Last updated: August 2026 | We travelled Madinah to Makkah by SAPTCO bus on our own trip — this guide adds the two other options, train and private taxi, with current 2026 pricing so you can pick what actually fits your group.
There are three ways to travel between Makkah and Madinah: the Haramain High-Speed Railway, a private taxi/transfer, or the budget SAPTCO bus (covered in our separate SAPTCO guide). This page focuses on the train-vs-taxi decision, since that’s where most pilgrims actually get the calculation wrong — the train isn’t automatically the cheaper option once you’re travelling as a family.
The Short Answer
- Solo travellers or pairs with light luggage: The Haramain train is usually the better choice — fast, comfortable, and reasonably priced per person.
- Families of three or more, or anyone with a lot of luggage: A private taxi/transfer often works out cheaper per person and is significantly more convenient, despite taking longer.
Haramain High-Speed Railway — Prices and Details (2026)
The Haramain train connects Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah at speeds up to 300 km/h, cutting a journey that takes hours by road down to about 2 hours 20 minutes between Makkah and Madinah directly.
| Class | Typical Fare (one way, per person) |
|---|---|
| Economy | SAR 150–225 |
| Business | SAR 300–425 |
The real per-person cost is higher than the ticket price alone. Both Haramain stations sit outside the immediate city centre, so you’ll need a taxi to and from each station — typically adding around SAR 100 per person each way. Once you include station transfers, the realistic all-in cost is closer to SAR 270–330 per person, not just the SAR 150–225 ticket fare.
Advantages of the train:
- Fastest total journey time for solo/light-luggage travellers
- Punctual, air-conditioned, comfortable seating
- No haggling or negotiating a fare
Disadvantages:
- Strict, airline-style baggage limits — awkward if you’re carrying Zamzam water or shopping
- Extra transfer time and cost getting to/from the stations, which are not centrally located
- Booking and station navigation is an extra step compared to door-to-door transport
Private Taxi / Transfer — Prices and Details (2026)
A private taxi or SUV transfer takes you directly from your Makkah hotel to your Madinah hotel (or vice versa), door to door, no station transfers required.
| Vehicle | Typical Fixed Rate | Per Person (family of 3–4) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car (up to 3 passengers) | SAR 900 | SAR 300 |
| SUV (family of 4, more luggage) | SAR 1,200–1,500 | SAR 300–375 |
Journey time: 4.5–5 hours direct by road — considerably longer than the train, but with zero transfers and unlimited practical luggage space (within reason).
Advantages of a taxi/transfer:
- Door-to-door — no getting to/from an out-of-town station
- No baggage restrictions — ideal if you’re bringing Zamzam water home or have shopping
- Often cheaper per person than the train once you’re a family of 3+, once train station transfers are included in the comparison
- Better for elderly parents or anyone who finds navigating a large train station tiring
Disadvantages:
- Much longer journey (4.5–5 hours vs ~2h20 for the train)
- Comfort and driving quality varies by operator — book through your hotel or a known operator rather than an unlicensed street taxi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Haramain Train | Private Taxi/Transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time (direct) | ~2h20 | 4.5–5 hours |
| All-in cost, solo traveller | SAR 270–330 | SAR 900 (full vehicle) |
| All-in cost per person, family of 4 | SAR 270–330 each | SAR 225–375 each |
| Baggage flexibility | Limited, airline-style | Unlimited (practical limit) |
| Best for | Solo/pairs, light luggage, time-sensitive | Families, elderly, heavy luggage, Zamzam water |
| Booking effort | Book online/app, plan station transfer | Book through hotel or operator, no transfer needed |
Our Recommendation
If you’re travelling solo or as a couple with normal luggage: book the Haramain train. The time saving is real, and once you accept the station-transfer add-on, the total cost is still reasonable.
If you’re travelling as a family of three or more, with elderly parents, or with a lot of luggage (including any Zamzam water you’re bringing home): book a private SUV transfer. It is frequently the same price or cheaper per person than the train once transfers are counted, and it removes the single biggest hassle of the train option — hauling bags through two separate stations.
If budget is the only concern and time isn’t: the SAPTCO bus remains the cheapest option of all three at SAR 69 per person — see our full SAPTCO bus guide for booking details, based on our own trip.
Booking Tips
- Haramain train: Book through the official Haramain Railway website/app or through Nusuk-linked booking partners. Book a few days ahead in peak season — trains do sell out around Ramadan and public holidays.
- Private taxi/transfer: Book through your hotel reception or a licensed transport operator rather than hailing an unlicensed car — this matters more for elderly parents or if you’re travelling with children.
- Either option: Confirm your exact pickup/drop-off point (hotel name, not just city) when booking, especially for the taxi, to avoid confusion on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Haramain train always cheaper than a taxi? Not once you’re a family of three or more — station transfer costs eat into the train’s per-person advantage, and a shared SUV transfer often comes out roughly equal or cheaper.
How far in advance should I book the Haramain train? A few days ahead is usually enough outside peak season; during Ramadan and public holidays, book as early as you can, as trains sell out.
Can I bring Zamzam water on the train? Airline-style baggage limits apply, so large quantities are impractical on the train. A private taxi has no such restriction — see our Zamzam water rules guide for how much you’re realistically allowed to bring home overall.
Is the private taxi safe and reliable? Yes, when booked through your hotel or a licensed operator. Avoid unlicensed street taxis, particularly for elderly parents or when travelling with children.
Related Articles
- SAPTCO Bus from Madinah to Makkah — Complete Guide
- Zamzam Water Rules — How Much Can You Bring Home?
- Umrah with Elderly Parents — Complete Practical Guide
- 10-Day Umrah Itinerary — Complete Day-by-Day Plan
May your journey between the two holy cities be safe, comfortable, and accepted. Ameen. 🤲
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