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. Connecting Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) at high speed, it offers a comfortable, air-conditioned alternative to long road journeys. This guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the routes, fares, seat classes, and booking tips so you can plan your intercity trip with confidence.

Routes and Stations

The railway currently serves five main stations along its intercity network:

• Makkah — the southern hub of the line.
• Jeddah city station at Al-Sulaymaniyah, in the heart of the city.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah — ideal for connecting flights and arriving pilgrims.
• King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), midway along the coast.
• Madinah — the northern terminus.

This layout makes it especially convenient for Umrah and Hajj travellers moving between the two holy cities, as well as commuters and airport passengers in Jeddah.

Economy Class Fares (2026)

Economy class is the standard, budget-friendly option available on every route. Approximate one-way fares include:

• Makkah ↔ Madinah: roughly SAR 150–225; a commonly published standard fare is SAR 150 plus 15% VAT, totalling about SAR 172.50.
• Jeddah city ↔ Makkah: from around SAR 46–75.
• Jeddah Airport (KAIA) ↔ Makkah: about SAR 34.50–70.
• Jeddah ↔ Madinah: approximately SAR 100–200.
• KAIA ↔ Madinah: around SAR 100–130.

Business Class Fares (2026)

Business class offers wider seats, more legroom, and a more premium experience. Approximate one-way fares include:

• Makkah ↔ Madinah: roughly SAR 240–425; a frequently cited published fare is around SAR 362.25 including VAT.
• Jeddah city ↔ Makkah: about SAR 90–150.
• Jeddah Airport (KAIA) ↔ Makkah: around SAR 95–120, with some listings showing SAR 97.75 as a standard fare.
• Jeddah ↔ Madinah: approximately SAR 210–300.
• KAIA ↔ Madinah: around SAR 180–220.

How Prices Change

Fares are not fixed. They vary demand, the travel date, and how early you book. To get the best value, keep these points in mind:

• Lower prices are typically available when you book 7 to 14 days in advance.
• Fares climb sharply during peak periods — especially around Hajj and the last ten days of Ramadan.
• Travelling outside these peak windows and off-peak times of day usually gives you the cheapest tickets.

Because fares fluctuate, always confirm the exact current price on the official booking channel before you travel.

Classes and Discounts

Every intercity route offers two main travel classes — Economy and Business. Family-friendly discounts apply as follows:

• Children (roughly 2–11 years): discounted fares — around 50% off in economy and about 40% off in business, depending on the route.
• Infants under 2 years: generally travel at a very high discount or free when not occupying their own seat (around 90% off).

When booking, be sure to enter each passenger's correct age so the system applies the right discount automatically.

Smart Booking Tips

• Plan ahead: booking one to two weeks early usually secures the lowest fares.
• Avoid Hajj season and the final ten days of Ramadan if you want cheaper tickets and less crowded trains.
• Arrive early at the station to allow time for security and boarding.
• Compare economy and business fares — on shorter routes the difference is small, so business may be worth it.
• Always verify timings, prices, and seat availability on the official rail booking portal before finalising your trip.

With fast connections between Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, KAIA, and KAEC, the Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the most efficient ways to travel across the western region — comfortable, reliable, and easy to book once you know how the fares work.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving