Makkah to Madinah – How to Travel by Train, Bus & Taxi

Travelling Makkah to Madinah is a journey many Umrah pilgrims make, and you really have three main choices: the Haramain train, the SAPTCO bus, or a private taxi. The route is about 420 km by road, so your choice affects your time, comfort, luggage, and budget in a big way.

For most people, we recommend the train. It’s fast, clean, and simple. But that’s not always the best fit for every group. Families with lots of bags, older parents, or groups of four or more may find a taxi works better. And if your budget is very tight, the bus still has a place.

We’ve put this guide together based on what our groups actually use. So you won’t get vague advice here. You’ll get clear prices in SAR and pounds, real journey times, and honest recommendations. If you’d rather have everything arranged for you, our Umrah packages UK 2026 can include inter-city travel too.

Makkah to Madinah – Train vs Bus vs Taxi Comparison

Here’s the short answer.

If you want the best all-round option, take the Haramain train. If you want the cheapest fare, take the bus. If you want hotel-to-hotel ease, take a taxi.

Our recommendation: use the Haramain train for most trips. It usually gives the best mix of speed, comfort, and price. We only push people toward taxis when they have elderly parents, children, lots of luggage, or a group size that makes the cost per person low.

If you’re still planning your wider route, our Jeddah airport to Makkah guide helps you connect the first leg properly.

Haramain Train – The Fastest Way from Makkah to Madinah

This is the option most people want.

The Haramain high speed railway links Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah. It runs at up to 300 km/h. So yes, it’s quick. Very quick.

In our experience, this is the smoothest way to travel between the two holy cities. The stations are modern. The carriages are clean. And the ride is far less tiring than a long road trip.

Now, here’s the thing. Economy class is usually more than enough. It’s a short ride. You get air conditioning, decent seats, power, and WiFi. Business class is nice, of course. But most pilgrims don’t need it.

Our groups usually travel Economy. It keeps costs down. And to be honest, most people are perfectly happy for a 2.5-hour trip.

The Makkah station is in Rusaifa, around 3.5 km from the Haram area. So you’ll likely need a taxi from your hotel. Madinah station is also not inside the mosque area, so plan a short transfer there too. That part catches some first-time pilgrims out.

Here are the key stations and rough times:

If you’re flying in and out of Saudi Arabia, it also helps to read our Flights to Jeddah from UK guide before you book.

How to Book Haramain Train Tickets – Step by Step

Booking is fairly simple.

You can do it before you leave the UK, and that’s what we usually advise in busy periods. Ramadan, school holidays, and peak Umrah weeks can sell out faster than people expect.

1. Go to the official Haramain booking site at sar.hhr.sa or use the app.
2. Create your account.
3. Search your route: Makkah to Madinah.
4. Pick your date and time.
5. Choose Economy or Business.
6. Add passenger details exactly as on the passport.
7. Pay with Visa or Mastercard. UK cards usually work fine.
8. Keep the e-ticket on your phone.

We suggest arriving 30 to 45 minutes early. There is a security check. And yes, queues can build up.

A small tip from our team: don’t leave station transfers to the last minute. Book your hotel taxi first. The train itself is easy. Getting to and from the station is what people forget.

If you’re using Saudi apps during the trip, our eSIM Saudi Arabia guide can save you a lot of hassle.

SAPTCO Bus – Cheapest Way from Makkah to Madinah

This is the budget pick.

The SAPTCO bus costs much less than the train. That’s the big draw. Fares are usually around 60 to 80 SAR, which is about £13 to £17. For some travellers, that matters a lot.

But you pay in time. And energy.

The bus can take around six hours. That means roughly three and a half extra hours compared with the train. So the real question is this: is saving about £20 worth losing half a day? For some people, yes. For most people, no.

We usually only suggest the bus in three cases:

• your budget is very tight
• the train is sold out
• you want an overnight ride and don’t mind basic comfort

We don’t often suggest it for elderly pilgrims, small children, or anyone already tired after Umrah. The truth is, that extra road time can feel long.

If you’re budgeting your whole trip, our How Much Does Umrah Cost from UK? guide breaks down the big costs clearly.

Makkah to Madinah Taxi – Private Car & Uber Guide

This one is about ease.

