Jeddah to Makkah by Train: The Haramain Guide
Last updated: 2026-10-12
The Haramain train connects Jeddah airport station (Terminal 1) with Makkah in about an hour, station to station. It is a comfortable option for solo travellers with light luggage. Families, the elderly and anyone with heavy bags find a private taxi simpler — no station transfers, direct to the hotel. Check Saudi Arabia Railways for timetables and fares before travel.
Where do I catch the train?
The Haramain station sits at Jeddah Airport's Terminal 1 — follow the railway signs after baggage claim. In Makkah, trains arrive at the Haramain station on the city's edge, not at Masjid al-Haram.
From Makkah station you will need a taxi or bus to your hotel, which adds time, cost and hassle with luggage. Factor this second leg into every comparison with a direct taxi.
How do I buy tickets?
Book through Saudi Arabia Railways — the official website or app — and never through a reseller.
Timetables and fares change by season and demand, so always check the official source before travel. During Hajj and Ramadan, trains sell out fast — book as early as you can.
Train or taxi: an honest comparison
| Haramain train | Private taxi | |
|---|---|---|
| Station-to-station time | About 1 hr | 60–90 min drive, door to door |
| Luggage | You handle your own bags | Driver handles it |
| Price | Check Saudi Arabia Railways | Fixed SAR quote on WhatsApp |
| Best for | Solo travellers, light bags | Families, elderly, night arrivals |
Our honest take: if you land with family, heavy luggage or small children — or after midnight — the taxi wins on simplicity. If you travel light and your hotel is near Makkah station, the train is a fine ride. Either way, entry to Makkah (also called Mecca) is restricted to Muslims.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Jeddah Airport to Makkah?
About an hour, station to station. Add the time to reach the airport station, wait for boarding and take a taxi from Makkah station to your hotel — door to door, it is often close to a direct taxi ride.
Where is the Haramain station at Jeddah Airport?
Inside Terminal 1 — follow the train signs after baggage claim. If you land at the Hajj/Umrah Terminal on a seasonal charter, you will need a transfer to Terminal 1 first, which eats into any time saving.
Can I take luggage on the Haramain train?
Yes, but you handle your own bags through stations and platforms. With multiple heavy suitcases, children or elderly travellers, a private taxi where the driver handles every bag is far easier.
Do trains run during Hajj?
Yes, with extra services in peak seasons — and they sell out quickly. Book the moment tickets release, and have a backup plan: keep our WhatsApp number in case trains are full, because road demand (and street prices) surge at the same time.
Is the train cheaper than a taxi?
Sometimes for one person travelling light — but add the taxi from Makkah station to your hotel and the gap shrinks. For two or more passengers, a fixed-fare private taxi is usually similar or cheaper overall, and far more convenient.
Get your fixed SAR quote
Message us on WhatsApp with your flight details — one fixed price, confirmed before you travel. We operate 24 hours, every day.