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04 Sep, 25
by Muslims Holy TravelMakkah and Madinah are the most important cities in Islam. Whenever a Muslim embarks on Umrah or Hajj trip, a visit to both of these cities is a must. Makkah is home to the Kaaba, and Madinah is where the Masjid e Nabwi is located. Most of the pilgrims either land at Jeddah or Madinah, as there is no airport in Makkah. Hence, commuting from Makkah to Madinah or from Madinah to Makkah is a must for every pilgrim.
Before we get into the details of these transport options, it is important to highlight that Muslims Holy Travel, a leading Umrah tour operator in the UK, offers all of these options to its customers. You can inform our booking agents about the option you want at the time of confirming the details of your Umrah package.
The distance between Makkah and Madinah is about 450 kilometres, which is a little less than 300 miles. Depending on the way you travel, it can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to complete the journey. Some people prefer fast and modern trains, while others go by bus, car, or even plane (indirect flights via Jeddah). There are many choices, and each one has its own pros and cons.
This blog will help you understand all the travel options so you can choose the one that fits your needs best. Whether you want to save money, travel in comfort, or get there as fast as possible, we’ll cover everything you need to know. That way, your journey between Makkah and Madinah can be smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Also known as HHR, this train is the backbone of Saudi Arabia's travel infrastructure and serves as a major connection between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Opened to the public on October 11, 2018, the train runs multiple times between the holy cities, and it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance of 450 kilometres. The train reaches a top speed of 300 km/hr, but it is so comfortable that you hardly feel it while sitting inside. This is a highly convenient way to travel, and you will find HHR trains as a part of many Luxury Umrah Packages.
The times and frequency of HHR trains from Makkah to Madinah change depending on the season. For example, you will find more trains during Hajj, Ramadan, school holidays (August), and Christmas.
On an average day, the first train from Makkah to Madinah leaves at 8 in the morning and at 8:30 from Madinah. The last departure is around 11:20 PM from Makkah, and that from Madinah is 11:30 PM. The departures are usually hourly but can change as per the demand.
The prices are reasonable, considering the level of services the trains offer. There are two types of seats in the train. Let’s check out the amenities each of them offers along with their prices.
Economy Seats
Business Class
Other than these amenities, you can get 50% off for children under 7. There is a 90% discount for infants, and people with special needs are offered a 50% discount.
Haramain High-Speed serves thousands of pilgrims each year, and this is why the stations have been built close to city centres to facilitate pilgrims. The location of Makkah HHR station is in Rusaiyfah District, which is around 4 km from the Grand Mosque. Its coordinates are 21.3891° N, 39.8579° E.
In Madinah, you can find the HHR station in Al-Hadra District, along King Abdulaziz Road. Its coordinates are 24.4709° N, 39.6122° E, and it is located around 9 km east of Masjid e Nabwi.
Buses are another popular way to travel from Makkah to Madinah due to their affordable prices and a comfortable travel environment. If you have booked affordable deals like Easter Umrah Packages, this is a great way to travel.
There are many companies offering bus services not only from Makkah to Madinah but also to other cities as well. The most famous among them is Saudi Public Transport Company, popularly known as SAPTCO. In Makkah their buses leave from Jarwal Station, which is near the Al-Deyafah area. The buses arrive at the main bus station in Madinah near Jabal Uhud. Along with SAPTCO, there are many different bus services on this route, such as OsaBus, Abu Sarhad, and Hafil. SAPTCO operates year-round, but the other companies often close their services when the influx of pilgrims reduces.
It takes around 5 to 8 hours to reach Makkah from Madinah or vice versa. The time of the journey depends on various factors such as traffic, stops, and time of the day. During normal days, the crowds are fewer. However, when it comes to peak times such as Ramadan and December, the roads are crowded with buses, and it takes more time to cover the distance. Moreover, the tickets sell out quickly. This is the reason we often include bus tickets in our December Umrah Packages to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for our valued clients.
