Transportation Essentials

From Touchdown to Holy Ground: Your Essential Transport Guide!

No matter where you arrive, there are three main ways to reach your destination: Train, Car, or Bus.

Below, we’ll break down each option in detail to help you choose the best route for your journey.

Using the Highspeed Haramain Railway (bullet train)

If planning to use the high speed train to travel between Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, we recommend using the app as it is more reliable than their website especially when trying to pay.

Dowload the HHR app on

Iphone Android

Pro tips:

  • Please MAKE SURE you screen shot your confirmation number as sometimes they don’t get emailed to you and its hard to pull up your ticket information

Baggage Rules(Randomly Enforced):

Official Baggage Policy Here

They have very specific rules for NUMBER and SIZE of luggage. (1 medium size luggage and 1 bag per person). And although they DON’T always enforce the rules, they have enforced them many times.

If you have more bags and they decide to enforce the rules, there will be desk(like below) where you can cargo ship them via the saudi post(SPL) for a fee that might be shipped on your train or a later train. So you may need to pick it up the same day OR next day at the train station(make sure you have the copy of your ticket with you for when you pick it up). If you don’t want to deal with that hassle, then consider other modes of transportation(taxi, bus, etc)

  • Business vs. Economy Seating: Not a Huge Difference

    • Seating Layout: Business class offers more single-seat options, reducing crowding.

    • Seats: Business seats are slightly more upscale, with comfortable leather upholstery.

    • Meals: In business class, you'll receive a simple boxed meal, which includes water, chocolate, and a small sandwich."

    Overall if you can get a business class ticket during discounted periods(low season) it may be a nice touch when travelling for from mecca-medina since that trip is almost 3 hours

  • There are options to buy "offer" tickets for both business or economy, and these are discounted as they are not refundable or able to be changed like the regular tickets

Taxi/Uber

Reliable Taxi Services: Even if you plan to take the train, you'll still need transportation between the airport or train station and your hotel.

Both companies let you prebook your taxi and view prices in advance. Uber is also a great option!

Pro Tip: If you don't prebook, only use official taxi services from the designated taxi line outside the airport. Avoid anyone approaching you inside or outside the airport offering rides.

Uber: A Surprisingly Reliable and Convenient Option

Uber is not only more affordable than a taxi, but it also offers the convenience of easy, ahead-of-time booking. It’s particularly effective in certain areas:

  • From Medina Airport/Train Station to your hotel in Medina (and back)

  • From Mecca Airport/Train Station to your hotel

However, getting an Uber from your hotel in Mecca to the airport or train station can be tricky. The closer your hotel is to the Kaaba, the harder it will be for Uber to reach you, as you can't pin locations within the Haram area.

Buses

Medina

Did You Know? You Can Travel Between Medina Airport or Train Station to Masjid Al-Nabawi for Just $4 USD!
Perfect for those on a budget, Medina’s bus system offers a convenient and affordable option:

  • Medina Bus Track #300:
    Runs between Medina's HHR Train Station and Masjid Al-Nabawi, dropping you off near the IHG Dar El Hijra Hotel.
    Operating hours: 7 AM - 11 PM.

  • Medina Bus Track #400:
    Travels from Medina Airport to Masjid Al-Nabawi, also dropping off at the IHG Dar El Hijra Hotel.
    Operating 24/7, with buses every 30 minutes.

Payments can be made via card or app. For more details, check out our Transportation Essentials page!