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05 Jun, 25
by Muslims Holy TravelThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid changes in the last couple of decades under its Vision 2030 initiative. The country has completely revamped various key sectors such as tourism, economics, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy. Among all these developments, some projects have played a fundamental role in shaping the new look of the country. One of these programmes is the Haramain High-Speed Train, also known as the Western Railway or HHR, which connects the important cities of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
Hajj and Umrah are the most important and holiest worships in the lives of Muslims. Although both of them don’t require you to visit Medina, no Muslim can return back home without going to the city of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The high-speed train system has made it easier for pilgrims to travel between holy cities, as they can go and come back on the same day. If someone is on a short trip, let’s say for 2-3 days, he or she can easily go from Mecca to visit Medina and come back the same day.
Similarly, someone staying in Medina can come to Masjid e Haram in Mecca, perform Umrah and go back. Moreover, the train offers an excellent alternative to buses and taxi system which might not be the best option for all the pilgrims, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility. With the option of advance booking, pilgrims can relieve themselves of the worries of finding transport at the last minute. Apart from making things easy for pilgrims, the Haramain High-Speed Train has also made it easier for authorities to manage the influx of pilgrims during peak seasons such as Ramadan, Hajj, August, or Easter Umrah. With the launch of the high-speed train, the travel time has been significantly reduced to two hours. This is an excellent option for pilgrims, as it takes 4 hours and 30 minutes by road, and above all, the HHR is highly comfortable, safe, and well-maintained.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know for a smooth and stress-free experience aboard the Haramain High-Speed Train. Let’s explore one of the most comfortable and luxurious train systems in the Middle East.
It won’t be an exaggeration if we say that HHR is a game changer for Saudi Arabia’s transportation system. Its construction started in March 2009, and it took around 11 years to complete the project. The train was made available for the general public on October 11, 2018, after conducting test runs.
The rail lines span around 450 kilometres and cover the major cities of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). However, it is mostly famous for its services to pilgrims. The train runs at a top speed of around 300 km/hr. It is not a small project, as it can facilitate up to 135 million people each year. The train has been planned keeping in view the increase in pilgrims and local population. For example, in the last year, around 19 million went to the Kingdom to perform Umrah and Hajj. This number does not include the local pilgrims. So considering this number and the needs of locals, this project has been designed generously.
The Saudi authorities have designed the train system around a flexible schedule. The train frequency is updated on a daily and weekly basis to ensure that travellers have a steady and smooth experience. This also allows the authorities to ensure that pilgrims have enough trains during the peak hours.
The 2025 plan for trains is carefully designed to provide maximum availability and reduce waiting time for passengers. Let’s explore the key routes and timings of HHR.
The number of pilgrims travelling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina increase during weekends, holidays, and religious seasons. During such times, the frequency of trains is also ramped up to cover the excessive demand. If you are travelling during the off-peak season, the number of trains will be much lower. The train has some special routes for the following specific times as well:
Hajj Season: During Hajj season, millions of people travel from Mecca to Medina and vice versa. An increased number of routes helps accommodate more pilgrims and ease traffic on roads.
Ramadan: More routes are added during the holy month of Ramadan to adjust pilgrims. A comfortable and convenient travel option is often the first preference of pilgrims, especially during fasting times.
December Umrah: Many people, especially from western countries such as the UK and the US, come to perform December Umrah for winter holidays, and having more routes helps facilitate them.
The HHR runs a comprehensive schedule to and from all the stations to accommodate a maximum number of pilgrims. The number of routes is not fixed and may change depending on the influx of pilgrims and specific seasons. As per the latest details available at the official website of Haramian High-Speed Train, an overview of the schedule is given below.
If you evaluate the prices of Haramain High-Speed Train against other options such as buses, cabs and private car hires, you’ll find them expensive. The reason is that short travel time, maximum comfort, safety, and on-time arrivals and departures. Here are the latest fares charged by HHR from various departure points.
If you are travelling to Jeddah, the ticket price is SAR 46 for economy and SAR 82 for business class. The cost to travel to King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) is SAR 70 and SAR 105 for economy and business class. For people going from Mecca to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), they’ll pay around SAR 115 for economy and SAR 265 for a business class seat. The price for Medina, the most important route for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, is SAR 225 for economy and SAR 380 for business class. Many of the 5-star Umrah packages offered by travel agencies in the UK come with a business class ticket from Mecca to Medina in HHR.
There are two HHR stations in Jeddah, and one of them is Al-Sulaimaniyah Station. If you buy an economy ticket for Mecca, it will cost SAR 46 for economy and SAR 82 for business class. The price is SAR 23 and SAR 52 for economy and business class to travel to King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA). The prices are very reasonable for King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and you have to pay SAR 58 and SAR 100 for economy and business class. If you want to travel to Medina, you will be charged SAR 145 for economy and SAR 335 for business class.
The other HHR station is located inside the airport, and it only takes 10 minutes to reach there by car. If you land here and want to go to Medina first, the ticket prices are SAR 138 (economy) and SAR 320 (business). A train to Mecca from this station will cost you SAR 69 for economy and SAR 110 for business class seats. To go to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), you will have to pay SAR 57 and SAR 100 for economy and business classes, respectively. To the other station in Jeddah (Al-Sulaimaniyah), the prices are SAR 23 (economy) and SAR 51.75 (business).
Passengers travelling from KAEC HHR station to Mecca will get an economy ticket for SAR 126 and a business class ticket for SAR 219. The prices for Jeddah are SAR 60 and SAR 100 for economy & business class tickets. To King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, you can get an economy ticket for SAR 60 and a business class seat for SAR 100. The prices are SAR 115 and SAR 265 for economy and business class for Medina.
