Last checked: 29 September 2026. Featured image: AI Visualization / Illustration — not a photograph.
Many Umrah travellers spend part of their trip in Makkah and part in Madinah, so one of the first practical questions is how to get between the two cities. There are two main ways to do it: the Haramain High Speed Railway, or by road with a coach, taxi or private transfer. This guide explains how each option works, who each one suits, and what to check before you travel, so you can plan the journey that fits your group.
Makkah to Madinah at a glance
- By train: the Haramain High Speed Railway links Makkah and Madinah directly. It is fast and comfortable, but you still need to get from your hotel to the station at each end.
- By road: a coach, taxi or private transfer can take you from your Makkah hotel to your Madinah hotel door to door. It usually takes longer than the train, but you avoid changing vehicles with your luggage.
- Best choice depends on: the size of your group, how much luggage you carry, the mobility of the people travelling, and where your hotels are located.
Option 1: The Haramain High Speed Railway
The Haramain High Speed Railway is operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). According to Saudipedia, the line runs for about 450 km on electrified track, trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, and the network has five stations: terminal stations in Makkah, Madinah and at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, plus stations in Jeddah city and King Abdullah Economic City.
How long does the train take?
Saudipedia gives a Makkah–Madinah journey time of about two hours and forty-five minutes. The actual time depends on the service you book and how many stops it makes, so always check the departure and arrival times on the official timetable for your date of travel rather than relying on a general figure.
Busy seasons
The Saudi Press Agency has reported that SAR runs expanded operating plans with more trips during peak periods such as Ramadan and the Hajj season. Even so, these are the times when trains are busiest. If your travel dates fall in a peak period, book your seats as early as you can and keep some flexibility in your plans.
Getting to and from the stations
The train runs station to station, not hotel to hotel. In both cities you will need transport between your hotel and the railway station, which means handling your luggage twice more. This is easy for a couple with cabin bags. It is harder for a larger family, for travellers with several suitcases, or for anyone who finds it difficult to walk or queue. Before you book, find out how far your hotel is from the station and how you will get there.
Tickets, timetable and luggage rules
Tickets, the timetable, travel classes and the luggage allowance are published on the official Haramain High Speed Railway portal. Rules can change, so read them there before you travel, especially the luggage allowance if you are carrying Zamzam water or large suitcases. We do not quote fares or allowances here because they can change.
Option 2: By road (coach, taxi or private transfer)
Travelling by road is the traditional way between the two cities and is still the choice of many groups and families. Road options include group coaches arranged by an Umrah operator, taxis and ride-hailing, and pre-booked private transfers in a car, van or larger vehicle.
Why many families choose a private transfer
- Door to door: you are collected at your Makkah hotel and dropped at your Madinah hotel, with no station transfers.
- Luggage handled once: suitcases go into the vehicle at the start and come out at your destination.
- Your own timing: you choose when to leave, for example after checkout or at a time that suits elderly family members.
- Rest stops: you can ask the driver to stop for prayer, food or a break along the way.
- Group size: a single vehicle can carry a whole family together.
The main trade-off is time: the road journey usually takes longer than the train. Some travellers do not mind this because it avoids the extra transfers to and from the stations.
ZiyaraWay arranges Makkah to Madinah private transfers, and you can see all of our transport services in one place. Standard fares for this route are listed on our transport rates page.
Train or road: which should you choose?
The train may suit you if…
- you are travelling light, as a couple or on your own;
- your hotels are close to the stations, or transfers to and from the stations are already arranged;
- you want the shortest time in transit;
- you have booked seats in advance on the service you need.
A private transfer may suit you if…
- you are travelling with elderly parents, young children or a wheelchair user;
- you have several large suitcases;
- you are a family or group who want to travel together in one vehicle;
- you want to leave directly from your hotel at a time you choose.
Practical tips before you travel
- Confirm your hotel details in both cities. Know the exact hotel names, addresses and check-in and checkout times. See our hotels page if you still need accommodation.
- Plan around checkout. Leaving Makkah soon after checkout usually means you reach Madinah later the same day, so allow for this when planning your first evening.
- Keep essentials in a small bag. Documents, medicines, phone chargers and a change of clothes should stay with you rather than in the main luggage.
- Check the official rules on the day. For the train, check the timetable and luggage rules on the official portal. For road transfers, confirm the pickup time and vehicle size with your provider the day before.
- If you are going to Makkah for Umrah, speak to your group leader or a qualified scholar about your ihram arrangements before you leave Madinah. You can read about the Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) site on our Ziyarat pages.
Planning your time in each city
Your transfer is only one part of the trip. Our city guides for Makkah and Madinah can help you plan the rest of your time. In Madinah, many visitors begin with Masjid an-Nabawi, and our Ziyarat pages give more detail on the places you may want to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Makkah to Madinah?
Yes. The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Makkah and Madinah, with intermediate stations in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. Check the official timetable to see which services stop where.
Does the train stop at the Haram?
No. The train runs between railway stations, so you need separate transport between the station and your hotel in both Makkah and Madinah.
Can I travel from Jeddah Airport straight to Madinah?
The railway has a station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and road transfers can also be arranged from the airport. See our airport transfer service for road options.
Book your Makkah to Madinah transfer
If you would like a door-to-door transfer between Makkah and Madinah, send us your travel dates, hotel names, number of travellers and luggage details. You can send a booking request or message our team on WhatsApp.
Sources
- Saudipedia — Haramain High Speed Railway (accessed 29 September 2026)
- Saudi Press Agency — Haramain High-Speed Railway Increases Trips Between Madinah, Makkah to Meet Surge in Visitors, 13 March 2026 (accessed 29 September 2026)
- Saudi Press Agency — Haramain High-Speed Railway in Madinah: Integrated Logistics, Advanced Technologies Serving Pilgrims, 8 May 2026 (accessed 29 September 2026)
- Haramain High Speed Railway — official timetable and ticket portal