A holy city about 2 hours from Jeddah by train; the Prophet's Mosque area is for Muslims only.
Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, about 420 km north of Jeddah by road and about 2 hours away by the Haramain high-speed train from Jeddah Sulaymaniyah or King Abdulaziz Airport station. The Prophet's Mosque and the central Haram area are reserved for Muslims; non-Muslim visitors should confirm current access rules before travelling and respect the signed restrictions. Makkah, by contrast, is closed to non-Muslims entirely.
For Muslim visitors a day trip by train is feasible: book the train at sar.hhr.sa, carry the passport used for the ticket, and plan to be back before the last evening departure. Non-Muslim travellers can still use the trip for areas outside the restricted zone only if the current rules permit; when unsure, skip Madinah.
| Distance | About 420 km north of central Jeddah by road (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2 hours by Haramain train; about 4.5 hours by road |
| Getting there | Haramain high-speed train from Jeddah Sulaymaniyah or King Abdulaziz Airport station, about 2 hours each way, booked at sar.hhr.sa; SAPTCO coach or self-drive about 4.5 hours by road |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Madinah Haramain Railway Station, Madinah, Saudi Arabia |
How to get there
- Mode
- Haramain high-speed train
- Cost
- Economy about SAR 150 (about USD 40) on older listings; confirm on sar.hhr.sa
- Frequency
- Multiple daily departures
- Mode
- SAPTCO coach or self-drive
- Cost
- Fuel and rental, or SAPTCO fare shown at booking
- Frequency
- Daily
Location
Madinah Haramain Railway Station, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
24.4672, 39.6112 View on map
Highlights
- The Prophet's Mosque (Muslims only)
- Fast Haramain train, about 2 hours each way
- Madinah dates and markets outside the Haram area
- Uhud and Quba areas for Muslim visitors
Tips for visiting
- Book the Haramain train in advance at sar.hhr.sa; Friday and Umrah-season trains sell out.
- Carry the passport used to book; it is checked at the station.
- Non-Muslims: confirm access rules for the Madinah Haram area and do not enter signed restricted zones.
- Dress modestly; women should wear an abaya and head covering inside the mosque precinct.
- Allow a taxi transfer from Madinah station to the city centre.
When to visit
November to March for comfortable temperatures; avoid Ramadan and Hajj-season peaks unless planned in advance.
Accessibility
Haramain stations and trains have step-free access and accessible seating; the mosque precinct is wheelchair-accessible for Muslim visitors.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train take from Jeddah?
About 2 hours from Jeddah Sulaymaniyah or King Abdulaziz Airport station, depending on stops.
Can non-Muslims visit Madinah?
The Prophet's Mosque and the central Haram area are for Muslims only; visitors should confirm current access rules. Makkah is closed to non-Muslims.
How are tickets booked?
Online at sar.hhr.sa or in the Haramain app, with the passport number.
What does it cost?
Economy fares from Jeddah to Madinah were about SAR 150 (about USD 40) on older listings; confirm on sar.hhr.sa.