A private taxi gives you door-to-door travel from your Makkah hotel to your Madinah hotel. No station transfer. No platform stress. No dragging cases around. For some families, that alone makes it worth it.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Taxi prices are per car, not per person.

So if four people share a sedan at £88, that’s about £22 each. That can actually be cheaper than the train. A seven-seater can work out even better per head. We get asked this a lot, and yes, for groups, taxi can be very good value.

We tend to recommend a taxi when:

• you’re travelling with parents or elderly relatives
• you have children and pushchairs
• you’ve got lots of luggage or shopping bags
• you want to leave at your own time
• you want a rest stop on the way

One common mistake we see is people booking the cheapest road ride they can find without checking the car size. Don’t do that. A cheap sedan with four adults and six big suitcases is not a bargain. It’s a headache.

If you want to compare package styles too, have a look at our 5 Star Umrah Packages and 3 Star Umrah Packages pages. The right transport often depends on the trip style you choose.

Makkah to Madinah Distance – How Far & How Long?

Let’s keep this simple.

The Makkah to Madinah distance is about 420 km by road. That’s the answer most people are after. But the time changes a lot depending on how you travel.

So, if speed matters, the train wins. Easily.

If you want the shortest total effort from hotel to hotel, taxi may still feel easier, even though the road trip is longer. That’s why we always say: don’t just compare travel time. Compare the full door-to-door trip.

If weather matters to you, especially in hotter months, our Makkah weather guide is worth checking before you set your travel day.

Jeddah to Makkah & Jeddah to Madinah – Transport Options

This matters a lot.

Many UK pilgrims land in Jeddah first. So they’re not only thinking about Makkah to Madinah. They’re also trying to work out how to get from the airport to the right city with the least stress.

The good news is that the Haramain railway connects directly with King Abdulaziz International Airport. That means you can take the train from the airport complex without needing a long city transfer first.

If you’re landing in Jeddah and heading straight to Makkah, read our Complete Jeddah airport arrival guide. It covers the airport flow in more detail.

And if you’re planning Umrah permits or local travel tools, our Nusuk app guide will help.

Should You Visit Makkah or Madinah First for Umrah?

Both are valid.

But most UK pilgrims go to Makkah first. That’s the usual route when you land in Jeddah, complete your Umrah, and then travel on to Madinah for rest, prayer in Masjid Nabawi, and ziyarat.

We’ve arranged both. And honestly, it often comes down to flights, hotel rates, and who is travelling with you.

If your flight lands in Madinah, starting there makes sense. If you land in Jeddah, Makkah first is usually easier. Simple as that.

If you’re still deciding on a full route, our Planning Umrah? Read This Complete Umrah Guide Before Booking Your Trip pulls the whole trip together.

Simple Travel Tips We Share With Our Pilgrims

These little things help.

• Book train tickets early if you’re travelling in Ramadan or school holidays.
• Keep some cash in SAR for short station taxis and snacks. Our Saudi Arabia currency guide explains the basics.
• Charge your phone fully before leaving the hotel.
• Travel light for the day and keep passports in a small shoulder bag.
• Allow transfer time to and from stations. Don’t only look at the train duration.
• Carry water and light snacks, especially with children.
• Use a taxi for elderly relatives if walking through stations will be hard.

And one more thing. Don’t overpack your travel day.

Some pilgrims try to check out, travel, check in, do ziyarat, and pray every salah in congregation with no rest. It sounds good on paper. In real life, it can wipe people out. Give yourself breathing room.

Frequently Asked Questions – Makkah to Madinah Travel

These are the questions we hear most.

How far is Makkah from Madinah?

The distance is about 420 kilometres by road. That’s the figure most travellers use. Travel time then depends on whether you take the train, bus, or taxi.

How long does the Haramain train take from Makkah to Madinah?

The Haramain train usually takes about 2 hours 20 minutes on a direct run and up to 2 hours 45 minutes when more stops are included. It’s the fastest public option. For most pilgrims, it’s the easiest choice too.

How much is the Haramain train from Makkah to Madinah?

Economy class is usually 162 to 200 SAR, which is about £35 to £43. Business class is around 455 to 520 SAR, or about £98 to £112. Prices can shift by time and demand.

How do I book Haramain train tickets?

You can book on the official site or app using your passport details. UK bank cards are usually accepted. We always suggest checking names and passport numbers twice before payment.

