Makkah to Madinah: Haramain train, car or bus? Time and price
Most pilgrims visit Madinah before or after Umrah. Makkah to Madinah is about 450 km, and you have three main options: the Haramain high-speed train, a private car from hotel door to hotel door, or the bus.
In short
- Fastest: Haramain train (about 2 h 20 min).
- Easiest with family and luggage: a private car door to door (4½–5 hours).
- Cheapest: the bus (5–6 hours).
Options compared
| Option | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Haramain train | About 2 h 20 min + taxi to and from the stations | Fastest and most comfortable. Both stations are outside the Haram area, so you need a taxi at each end. Economy fares are usually from about SAR 150; book on the official site, where tickets sell out in peak seasons. |
| Private car | 4½ to 5 hours | From your Makkah hotel door to your Madinah hotel door; good for families, luggage and elderly travellers. From about $126 per car. |
| Bus | 5 to 6 hours | Usually the cheapest, but slower, and it stops at terminals rather than your hotel. |
Compare private car prices, Makkah → Madinah
Compare transfer pricesprivate car, 1–3 passengers
Tips
- Miqat: going from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, you enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali). Going from Makkah to Madinah, no ihram is needed.
- Book the train early in Ramadan and holidays.
- With elderly travellers or lots of luggage, a private car saves you two changes of transport.
Looking for a place to stay? Best area to stay in Madinah · All transfer options
FAQ
How long from Makkah to Madinah?
About 2 h 20 min by Haramain train, 4½ to 5 hours by car and 5–6 hours by bus.
How far is Makkah from Madinah?
About 450 km by road.
How much is a private car from Makkah to Madinah?
From about $126 per car (1–3 passengers) at October 2026 prices; the final price is shown before you pay.
Figures are calculated from Umrah Walk data: hotel locations, estimated walking minutes to the mosque's nearest edge, and usual nightly price ranges before taxes. Prices are estimates and change by date at the booking provider. Last updated: 2026-10-23