The ticket price varies based on the bus service you choose. As SAPTCO is the most famous among pilgrims, we will discuss its prices. The ticket charges of other bus services are almost the same, so you can use it as a benchmark.
If you opt for SAPTCO’s standard bus, you will be paying around SAR 85 for a one-way trip. That’s around SAR 140 cheaper than HHR but will take 4 hours more. If you go for the SAPTCO VIP bus, it will cost around SAR 100 (SAR 280 cheaper than a business class ticket in HHR). Some private companies also offer VIP buses, and their prices range between 100 and 150 Riyals.
To book SAPTCO tickets, you can use their app or website or visit the station in the respective city. If you have booked All Inclusive Umrah Packages from Muslims Holy Travel, you don’t have to worry about booking seats, as we take care of all such things.
Compared to the ticket prices, the buses are a convenient and comfortable option, as they ensure impressive savings. The standard buses are simple and basic, with fixed seats and air conditioning. Some may have toilets. But when it comes to VIP buses, the scene is totally different. Most VIP buses come with reclining seats, extra leg room, LCD screens, and clean toilets. Some private companies also offer snacks like water, tea, and refreshments. Some of them have Wi-Fi as well and USB charging ports as well.
Pilgrims travelling with spouses or families often pick taxis and other private transport options. The reason is they offer maximum privacy and flexibility. However, these add-ons come at a higher cost. There are different options in this domain. Let’s check them out.
A regular taxi is a great option if you want to travel from Makkah to Madinah or vice versa without any stops. A regular sedan usually costs SAR 400 to SAR 700 for a one-way trip. However, the prices can change depending on the type of vehicle, season and time of the day. A 7-seater van usually costs upwards of SAR 600.
You can easily find taxis near large hotels or outside Masjid Al Haram. Most taxis in Makkah do not use a meter for long-distance trips, so negotiation is a common practice there. The prices change from driver to driver, so make sure you get a good deal after bargaining. In Madinah, some taxis do use meters, but for longer routes like this, they also prefer a set fare agreed upon before the ride begins.
Many apps like Uber, Careem, and Bolt work flawlessly in Saudi Arabia. They are more reliable than the local taxis, as you don’t have to bargain, and you have the option to pay via card as well. Plus, instead of looking for a ride yourself, it arrives at your location without taking too much time.
The price for a one-way trip from Makkah to Madinah is usually around 400 to 500 SAR, which is quite similar to the local taxis, but you get to know the exact cost before booking the ride. Moreover, if the price is adjusted due to traffic or waiting, the final charges are calculated by the system and not by the driver.
Another benefit of using these apps is that you can track the location of your driver and even share your ride with your friends or family. Moreover, you can also schedule a ride in advance during crowded times such as Ramadan or Hajj.
If you want maximum luxury and have no budget-related worries, a chauffeur-driven car is an excellent option. Many travel agencies, including Muslims Holy Travel, offer such services that take you from your hotel in Makkah and drop you off at a Madinah hotel. It is a great option, as you are provided with a wide range of vehicle options, such as sedans, SUVs, Jeeps or minibuses. You can even choose cars like Mercedes, BMW, or GMC.
While there are many advantages to these services, the only drawback is price. A private car transfer starts around SAR 400 and goes up to SAR 1200 or even higher, depending on the car you pick. Even though it costs more than other options, it is completely worth it because of the convenience involved. We include private transfers in many of our Umrah Package for Family to make it easy for pilgrims travelling with kids or elderly people.
The last option on our list is flights. If you want to fly from Makkah to Madinah, the first thing you need to know is that Makkah does not have its own airport. So, your journey actually begins with a drive to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which is the nearest airport to Makkah. From there, you can catch a flight to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Madinah.
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There are a few airlines that offer flights on this route. The main ones include Saudia, flyadeal, and Flynas. All of these are local airlines and run numerous flights every day, so you have plenty of options to book a deal from.
