How to Travel from Makkah to Madinah by Train, Bus and Taxi

Every pilgrim who visits Saudi Arabia for Umrah faces this question sooner or later. How do you make the journey from Makkah to Madinah? Thousands of travellers cover this distance every week. Three main options exist. The Haramain trains, the SAPTCO bus, and a private taxi.

This guide helps UK pilgrims understand each option. Prices, timings, and practical tips are laid out in simple language, so you can make the right choice before your trip begins.

Distance Between Makkah and Madinah

The road distance between Makkah and Madinah is around 420 kilometres. The dedicated rail line runs closer to 450 kilometres, since the train route includes stops at Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City along the way.

By train, this distance takes under 3 hours. By road, the journey takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions.

Traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops affect travel time. The train, therefore, is the quickest option. Road travel suits those who value comfort and flexibility over speed, and it avoids the extra taxi transfers the train requires at each end.

Travel Options at a Glance

Here is a quick comparison so you can see the differences at a glance.

Each option suits a different type of traveller. Your choice usually comes down to budget, group size, and comfort needs. Prices shift with the season, so treat these as a working guide rather than a fixed quote. Ramadan and Hajj periods push fares higher across all three options.

Haramain High Speed Railway

The Haramain trains are the fastest way to travel between the two cities. It connects Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah. Trains on this route reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour, making it one of the fastest rail services in the Middle East.

Between 15 and 22 trains run each day, from early morning until late night. This means you can organise your journey around prayer times and hotel check-in times, rather than being tied to one or two scheduled departures.

Mekkah to Madinah train ticket prices​ vary by season, demand and booking window. Prices may decrease even more during off-peak seasons and increase closer to Ramadan and Hajj. 

For most pilgrims, economy class covers everything you need. Air conditioning, comfortable seating, and power sockets are included. Business class adds wider seats, more legroom, priority boarding, and lounge access at major stations, along with complimentary snacks on some services.

How To Book Tickets

Book tickets online through the Haramain official website or app before you leave the UK. You need your passport details at the time of booking. Payment is accepted through Visa and Mastercard, and you receive an e-ticket with a QR code, so you do not need a printed copy.

Book your tickets in advance, especially during Ramadan and school holiday periods. Seats sell out quickly during these times, and last-minute fares run higher.

A few things to keep in mind. The Makkah train station sits a short distance from the Haram area, around a 15 minute drive. You usually need a taxi to reach it. The same applies in Madinah, where the station sits about 10 minutes from Masjid Nabawi and is not within walking distance. Build this transfer time, and the cost of two extra taxi rides, into your travel plans. Luggage rules are strict too. Each passenger gets one large bag up to 25kg and one smaller carry-on, so oversized suitcases can cause problems at check-in.

SAPTCO Bus Service

If you are travelling on a limited budget, the SAPTCO bus remains a popular choice. Tickets cost between 60 and 80 Saudi Riyals, around £13 to £17, making it the cheapest option available by a wide margin.

The journey takes about six hours, considerably longer than the train. Buses are air-conditioned, and seating is basic but functional, with reclining seats and power sockets on most services. There are more than 17 departures daily. Tickets can be purchased online on the SAPTCO website or at the station counter itself.

Choose this option when your budget is tight, when train tickets sell out, or when you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace of travel. This option does not suit elderly travellers or families with young children well. The longer duration, combined with basic seating, can wear people out over a full day of travel.

One practical note. SAPTCO buses drop you at a central bus station, not at your hotel. You still need a taxi for the final stretch in both cities, so factor that cost and time into your plan the same way you would for the train.

Private Taxi Travel

A private taxi offers door to door service. Your journey starts at your Makkah hotel and ends directly at your Madinah hotel. This option is ideal for families, elderly pilgrims and anyone travelling with big luggage as you don’t need to change stations.

Taxi pricing depends on vehicle size. Rates vary by operator and by whether you book through a licensed transfer company or arrange one locally.

Taxi fares are charged per vehicle rather than per person. This option often becomes more economical when you travel in a group. A family of four sharing a sedan, for example, may find the cost per person similar to or even lower than train fares once you add up the train ticket plus two taxi transfers at each end. For solo travellers, the train usually still works out cheaper.

Which Option Should You Choose?

There is no single correct answer. The best choice depends on your circumstances.

• The train will suit solo tourists, couples and small groups that want speed and comfort and don’t mind the extra cab legs at each station.
• The bus suits budget travellers who are not in a hurry and who can manage a longer, more basic journey.
• The taxi suits families, elderly pilgrims, and groups with heavy luggage who want a direct hotel to hotel journey with no transfers.

Travel comfort plays a major role in how you remember your overall Umrah experience. Do not rush this decision, and do not just default to the cheapest option without weighing the hidden costs of transfers and time.

Planning Ahead with Umrah Packages

Several Umrah packages UK 2026 incorporate inter-city travel as part of the total booking for pilgrims who do not wish to organise transit separately. This means you don’t have to plan trains or cabs individually and you can focus on worship instead of practicalities.

For more comfort while you stay, search for 5 Star Umrah Packages. Usually hotel quality, transport and overall convenience are offered at a higher standard. This works well for elderly parents or first-time pilgrims who prefer a more guided experience with fewer decisions to make on the ground.

A Simple Note on Saudi Umrah Visa Rules

Before you travel between cities, you need a valid Umrah visa. You must apply for this visa online. It authorises admission into Saudi Arabia just for the purpose of doing Umrah.

Once your visa is approved you are normally allowed to move between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah throughout the time of validity of the visa. Always carry a physical or electronic copy of your visa with you. Keep it handy and not hidden in your luggage as you may be asked to show it while travelling or checking into hotels and checkpoints.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Accommodation plays a large part in how convenient the Makkah to Madinah journey feels. Hotels located closer to the Haram in Makkah or closer to Masjid Nabawi in Madinah reduce the need for long taxi rides before and after your main journey.

Confirm your hotel bookings before you arrange transport. This lets you plan pickup and drop-off points more accurately, and it helps you compare whether a taxi or train makes more sense once you know exactly where you are starting and finishing.

Practical Tips for UK Pilgrims

• Book tickets early during Ramadan and peak travel months, since prices rise and seats disappear fast closer to the date.
• Keep some Saudi Riyal cash on hand for station taxis and small purchases, since not every taxi driver accepts cards.
• Pack light. Train services allow only one large bag up to 25kg and one carry-on per passenger.
• Keep your passport accessible. You need it at multiple checkpoints, including train station security.
• Build rest into your schedule. Back-to-back travel and worship gets tiring, especially after a long flight from the UK.
• Compare the full cost, not just the ticket price. A cheap train fare plus two taxi transfers can end up costing close to a direct private taxi, particularly for groups of three or more.