Haramain High Speed Railway: Intercity Travel Guide

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Oct 22, 2026
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Haramain High Speed Railway: Intercity Travel Guide

The Haramain High Speed Railway has transformed how people move across the western region of Saudi Arabia, turning what were once long road trips into fast, comfortable rides. Whether you are a resident commuting between cities, an expat exploring the Kingdom, or a traveller heading to the holy cities, this guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through routes, fares, booking, and the practical rules you need to know before you board.

Routes and stations

The railway links five key stations along the western corridor, making intercity travel simple and predictable:

  • Makkah
  • Jeddah
  • King Abdulaziz International Airport (مطار الملك عبدالعزيز الدولي)
  • King Abdullah Economic City
  • Madinah

This network means you can travel directly from the airport to the city, between Jeddah and the holy cities, or all the way from Makkah to Madinah without having to drive.

Fares by route and class

Each route offers two classes: economy and business. The one-way adult base fares reported for 2026 are:

  • Makkah–Jeddah: SAR 43 economy / SAR 90 business
  • Makkah–Jeddah Airport: SAR 65 economy / SAR 101.40 business
  • Jeddah–Jeddah Airport: SAR 22 economy / SAR 40 business
  • Makkah–Madinah: SAR 162 economy / SAR 455 business
  • Jeddah–Madinah: SAR 135 economy / SAR 375 business
  • Jeddah Airport–Madinah: SAR 130 economy / SAR 365 business
  • Makkah–King Abdullah Economic City: SAR 92 economy / SAR 195 business
  • King Abdullah Economic City–Madinah: SAR 108 economy / SAR 270 business

Keep in mind that prices are not fixed. They can vary by travel date, seat availability, demand, route, class, and seasonal periods. A 15% VAT and applicable fees may be added on top of the base fare, so the final payable amount is confirmed at checkout.

How to book your ticket

There are several official ways to buy a ticket:

  • The official Haramain portal at sar.hhr.sa
  • The official Haramain application
  • Ticket offices at the stations
  • Telephone booking at 920004433 (note: this adds an extra SAR 15 fee)

When booking online, the process is straightforward:

  • Choose one-way or return travel.
  • Select your departure station, arrival station, date, and number of passengers.
  • Pick economy or business class.
  • Choose your train and seat.
  • Enter each passenger's name and identification details exactly as they appear on the passport, national ID, or Iqama.
  • Pay with an accepted card, including Visa, Mastercard, or Mada.
  • Receive your e-ticket by email or SMS.

Ticket rules you should know

A few conditions matter a great deal on the day of travel:

  • Tickets are personal and non-transferable — you cannot pass yours to someone else.
  • A ticket is valid only for the exact date, time, train, route, class, and seat printed on it. It is not an open-date ticket.
  • You must carry the same identification document you used when booking, and present both the ticket and the ID before boarding.

Because the ticket is tied to a specific departure, it pays to arrive at the station with time to spare and to double-check your details right after booking.

No government e-service steps required

For ordinary passenger booking, you do not need to go through أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, Balady, توكلنا, or Etimad. The booking portal and the official application handle everything — from checking availability to final payment — so there are no extra government procedures to complete just to ride the train.

Practical tips for a smooth journey

  • Book early for weekends, holidays, and peak seasons when demand is high and fares can rise.
  • Spell names exactly as on your ID or passport to avoid problems at boarding.
  • Prefer the portal or app over phone booking to skip the added SAR 15 fee.
  • Always check sar.hhr.sa or the official app for the exact, up-to-date availability and final payable price before you pay.

With fast journeys, comfortable seating, and clear booking channels, the Haramain High Speed Railway is one of the easiest ways to travel across the western region. Plan ahead, keep your ID handy, and enjoy the ride.


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