Transport
Essential reading
Train, private car or bus from Makkah to Madinah — which is best?
The Haramain train is fastest on the main stretch (about 2 h 15 min) but needs taxis at both ends. A private car is slower but door to door, which suits families with elderly parents or lots of luggage. Buses are cheapest and slowest.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Is there public transport inside Makkah?
Yes. The Makkah Bus network — 12 routes, about 400 buses and 431 stations as of January 2026 — links many neighbourhoods with the Haram area. Taxis and ride-hailing are also available. Around Jumu'ah, Ramadan and Hajj, roads near the Haram close and journeys take longer.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026How do we get from Jeddah airport to our hotel in Makkah?
Two practical options: a pre-booked private car from King Abdulaziz International Airport straight to your hotel, or the Haramain train from the airport station to Makkah station (about 50 minutes) and then a taxi to the hotel. With elderly parents and heavy luggage, a private car is usually easier.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026How long does the Haramain train take between Makkah and Madinah?
About 2 hours 15 minutes between Makkah and Madinah, according to Saudi Arabia Railways (2026). Makkah to Jeddah's King Abdulaziz airport takes about 50 minutes, and Madinah to the airport about 1 hour 45 minutes. Some services skip stations, so check the timetable.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026
All questions
Train, private car or bus from Makkah to Madinah — which is best?
The Haramain train is fastest on the main stretch (about 2 h 15 min) but needs taxis at both ends. A private car is slower but door to door, which suits families with elderly parents or lots of luggage. Buses are cheapest and slowest.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026Is there public transport inside Makkah?
Yes. The Makkah Bus network — 12 routes, about 400 buses and 431 stations as of January 2026 — links many neighbourhoods with the Haram area. Taxis and ride-hailing are also available. Around Jumu'ah, Ramadan and Hajj, roads near the Haram close and journeys take longer.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026How do we get from Jeddah airport to our hotel in Makkah?
Two practical options: a pre-booked private car from King Abdulaziz International Airport straight to your hotel, or the Haramain train from the airport station to Makkah station (about 50 minutes) and then a taxi to the hotel. With elderly parents and heavy luggage, a private car is usually easier.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026How long does the Haramain train take between Makkah and Madinah?
About 2 hours 15 minutes between Makkah and Madinah, according to Saudi Arabia Railways (2026). Makkah to Jeddah's King Abdulaziz airport takes about 50 minutes, and Madinah to the airport about 1 hour 45 minutes. Some services skip stations, so check the timetable.
Official answer1 answerActive 24 Oct 2026
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