Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How does the Haramain train work?
The Haramain train is a high-speed line between Makkah and Madinah, with stops in Jeddah, at Jeddah Airport and at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). It is run by Haramain High-Speed Railway. Tickets are sold per person, and fares and timetables change, so check the operator's official website or app for today's details.
The stations are outside the central areas of Makkah and Madinah. That is the key planning point: the train takes you between cities, and a taxi takes you between the station and your hotel.
The five Haramain stations at a glance
Distances are approximate road distances from the station. Fares are for an economy sedan, per car.
| Station | City | Nearest destination | Distance | Taxi from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah Haramain Station (Rusayfah) | Makkah | Hotels near the Haram | 6 km | SAR 60 |
| Jeddah Haramain Station (Al Sulaymaniyah) | Jeddah | Central Jeddah and Al-Balad | 10 km | SAR 60 |
| King Abdulaziz Airport Station (Terminal 1) | Jeddah Airport | Central Jeddah | 20 km | SAR 60 |
| King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Station | KAEC, north of Jeddah | KAEC and Rabigh | 20 km | SAR 60 |
| Madinah Haramain Station | Madinah | Hotels near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi | 10 km | SAR 60 |
Station by station: getting to and from the train
- Makkah (Rusayfah): taxis wait outside arrivals, and your driver meets you at the exit. Central Makkah roads close near prayer times, so allow extra time to reach your hotel. Taif is about 90 km from the station.
- Madinah: your driver tracks the train and waits at the exit. Central-area hotels have controlled vehicle access, and we use the assigned gate. Madinah Airport is about 15 km away.
- Jeddah Al Sulaymaniyah: allow time for city traffic to and from the station, and book your onward taxi before you travel. The Corniche hotels are about 15 km away.
- Jeddah Airport (Terminal 1): convenient if you fly in. Your driver can meet you at the station or at arrivals. Makkah hotels are about 102 km away by road.
- KAEC: taxis are limited, so pre-book your onward ride. KAEC and KAUST drop-offs need gate registration.
Haramain train or taxi between the holy cities?
Taxi fares are per car, so a family van for up to 11 people from Makkah to Madinah costs from SAR 1,440 in total, while train tickets are per person. Our Makkah to Madinah taxi includes a rest stop on the way.
| Trip | Taxi, door to door | Taxi fare from (per car) | By train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to a Makkah hotel | About 1 h 25 min | SAR 180 | Train to Rusayfah, then a taxi of about 6 km |
| Makkah to Madinah, hotel to hotel | About 4 h 30 min | SAR 770 | Taxi to the station, the train, then a taxi at the other end |
| Jeddah to Madinah | About 4 h | SAR 720 | Station to station, plus taxis at each end |
Who should take the train, and who the taxi?
Our Jeddah to Makkah taxi and train comparison goes into more detail on the airport leg.
- Train: you travel alone or as a couple with light bags.
- Train: your timing matches the timetable and you want the shortest time on the move.
- Taxi: you are a family or group of four or more, since the fare is per car.
- Taxi: you carry Umrah luggage or Zamzam, or travel with elderly parents.
- Taxi: you land late at night, or want a Miqat or rest stop on the way.
Ihram, luggage and timing tips
- The train makes no Miqat stop. If you travel from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, plan your Ihram before you travel; our Miqat guide explains the options.
- Tickets carry luggage limits; check them with the operator before you pack Zamzam or extra bags.
- Book your taxi from the arrival station before you board, and send us the train number and arrival time.
- In Makkah, leave extra time around prayer times, when central roads close.
Booking a taxi to meet your train
Send us the station, train number and arrival time on WhatsApp. The driver tracks the train for delays, waits at the station exit and helps with luggage, and the fare is fixed before the ride. Station runs within Makkah, Jeddah or Madinah start from SAR 60 per car, and we can combine train and taxi legs into one itinerary.