How much is a taxi from Makkah to Madinah?

A standard private car is usually 400 to 460 SAR. A 7-seater van is often 450 to 580 SAR. Because that price is per car, not per person, families can find it very good value.

Is there a bus from Makkah to Madinah?

Yes, SAPTCO runs direct buses on this route. The ride takes about six hours and usually costs 60 to 80 SAR. It’s the cheapest option, but also the slowest.

What is the fastest way from Makkah to Madinah?

The Haramain high speed railway is the fastest option. It cuts the trip to around 2.5 hours. Taxi takes about four hours, and bus takes about six.

Can I take the train from Jeddah Airport to Makkah?

Yes, you can. The airport has a Haramain station. That lets you travel to Makkah or Madinah without leaving the airport area first.

How many stations does the Haramain train have?

There are five stations on the route: Makkah, Jeddah, KAIA Airport, KAEC, and Madinah. That setup makes it very useful for Umrah travellers arriving through Jeddah. It also helps if your trip starts or ends in Madinah.

Should I go to Makkah or Madinah first for Umrah?

Most pilgrims go to Makkah first and complete Umrah straight away. Then they travel on to Madinah. But starting in Madinah is also fine, especially if your flight lands there.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the best way to travel?

For most pilgrims, the Haramain train is the best way to go from Makkah to Madinah. It’s fast, comfortable, and fairly priced. It also takes a lot of stress out of the journey.

But if you’re travelling as a family of four or more, or with elderly relatives, don’t ignore the taxi option. It can be easier. And sometimes cheaper per person. The bus still works for tight budgets, but we’d only choose it when price matters more than time.

If you want the whole trip arranged, including hotels, flights, and inter-city travel, you can browse our Umrah packages (transport included). And if you’re coming from the capital, our Umrah packages from London page is a good place to start.

Helpful next steps for UK pilgrims

If you want to turn this advice into a clear plan, the pages below will help you go one step further. They cover the wider rules, package choices, checklists, and practical travel points that usually come up after you finish a guide like this one.

• Hajj Packages UK 2026 This pillar page gives you the full background, key rules, and step-by-step context around this topic. It is the best place to go if you want the bigger picture before you make any travel decisions. It is especially helpful if you are looking for hajj packages uk.
• Bradford Economy 3 Star 10 Nights Umrah Package from UK This page is useful when you want real options, package details, hotel information, and practical UK departure planning. It helps you compare what is available instead of staying at the research stage.
• Makkah to Madinah – Complete Distance and Haramain High Speed Railway Guide for UK Pilgrims This supporting guide answers a closely related question and adds more detail, examples, or travel tips. It works well as your next read if you want a narrower answer after this main article. It is especially helpful if you are looking for Haramain high speed railway guide with 2026 fares, booking steps, taxi and airport transfer tips for UK pilgrims.
• Best Ramadan Umrah Packages UK 2026: Full Month vs Last 10 Nights This supporting guide answers a closely related question and adds more detail, examples, or travel tips. It works well as your next read if you want a narrower answer after this main article. It is especially helpful if you are looking for Discover the best Ramadan Umrah Packages UK 2026. Compare full month vs last 10 nights, prices, and travel tips for UK pilgrims.
• Bradford Economy 3 Star 14 Nights Umrah Package from UK This page is useful when you want real options, package details, hotel information, and practical UK departure planning. It helps you compare what is available instead of staying at the research stage.
• Bradford Economy 3 Star 21 Nights Umrah Package from UK This page is useful when you want real options, package details, hotel information, and practical UK departure planning. It helps you compare what is available instead of staying at the research stage.

Reading a few of these pages together will give you a fuller view than relying on one article alone. That matters even more when you are comparing routes, costs, rituals, and timing from the UK.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

Small planning details make a big difference. A stronger plan usually means fewer rushed decisions, fewer missed steps, and a calmer journey overall. That is why we always suggest reading the core pillar guide, one practical package page, and a few narrower support articles before you book or travel.

More practical planning advice

Before you travel, it helps to double-check your documents, your hotel details, your airport timings, and your local transport plan. These details may feel small at first, but they often make the biggest difference once your journey begins.

It is also worth reviewing your packing list, medication, prayer essentials, and contact numbers before you leave home. A calm, well-prepared trip is usually the result of many small checks done early, not one last-minute rush.