Traveling between Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina) is one of the most common trips for Umrah visitors and first-time travelers in Saudi Arabia. The key is to pick a method that is fast, clear, and easy to manage—especially if you are tired after flights, hotel check-ins, and crowded days.
If you want a trip with a fixed departure time, assigned seating, and less road uncertainty, the Haramain train is a smart option. This guide walks you through booking, class choice, luggage, and travel-day habits that make the journey feel simple.
Why taking the train from Makkah to Madinah makes sense
The Makkah–Madinah rail route is built for speed and consistency. A typical trip takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, which can be far quicker than driving when traffic builds up around peak times.
The other big advantage is predictability. You know when you will depart, when you will arrive, and where you will sit. Stations are set up for organized entry and boarding, and onboard services like Wi‑Fi and a café car (on many journeys) can make the ride more comfortable than a long road transfer.
Step-by-step: How to book tickets online
Booking is usually quick, but small details matter—especially during busy seasons like Ramadan, school holidays, and peak Umrah periods. When you book earlier, you usually get better time choices and more seats together for families.
Follow this simple flow:
- Select the route “Makkah to Madinah” and choose your date.
- Pick a departure time that fits your plan. If you are leaving after hotel checkout or after a prayer at the mosque, add extra buffer time.
- Enter passenger details as required (often passport or national ID information).
- Choose your class (Economy or Business/First, depending on availability).
- Review the fare rules before paying. Some tickets are easier to change than others.
- Pay online and save your e-ticket. Keep a screenshot so you can open it even without data.
- On travel day, re-check the time and arrive early at the station.
Booking tips that prevent problems
Avoid cutting it too close with a tight connection. If you are coming from a flight, plan for delays, luggage collection, and traffic. If you are traveling as a group, booking early also improves your chance of sitting near each other.
Choosing the right class: Economy vs Business/First
Both classes get you to Madinah quickly, but the experience can feel different.
Economy is the best fit for most travelers. It is practical, comfortable, and ideal if you mainly want a clean seat and a fast ride. Economy also tends to be the simplest choice when you are price-sensitive or traveling during high-demand periods.
Business/First is worth considering if you want extra space and a calmer cabin. Seating is often arranged with more room, and some cars include added conveniences such as power access and personal screens. If you are traveling after a long flight, or you want a quieter atmosphere, upgrading can make the whole day easier.
A simple way to decide: if your total travel day is short (hotel-to-hotel with no major stress), Economy is usually enough. If your day is long or you need extra comfort to recover, Business/First can be a good upgrade.
What to pack: luggage rules and smart packing
Before you leave your hotel, confirm your luggage fits the train’s allowance. A common policy is one larger suitcase (up to 25 kg) plus one smaller personal item like a backpack or handbag. If you arrive with extra pieces, you may have to repack or rearrange items at the station—so it’s better to sort this out in your room.
To keep your trip smooth, pack with the train journey in mind:
- Keep essentials in your personal bag: passport/ID, phone, charger, wallet, medicines, and tissues.
- Use luggage you can lift yourself. You may need to place it in a storage area.
- Bring a small snack and water, especially if you’re traveling with children.
- Keep anything you may need during the ride (like a light jacket) easy to reach.
Travel day: arrive early, board calmly, and ride comfortably
A smooth journey starts before you reach the platform. Plan to arrive early so you can find the right entrance, pass any checks, and reach the gate without rushing. Many travelers aim for 45–60 minutes before departure, and earlier during peak crowds.
When you arrive, keep your QR code and your ID ready. If you are traveling with family, it helps if one adult holds all tickets so you do not waste time searching phones at the gate.
Once onboard, settle in quickly and keep your personal bag near you. Stations and train cars can be cool because of air conditioning, so light layers help. If you prefer a calmer ride, a window seat can feel quieter; if you want easy movement, choose an aisle seat.
Getting to and from the stations in Makkah and Madinah
Most visitors reach the stations by taxi or ride-hailing apps. Traffic can change quickly near prayer times and busy hotel zones, so build in extra time. If you have luggage, confirm the exact pickup and drop-off point with your driver because large stations can have more than one entrance.
On arrival in Madinah, your last leg depends on where you are staying. If your hotel is near Al Masjid an-Nabawi, roads can be busier at certain times, so avoid scheduling anything too tight right after you arrive.
Conclusion
Taking the train from Makkah to Madinah is one of the easiest ways to travel between the two cities. Book early, choose the class that matches your comfort needs, respect luggage limits, and arrive at the station with time to spare. With a saved e-ticket and a simple packing plan, your trip can be calm, quick, and well-organized.
Makkah to Madinah by Haramain Train: How to Book Tickets, Choose Class, and Travel Smoothly