You have landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, you are tired, and Makkah is close. For many pilgrims the Haramain High Speed Railway is the calmest way to cover that distance: no traffic, a reserved seat and a station inside the airport terminal. This guide covers what official Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) pages say about the airport station, luggage and the final stretch to Masjid al-Haram.
Quick answer
Short answer: The Airport – Jeddah station is built into the main terminal building at King Abdulaziz International Airport and is open daily 06:30 to 00:30. Trains run to Makkah station in Ar Rusayfah, about 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram, so you need a taxi, ride-hail or bus for the last part. Each passenger may bring one large bag up to 25 kg plus one small hand item. Check times and buy tickets on the official SAR site (SAR).
Key facts before you travel
At a glance
- Airport station: inside the main terminal building at King Abdulaziz International Airport, with links to buses, shuttles, taxis and parking (SAR).
- Opening hours: Airport – Jeddah and Makkah stations both list daily 06:30 to 00:30 (SAR).
- Makkah station: Ar Rusayfah district, 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram (SAR).
- Luggage: one large piece up to 25 kg plus one hand item (SAR baggage).
From official SAR pages
25
kg limit for one large bag
3.5
km from Makkah station to the Haram
300
km/h top train speed (SPA)
The top speed figure comes from a Saudi Press Agency report on SAR’s Hajj operations (SPA).
Train vs road: which suits you?
| Haramain train | Taxi or private car from the airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | None on the line | Depends on the road and the season |
| Luggage | 1 large bag + 1 hand item per person | Depends on the vehicle |
| Door to door | No: transfer needed at Makkah station | Yes |
| Best for | Light packers, couples, small groups | Large families, heavy luggage, late-night arrivals |
If your flight lands after the stations close, or you are carrying several suitcases each, a road transfer may simply be easier.
Step by step: from arrivals to your hotel
Airport to Makkah by train
1
Check the timetable: use the official SAR timetable for your date. Services and stops vary through the year.
2
Buy your ticket: book on the official SAR website or at the station. Book ahead in busy seasons.
3
Follow signs to the station: it sits within the main terminal building (SAR).
4
Pass the security check: luggage is screened before you reach the train; laptops go through the X-ray (SAR baggage).
5
Store bags properly: large bags go in the luggage racks, hand items on the overhead shelves.
6
Arrive at Makkah station and transfer: take a taxi, ride-hail or bus for the 3.5 km to the Haram area or your hotel.
Tip
If you are travelling in ihram, ask your scholar or Umrah provider before you fly about where and when to enter ihram. Our guide to entering ihram covers the practical side.
Luggage rules in detail
SAR’s baggage page and passenger charter set clear limits (SAR baggage, Passenger charter):
- One large piece up to 25 kg and up to 65 x 55 x 35 cm.
- One hand item such as a backpack, laptop bag, camera bag, purse or nursery bag.
- Excess baggage is not carried on the train. A separately priced courier service, run by an outside company, is available at stations.
- Special baggage such as Zamzam water can be carried under conditions available from SAR.
Not allowed on board
SAR lists prohibited items including sharp tools such as knives and large scissors, compressed containers such as gas cylinders, firearms (including toy weapons) and hazardous materials. Only small, sealed drinks and tightly packaged food are allowed (SAR baggage).
Travelling with elderly family or a wheelchair
The SAR booking site explains that each train has wheelchair bays, located in the business coach, and that passengers with a disability can request special assistance at the end of booking (SAR). Everyone on a single booking travels in the same class, so a family may need two bookings if only the wheelchair user travels in business.
For more on travelling with parents, see caring for elderly family on Umrah.
Before you leave the airport
- Ticket on your phone or printed
- Bags within the 25 kg and size limit
- Hotel address saved in Arabic and English
- Ride-hailing app installed for the Makkah station transfer
- Water and a light snack in your hand bag
During Hajj season
SAR increases services in peak periods. During the 2025 Hajj season, SPA reported hourly trips from the airport to Makkah to meet demand (SPA). Schedules for each season are announced separately, so always check the live timetable.
FAQ
Is the train station inside Jeddah airport?
Yes. SAR describes the Airport – Jeddah station as an integrated structure within the main terminal building at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Does the train go to Masjid al-Haram?
No. Makkah station is in Ar Rusayfah, about 3.5 km from the Haram, so plan a short onward transfer.
How much luggage can I take?
One large bag up to 25 kg (65 x 55 x 35 cm) and one small hand item per passenger. Extra bags must go by the station courier service.
Can I continue to Madinah by train?
Yes, the line links Makkah and Madinah. See our guide to travelling between Makkah and Madinah.
This article is practical travel guidance only and is not a religious ruling. Last checked 13 October 2026 against official Saudi Arabia Railways (Haramain) pages and SPA. Timetables, fares and rules change; confirm on the official SAR website before you travel.
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