Trains • Saudi Arabia

Haramain High-Speed Railway

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is Saudi Arabia's first high-speed line, opened in 2018. Operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), it links Mecca and Medina via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City at 300 km/h. The Mecca to Medina journey takes around 2 hours.

Saudi Arabia

What is the Haramain High-Speed Railway?

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is the first high-speed rail line in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and West Asia. Officially inaugurated on 25 September 2018 and opened to the public on 11 October 2018, it is operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). The name Haramain refers to the two holy mosques of Islam, in Mecca and Medina, which the line connects directly.

Stretching 449 km, the line serves the kingdom's busiest corridor. It was built to ease the movement of millions of worshippers, especially during the Hajj and Umrah, offering a fast and comfortable alternative to the frequently congested roads between the holy cities.

Route and stations

The Haramain High-Speed Railway has five stations along the corridor linking Mecca and Medina. The line ties the two holy cities together while serving the major port of Jeddah and a fast-growing economic hub.

Mecca (Rusaifa district): southern terminus, close to the Grand Mosque.
King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah: station served by a branch line for direct plane-to-train transfers.
Jeddah (Al-Sulaymaniyah): the main urban station on the Red Sea coast.
King Abdullah Economic City (Rabigh): a new city and industrial zone north of Jeddah.
Medina: northern terminus, close to the Prophet's Mosque.

Speed, fleet, comfort and classes

Trains run at a commercial speed of 300 km/h, covering Mecca to Medina in around 2 hours and Mecca to Jeddah in about 43 minutes. The fleet is made up of 36 Talgo 350 trainsets, built by Spanish manufacturer Talgo and adapted to the desert climate. Each train offers two classes: business class, with wide seats in a 2+1 layout, and economy class, in a 2+2 layout.

On board, passengers enjoy air conditioning, power sockets, luggage space and an onboard service. On pricing, tickets start at around 49 SAR in economy and 99 SAR in business, with prices varying by distance, date and class, up to roughly 250 SAR on the longest routes such as Mecca to Medina.

Booking, airport and pilgrimage

Tickets are sold on the official SAR website (sar.hhr.sa), through the mobile app and at station counters. Booking ahead is strongly advised during the Hajj and Umrah, when demand is very high. The King Abdulaziz International Airport station in Jeddah, accessible from the pilgrim terminal, lets worshippers connect from their flight straight to the train. On Gopaxo, you can place the Haramain High-Speed Railway among high-speed rail operators and plan your trip between the holy cities.

Each traveller may usually carry one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage, with extra allowances depending on the class. For a smooth pilgrimage, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure, since airport-style security checks are in place.

Travel guides

Haramain High-Speed Railway

Mecca
Medina
Jeddah
King Abdullah Economic City
King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah

Most frequent questions about Gopaxo

How long is the Mecca to Medina journey on the Haramain?

The direct trip between Mecca and Medina takes around 2 hours at 300 km/h, against four to five hours by road. Mecca to Jeddah takes only about 43 minutes.

How much does a Haramain High-Speed Railway ticket cost?

Fares start at around 49 SAR in economy class and 99 SAR in business class. The price varies by distance, date and class, and can reach roughly 250 SAR on the longest routes.

Where can I buy a Haramain ticket?

Tickets are sold on the official sar.hhr.sa website, through the SAR app and at station counters and machines. Booking ahead is recommended during the Hajj and Umrah.

Does the train serve Jeddah airport?

Yes. A station sits at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, served by a branch line, so you can travel directly to Mecca or Medina after landing.

What classes does the Haramain High-Speed Railway offer?

Each Talgo 350 trainset offers two classes: business class (2+1 seating) and economy class (2+2 seating), both air-conditioned and fitted with power sockets.

Is the Haramain suitable for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims?

Yes. The line was built to carry millions of worshippers between the holy cities. During peak periods it is best to book early and arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.

Carriers

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