Ottoman terminus of the Damascus-Madinah Hejaz Railway, opened in 1908 and now a museum site.
The Hejaz Railway was built under the Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid II from 1900 to link Damascus with Madinah, easing the pilgrim journey and strengthening Ottoman control of the Hijaz. The line reached Madinah in 1908 and its station there was the terminus. During the First World War the Arab Revolt and British-backed raids repeatedly cut the track, and the Ottoman garrison in Madinah held out until the Ottoman surrender in January 1919. The station was later abandoned and was restored in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a museum with locomotives, carriages, workshops and galleries on Madinah's history. A station mosque stands beside the site. Recent sources report that the museum is closed for refurbishment as of 2026 with no confirmed reopening date, and the Hop-On Hop-Off stop is not serving it, so visitors should check status on visitmadinahsa.com. The building can still be seen from the street.
| Admission | Free when open |
|---|---|
| Hours | Closed for refurbishment as of 2026 |
| Address | Omar ibn Al-Khattab Road, Al Suqya, Madinah 42315 |
Why it matters
Terminus of the Ottoman Hejaz Railway
Location
Omar ibn Al-Khattab Road, Al Suqya, Madinah 42315
24.4617, 39.6002 View on map
Highlights
- Ottoman terminus opened 1908
- Locomotives, carriages and workshop buildings
- Galleries on Madinah's history
- Station mosque beside the old well
Tips for visiting
- Check opening status before travelling.
- If closed, view the exterior from the road.
- Combine with Dar Al Madinah Museum.
- Dress modestly.
When to visit
Check status first; mornings once reopened.
Frequently asked questions
When did the railway reach Madinah?
In 1908.
Is the museum open?
Recent sources report closure for refurbishment in 2026.
Is entry free?
Older listings give free entry.
Can non-Muslims visit?
Yes, when open; it is a general museum.