On this page
Key points
- Makkah and Madinah are about 450 km apart by road.
- The Haramain high-speed train takes about 2 to 2.5 hours between the two cities. The coach takes about 5 to 6 hours, with a rest stop.
- In our Umrah packages the move between the two cities is by the group’s bus, which is included, so you do not have to book anything yourself.
- If you travel from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, put on ihram before the miqat. For Madinah that is Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), just outside the city.
How far is Madinah from Makkah?
By road, Madinah is about 450 km north of Makkah. The main highway runs through open desert, with fuel stations and rest areas on the way.
The Haramain train line is a little different: it runs from Makkah through Jeddah (Al-Sulaimaniyah station and the airport station) and King Abdullah Economic City to Madinah.
Three ways to travel
Haramain train: about 2 to 2.5 hours
Illustrative imageThe fastest way. Seats are booked online or in the HHR app, and fares change by date and class, so check the official site before you plan.
Coach: about 5 to 6 hours
Illustrative imageThe usual way for groups. Your luggage stays with you on the same coach, and there is a rest stop for prayer and food on the way.
Car or taxi: about 4.5 to 5 hours
Illustrative imagePrivate and flexible, good for a small family. Agree the fare first and ask for a driver who knows the hotel area.
Which is best for families and elderly parents?
- With elderly parents and a lot of luggage, the coach is often the easiest: the bags go from hotel door to hotel door and nobody has to carry them through a station
- The train is quicker and smooth, but you still need a taxi from the station to your hotel at both ends, and you must handle your own bags
- A private car suits a small family that wants to stop when it likes, or to visit places on the way
- Whatever you choose, travel after a rest day, not on the same day you finish a tiring Umrah
Luggage on the train
The train allows a limited number of bags per passenger, and big suitcases must fit the luggage racks. The exact pieces and sizes are on the HHR baggage page, so check it before you book, especially if you are carrying Zamzam or shopping.
If your bags are heavy, it is often simpler to send the main luggage with your group’s coach and keep a small bag with you.
Madinah to Makkah: remember the ihram
If you go from Madinah to Makkah to do Umrah, you must be in ihram before you pass the miqat. The miqat for people coming from Madinah is Dhul Hulayfah, also called Abyar Ali, about 10 km from Masjid an-Nabawi (Bukhari 1524).
Groups usually stop at the Miqat mosque so that everyone can pray two rak’ahs and make the niyyah there. On the train, put on ihram before you board and make the niyyah before the train passes the miqat area.
Tips for the journey day
- Pack the night before and keep passports, medicines and a water bottle in your hand bag
- Read the safar ki dua when the coach or train starts to move
- Eat before you leave; food on the road can be limited at night
- Tell the group leader before the day if anyone needs a wheelchair at either end
Questions
About 450 km by road. The train line is a similar length and passes through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City.
Related on our site
Official guidance
This guide is general travel information. For religious rulings, please ask a qualified scholar.
