Haramain High Speed Railway: Intercity Travel Guide

The Haramain High Speed Railway has transformed how residents and visitors move between the western region's key cities. Whether you're commuting for work, planning Umrah, or simply travelling between Jeddah and Madinah, the train offers a fast, comfortable alternative to the highway. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the routes, ticket classes, fares, discounts, and booking process so you can plan your intercity journey with confidence.

Which stations and routes are served

Intercity travel on the network connects four main points:

• Makkah
• Madinah
• Jeddah Sulaymaniyah (the city station)
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), Jeddah

These connections make it easy to travel city-to-city or straight from the airport toward Makkah, which is especially convenient for pilgrims arriving into Jeddah.

Ticket classes

Two travel classes are currently available:

• Economy Class — comfortable, value-focused seating suitable for most travellers.
• Business Class — more spacious seating and added comfort for those who prefer extra room, especially on the longer routes.

Typical fares in 2026

Fares are dynamic and change based on route, class, demand, time of day, and season, so treat the ranges below as a guide rather than fixed prices.

Economy Class (one-way, approximate):

• Makkah ↔ Madinah: about SAR 150–200
• Makkah ↔ Jeddah Sulaymaniyah: from about SAR 49–65
• KAIA ↔ Makkah: from about SAR 55–70
• Jeddah (city or airport) ↔ Madinah: about SAR 100–150

Business Class (one-way, approximate):

• Makkah ↔ Madinah: about SAR 250–300
• Makkah ↔ Jeddah Sulaymaniyah: from about SAR 90–100+
• KAIA ↔ Makkah: from about SAR 95–120+
• Jeddah (city or airport) ↔ Madinah: about SAR 180–280+

On the longer routes, publicly listed minimum economy fares in 2026 tend to sit around SAR 145–172 for Makkah–Madinah and SAR 115–120 for Jeddah–Madinah, while business typically starts roughly SAR 240–300.

When prices rise

Because pricing is demand-based, expect noticeably higher fares during Hajj, Ramadan, and busy weekends. If you're travelling during these peaks, booking early usually gives you access to the lower fare tiers before they sell out.

Discounts for children and infants

• Children (about 2–11 years): usually around 50% off the adult fare.
• Infants under 2 years: travel free when they don't occupy a separate seat; if you reserve a dedicated seat for the infant, a fare applies.

Always confirm the child's age category at the time of booking to make sure the discount is applied correctly.

How to book your ticket

Intercity tickets can be booked online through the official Haramain portal at sar.hhr.sa, which is the main booking channel for both residents and visitors. To get the best value and a smooth trip:

• Book early, particularly for peak seasons and weekends.
• Compare departure times — fares can differ throughout the day.
• Have your ID or passport details ready for each passenger.
• Arrive at the station with enough time for boarding and security checks.

For pilgrims, additional official government e-services may apply to travel arrangements, so check the relevant official Saudi government portal for the latest requirements before you travel. As fares and rules can change, always confirm current prices and conditions directly on the official Haramain portal.

Final tips from Saudi Living

The train is often the fastest and most relaxed way to move between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, avoiding traffic and long drives. Choose Economy for everyday value or Business when you want extra comfort on the longer Makkah–Madinah leg. Plan ahead, travel light where you can, and keep your booking confirmation handy for a hassle-free journey.

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