Pilgrims travelling from Medina to Mecca in HHR will have to pay SAR 225 for an economy ticket and SAR 380 for a business class seat. This is a special route and is mostly used by pilgrims. To Jeddah, the prices are SAR 190 and SAR 340 for economy and business class. For King Abdulaziz International Airport, you’ll have to pay SAR 138 for economy and SAR 325 for a business class flight. If you want to go to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), you will have to pay SAR 115 for economy and SAR 265 for business class.
Disclaimer: Please note the prices mentioned here are correct at the time of writing. They can change anytime, so make sure you check the prices on the official HHR website before making reservations.
There are plenty of discounts available for travellers, but they have some conditions. For example, people travelling with children under 7 are offered a flat 50% off on economy and 40% off on business class tickets. For infants, parents only have to pay 10% of the ticket price, as they have a 90% off. If you are a passenger with special needs and have a valid ID, you will be given 50% off on both economy and business class tickets.
Each passenger is allowed two bags. One is hand carry, and the other is checked luggage with a maximum weight limit of 25 kg. So, if you are travelling on the Haramain High-Speed Train, don’t forget to weigh your luggage to avoid any inconvenience.
The cancellation and change policies vary for both business class and economy class. Both of these are much more relaxed for people travelling in business class. Here is an overview of these policies so you don’t have to face any inconveniences later on.
If you want to change your seat or travel time, you will have to pay a 10% fee if it is made more than 24 hours before departure. If the changes are made between 24 hours and 20 minutes before departure, the fee is 20% of the total ticket cost. You cannot make any changes within 20 minutes of departure. If you cancel the ticket more than 24 hours prior to departure time, you are charged a 20% fee. If the cancellation is made between 24 hours and 20 minutes, a 50% penalty is imposed. No cancellation is allowed within 20 minutes of departure time.
Changes are free for business class if made 24 hours before the departure time. Between 24 hours and 20 minutes, only a 10% fee is imposed, and no changes are allowed within 20 minutes. The cancellations are not charged if made 24 hours prior to departure. You will have to pay a 35% fee if you want to cancel between 24 hours and 20 minutes. No cancellation is allowed within 20 minutes of departure time.
The HHR stations have been established at strategic locations to ensure easy access for pilgrims and general passengers. There are a total of 5 stations in KSA that cater to four cities. In Jeddah, there are two stations. The location of all of them is given below.
The Mecca station has been purposefully built near the Masjid Al Haram to facilitate the pilgrims in the best way possible. It serves as the southern terminus of the HHR line.
The Al-Sulaimaniyah station in Jeddah is located around 7 kilometres northeast of Jeddah's historic centre and serves as a way to connect passengers with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
This is the second terminal in Jeddah. It has been established specifically for pilgrims landing at Jeddah airport and offers trains to both Mecca and Medina at regular intervals. It was opened to the public on December 11, 2019.
The location of this station is a clear example of how the HHR is serving as a way to bring tourism and economics together. People coming to KSA for business purposes can access the economic hub of KAEC through this train.
The holy city of Medina is home to Masjid e Nabwi, and it is the wish of every Muslim to pray at this mosque and offer their respects to the Prophet (PBUH). This station acts as a connecting point between Medina and other cities. The station serves as a northern terminal of the HHR line.
There are two types of tickets in HHR, namely, economy and business class. As their names imply, business class is costly and offers more amenities and perks. On the other hand, economy tickets are cheap but still offer many facilities that are not available in many leading train systems around the world. Let’s explore both of them so you can get the best one for you.
If you want a premium and high-end travel experience during your Umrah journey or while travelling inside the Kingdom, we suggest you book a business class seat. All the details about business class seats are given below.
Pilgrims or general passengers who can’t afford business class seats have the option to book their slot in an economy class. Here is what you need to know about it before booking an economy class ticket in HHR.
In order to facilitate people and make the whole experience convenient, the train authorities have provided a wide range of booking options to passengers. It allows travellers to book a seat easily without any hassles. Below are the 5 options that you can use to book your seat on the Haramain High-Speed Train.
The simplest method to book a ticket in HHR is through their official website. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you confirm your seat.
You can download the HHR train app from Google Play and the Apple App Store. The booking process is quite similar to how it is on the web but much more user-friendly and interactive.
There is a slight possibility that the website and app may not work at times of high demand. In such a case, you can visit the station and book your ticket for HHR at ticket counters or using self-service kiosks. You can pay here with both cash and cards.
In case you are unable to complete your booking online or on the app, you can call the authorities at 8001262000. They not only offer booking assistance but also provide schedule updates and price information.
The HHR authorities have authorised numerous travel agencies, individuals, and booking platforms to offer services to people looking to book their tickets. You can also use these platforms, but make sure you verify their credibility before paying them.
We have already explained the amenities that you will get in economy and business class seats. Other than these, you are provided the following amenities.
Just like all the flights, trains, and bus systems in the world, the Haramain High-Speed train system has some limitations on the items you can carry with you. These restrictions are placed to ensure passenger safety and avoid any mishaps. If you are travelling on the train, make sure you don’t carry any of the items mentioned below with you.
Here are some of the tips from our experts that can help you plan and execute your Haramain High-Speed Train journey without any hassles.
We have explained everything there is to know about the Haramain High-Speed Train in KSA. In our opinion, the train is a costly option, but it is definitely worth every penny. The comfort, peace, safety and speedy travel are not available with any other option. If you are planning to go for Umrah anytime soon, contact Muslims Holy Travel, a leading Umrah tour operator in the UK. We serve the UK Muslims with our exceptional Umrah packages at highly affordable rates. Our services don’t end here; we can book your seat in Haramain High-Speed on your behalf. Simply let our Umrah booking experts know, and they’ll take care of everything.
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