speed Railway offers flexible seating options to suit every preference.

The economy class features 304 comfortable seats and is divided into just 5 open-plan seating sections, built for all types of travelers. Each economy seat also comes with the largest foldable armrest and headrest. Assigned seats only function to provide orderliness and convenience, but you may need to book them in advance, or they may assign them to you when you check in. Travelers can also utilize the foldable tables in economy, a great help in dining, working, or doing leisure activities. Convenience and luxurious productivity can all be supported with multiple power plugs (240V) and independent reading lights. For convenience, there are racks for newspapers and magazines too, which all contribute to a quality journey.

If you are traveling in Business Class at Haramain railway station, nothing feels too complicated. It features 113 top-quality seats, and two have been specified for those with special requirements. Each seat offers a variety of settings, including fully adjustable features and foldable armrests. Wanna stay productive? Business Class offers a premium adjustable seat and plenty of amenities, designed for relaxation. Other amenities are foldable tables, individual reading lights, power plugs (240V), personal video screens, newspapers, and magazines to complete the stylish business-class atmosphere.  

The train achieves speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) for a high-speed travel experience. You might get a little ear pop from the speed, if you have sensitive ears, so it's advisable to bring earplugs.  

The Haramain Railway Station in Makkah maintains high standards of cleanliness with perfect waiting areas, regular sanitization, and well-kept restrooms throughout the facility.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) travels on an operational, dynamic, and adaptive timetable, which is regularly and frequently changed daily and weekly for the comfort and convenience of travelers. This flexible operating system is ideal during busy pilgrimage/journey seasons when there are large crowds of passenger traffic that require more trains to accommodate travelers. According to updates, train travel has become much more accessible than ever, with reduced waiting hours for transitioning passengers. Below is an outline of the main routes, along with their highlights:    

The most commonly traveled route along the Haramain line, the Mecca to Medina service, has trains operating nearly hourly, from early morning until late evening. Travel times may range between about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many stops there are along the way, as well as how long the stops take.

From Medina, the return trip to Mecca is perfect for pilgrims travelling since this route has the same level of service and frequency. This journey offers multiple daily departures that will make your journey to Mecca as quick and hassle-free as possible.  

As King Abdulaziz International Airport is the point of arrival for most international pilgrims, this route is a vital link. The Haramain high-speed railway depot is in the airport complex and accessible by shuttle, an 8-minute ride before passengers can board a train to Mecca or Medina.

KAEC to Mecca/Medina offers a direct connection to travel to either holy city, Makkah or Madina. Whether you're planning on performing Umrah in Makkah or visiting Medina, this route provides a concise and smooth connection.    

The Haramain train provides multiple carefully curated onboard amenities to enhance and streamline the trip for everyone. Passengers will have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned coaches, and large windows for great views. Plus, during the trip, there are comfortable areas to pray along with clean toilet facilities, including accessible to those in a wheelchair.

Luggage compartments allow for one piece of checked luggage (up to 25 kg) and one piece of carry-on luggage (a backpack, purse, etc.). There are also racks on which you can find magazines or newspapers. People can get food from the cafeteria in one of the fifth coaches, but the hot drinks: tea or coffee, cold drinks: water or juices, and delicious snacks: dried nuts, pastries, hot sandwiches, and appetizers are brought to passengers on a snack trolley.