The flights are direct from Jeddah to Madinah, and there are no stopovers or changes. The only problem is that you have to get to Jeddah airport from Makkah, which takes around 90 minutes. After that, it takes at least 1 to 2 hours for check-in, baggage drops, and going through security. Once you are on the plane, the flight itself takes about 1 hour. So, in total, expect the whole journey to last around 2.5 to 4 hours.
The prices are not too high considering that you are travelling via air. However, a one-way ticket starts at around 560 SAR with Saudia, while Flynas and flyadeal charge between 570 and 800 SAR depending on the season, time of day, and how early you book. During busy times like Hajj, Ramadan, or school holidays, prices can go much higher. If you’re travelling during a less crowded time of year, you might be able to find a better deal.
Makkah is not only Islam’s holiest city but also one of the most frequently visited places in the world. You can understand this from the fact that around 17 million people visited Makkah in 2024. With such a large influx of people, it is quite surprising that there is no airport in the city.
Well, there are certain reasons behind it. The first-timers may not be able to digest this information too easily. If you are going for your first Umrah and wondering why there is no airport in the holy city of Makkah, we are here to explain it in detail.
Everything about Makkah is held sacred by Muslims, including the skies above the city. The Saudi government has enforced a no-fly zone over Makkah to preserve the spirituality and minimise noise disturbances to pilgrims. However, only helicopters, under special circumstances (for security or emergency operations), are allowed into airspace. The airspace is not even open for country heads or VIP personalities.
Makkah is located inside a rugged Hijaz landscape. All the land development has been done after levelling mountains. Airports require a flat land of around 4-5 kilometres, and such a luxury is not available in the city. Moreover, the city is highly populated due to local residents and a large number of pilgrims. All of this leaves little to no room for development for an airport in the city.
It is quite difficult to build an airport near the residential lands due to noise, safety and zoning challenges. It is a standard practice to plan airports away from residential towns, hotels, schools, or markets. This helps avoid fatalities in case of an unfortunate event like a crash or fire. The city of Makkah has expanded hugely in the last couple of decades, and this has left the city with no buffer zones.
The city of Makkah is already connected to the world with the help of numerous airports in nearby cities. The most commonly used airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which is only 75 kilometres away or 90 minutes away from Makkah. Some flights also land at Ta’if Regional Airport, which is also 75 km away. A few of the flights also land at Madinah Airport, some 450 km away.
All of these airports have special Hajj and Umrah terminals, so managing the influx of pilgrims is not that much of an issue, along with the other domestic and international flights. You will be surprised to know that Jeddah airport handled around 42 million passengers in 2023.
These places are well connected to Makkah through a fully developed network of roads and railways. For example, Haramain High-Speed Train has a dedicated terminal inside the Jeddah airport, which takes 30-45 minutes to reach Makkah. The roads from Ta’if Regional Airport and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah are well-maintained and can easily handle all the traffic.
Building a new airport in Makkah would require extensive land acquiring, infrastructure investment, land levelling, and massive relocation. All of this would take the cost too high and make the project highly irrational. Considering this and provided that things are managed smoothly with the current infrastructure, the need for a new airport is not justified.
Now that we know everything about all the options for travelling from Makkah to Madinah or vice versa, let’s find out which is best for the different types of pilgrims.
SAPTCO buses are the best option for budget travellers. If you have booked affordable 3-star Umrah packages, these buses are the most cost-effective choices, as they will not impact your budget.
People travelling via family Umrah packages can book a private car with a driver. It is not as cheap as the SAPTCO bus but offers maximum comfort and privacy. In our Group Umrah Packages, we offer private minivans or buses depending on the number of pilgrims in the bus.
If you have booked a luxury deal or 5-star Umrah packages, travelling in the Haramain High-Speed Train or a chauffeur-driven premium sedan or SUV is the right choice. These options promise maximum ease while travelling. HHR reduces the time while private cars offer maximum luxury. Or, if you don’t want to travel via rail or road, a flight is the right choice.
We hope you will be in a better place to pick the best travel option between Makkah and Madinah after reading this blog. If you want to know more about these options or book Umrah packages, call our booking agents right now, and they’ll answer all your questions.
