Haramain High Speed Railway: Intercity Travel Guide

The Haramain High Speed Railway has changed the way people move between the western region's biggest cities. Whether you're a resident planning a weekend trip, a pilgrim heading to the holy cities, or an expat exploring the Kingdom, the train offers a fast, comfortable, and often affordable alternative to driving or flying. In this Saudi Living guide, we walk you through the routes, fares, booking steps, and the rules you need to know before you board.

Which cities the train connects

The line links five key stations across the western region, making it easy to travel between major destinations without dealing with highway traffic or airport transfers. The stations served are:

• Makkah
• Jeddah
• King Abdulaziz International Airport
• KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City)
• Madinah

The direct airport connection is especially useful if you're arriving on an international flight and want to continue straight to Makkah or Madinah without changing to road transport.

Understanding the fares

Fares depend on your route, travel date, demand, class, and seat availability, so prices are not fixed and can shift from one booking to another. As a general reference, published economy fares tend to start at around SAR 40.

Some example published economy fares include:

• Jeddah Airport to Makkah: around SAR 34
• Jeddah to Makkah: about SAR 40
• Jeddah to Madinah: from SAR 150
• Makkah to Madinah: about SAR 150 before any applicable VAT or booking adjustments

Business-class fares vary by route and availability, and there is no single fixed fare that applies to every journey. To see the exact price for your specific date and route, check the fare shown during the booking process before you pay. Booking earlier and being flexible with your travel time can help you find lower economy fares.

How to book your ticket

You can book through the official Haramain portal, the official railway booking channels, or through Nusuk for the government booking service. You do not need to complete any procedure through Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, or Tawakkalna for ordinary passenger booking — a standard online booking is all that's required.

The booking flow is straightforward:

• Choose one-way or return
• Select your departure and arrival stations
• Pick your travel date
• Enter the number of passengers
• Choose your class (economy or business)
• Select your train and seat
• Enter each passenger's ID details — National ID, Iqama, passport, or GCC ID
• Review the fare shown
• Pay electronically
• Save and keep your electronic ticket

Important ticket rules

A few rules are worth knowing so your trip goes smoothly:

• Tickets are personal and non-transferable — you cannot give or sell your ticket to someone else.
• Each ticket is valid only for the named passenger, and only for the stated date, train, route, time, and class.
• You must hold a valid ticket covering your entire journey before you board.
• If you board without a valid ticket for the whole journey, you may be required to buy a new ticket for the entire journey at the highest available fare for the class you're seated in.

Because the ticket details are tied to a specific train and time, double-check your date, station, and departure time carefully before paying.

Tips for a smooth journey

• Arrive at the station with enough time to pass through security and reach your platform.
• Keep your electronic ticket ready on your phone, along with the ID you used to book.
• Book in advance during busy periods such as school holidays and the pilgrimage seasons, when demand is highest.
• Consider the airport station if your trip starts or ends with a flight — it saves a separate transfer.

Getting help

If you need assistance with bookings, changes, or general questions, the official customer-support number is 920004433. For the most accurate and up-to-date fare and schedule information, always rely on the official Haramain booking channels or Nusuk rather than third-party sources.

With comfortable seating, quick journeys, and easy online booking, the Haramain High Speed Railway is one of the simplest ways to travel across the western region — and a great option to keep in mind for your next intercity trip.

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