livinginmakkah.com

Category: Getting Around

  • Makkah (Mecca) to Jeddah Airport: Train, Car or Taxi

    Makkah (Mecca) to Jeddah Airport: Train, Car or Taxi

    King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the main airport for most Makkah residents. Getting there for a flight, or collecting guests, is something you will do many times. The three usual options are the Haramain train, your own car, or a licensed taxi or app.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: The Haramain train has a dedicated Jeddah Airport station; by HHR’s section distances it is 94 km from Makkah’s station (77 km to Jeddah plus 17 km to the airport). Driving or a licensed taxi goes door to door. Check train times and fares in the official HHR app, and use only TGA-licensed apps or taxis.

    Comparing the options

    OptionGood forWatch out for
    Haramain trainPredictable timing, light luggageLuggage limits, getting to Makkah station
    Own carFamilies, heavy luggageAirport parking costs
    Licensed taxi or appDoor to doorUse licensed services only
    Ways to reach the airport

    By train

    The Haramain railway links Makkah with Jeddah and the airport. The Transport General Authority lists Jeddah Airport and Jeddah Sulaymaniyah as separate stations, so choose the airport stop when booking.

    Makkah’s station is in Ar Rusayfah, 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram, according to the official HHR Makkah page. You still need to get there, so add that trip to your plan. Our Haramain station guide covers the station in detail.

    HHR limits luggage per passenger, so check the current allowance before a trip with suitcases.

    By car

    Driving gives you control over timing and luggage. Allow for traffic in both cities, and check airport parking options and charges on official airport channels if you plan to leave the car.

    By taxi or app

    Warning

    Use only taxis and ride-hailing apps licensed by the Transport General Authority. TGA publishes its list of licensed companies. Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides.

    Agree the fare or check the app’s estimate before you set off.

    Flight-day checklist

    Before you leave home

    • Check your flight time and terminal with the airline
    • Book train tickets, or arrange a ride, in advance
    • Allow extra time in peak seasons
    • Check luggage allowance for train and flight
    • Keep passport, Iqama and tickets handy
    • Share your plan with family

    Timing your trip

    Working back from your flight

    1

    Find the check-in deadline from your airline.

    2

    Add time for the journey and any connection to the station.

    3

    Add a buffer for traffic or crowds.

    4

    Set off with that time in hand.

    During Ramadan, Hajj and holiday periods, both roads and trains can be busier. Booking ahead and leaving earlier saves stress.

    Collecting guests

    If you are meeting visitors, check their arrival time and terminal, and agree a meeting point. If they take the train, they can meet you at Makkah station instead, which may be easier than driving to the airport.

    Getting to Makkah station

    If you choose the train, the trip to Ar Rusayfah is part of the journey. Options include a licensed taxi or app, a lift from family, or driving and parking at the station. HHR says the Makkah station has 4,750 parking spaces, but check availability and charges before leaving a car for several days.

    Allow time to find the right platform and to pass through the station with luggage. Arriving early is far less stressful than rushing for a fixed departure.

    Coming home

    On the way back, check the last train times for your date before you fly, especially for late arrivals. If you land after the last train, arrange a licensed taxi or a lift in advance.

    FAQ

    Does the train stop at Jeddah Airport?

    Yes. Jeddah Airport is its own station, separate from Jeddah Sulaymaniyah.

    How far is the airport by train?

    Adding HHR’s section distances gives 94 km from Makkah station.

    Which taxi apps are licensed?

    Check TGA’s official list of licensed e-hailing applications.

    Last checked: 12 October 2026.

    Related

    Sources

  • Haramain Train in Makkah: Station, Hours, Distances and Commuting Tips

    Haramain Train in Makkah: Station, Hours, Distances and Commuting Tips

    For anyone living in Makkah, the Haramain High Speed Railway turns Jeddah and Madinah into trips you can plan around, not days you set aside. Some residents use it to commute, others to meet guests at the airport or to visit the Prophet’s Mosque for a weekend.

    This guide pulls the official facts together in one place and adds the things residents learn after a few trips.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: Makkah’s Haramain station is in Ar Rusayfah, 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram, and opens daily from 06:30 to 00:30 with 4,750 parking spaces. The line runs to Jeddah, Jeddah Airport, KAEC and Madinah. Fares and departure times change, so check the official HHR app or timetable for your date.

    The Makkah station

    The official HHR Makkah page places the station in the Ar Rusayfah district, 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram.

    Makkah station (HHR)

    3.5 km

    from Masjid Al-Haram

    4,750

    parking spaces

    06:30–00:30

    daily operating hours

    The station is not in the central area, so you will need to get there by car, taxi or bus. For the local leg, check the official Makkah Bus app and our Makkah buses guide.

    Where the line goes

    According to HHR, the railway links the two Holy Mosques through Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City along a 450 km route, with an operational speed of 300 km/h (HHR, About us).

    SectionDistance
    Makkah to Jeddah77 km
    Jeddah to Jeddah Airport (KAIA)17 km
    Jeddah Airport to KAEC94 km
    KAEC to Madinah261 km
    Distances between stations (HHR)

    The Transport General Authority lists five stations: Makkah, Jeddah Sulaymaniyah, Jeddah Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah. The two Jeddah stops are separate stations, which catches out many first-time travellers.

    On the train

    HHR says each train has 417 seats, 113 in Business and 304 in Economy, with a dining area in coach five (HHR).

    For accessibility, the HHR portal says passengers with a disability are entitled to a special discount, and each train has two wheelchair spaces, located in the Business coach. Everyone on one booking must travel in the same class, so a family travelling with a wheelchair user in Business either books Business for all, or makes two bookings. Tick the special needs box when booking to request assistance.

    Luggage

    HHR limits the luggage each passenger may take on board. Check the current allowance on the official portal before a trip with suitcases, especially for airport runs.

    Fares and timetables

    We do not quote fares or departure times here, because they change by date and demand. Use the official HHR timetable or the official HHR app, and avoid unofficial booking sites that copy the HHR name.

    Making it work as a resident

    A smooth trip from Makkah

    1

    Book on official channels: the HHR app or website, for your exact date.

    2

    Pick the right Jeddah stop: Airport for flights, Sulaymaniyah for the city.

    3

    Time the drive to Ar Rusayfah: allow extra time around prayers and on Fridays.

    4

    Park or get dropped off: the station lists 4,750 spaces.

    5

    Arrive early: keep your booking and ID ready on your phone.

    Tip

    On Fridays and in Ramadan, roads across Makkah are busiest around prayer times. Our Friday planning guide helps you pick a train that avoids the worst of it.

    For a shorter first-trip checklist, see our earlier piece, Haramain train from Makkah: a practical guide for residents.

    FAQ

    How far is Makkah’s train station from the Haram?

    HHR says 3.5 km. The station is in Ar Rusayfah.

    What are the Makkah station’s opening hours?

    Daily from 06:30 to 00:30, according to HHR.

    How far is it from Makkah to Madinah by train?

    Adding HHR’s section distances gives 449 km from Makkah to Madinah, close to the 450 km route HHR describes.

    Can I take a wheelchair on the Haramain train?

    Yes. Each train has two wheelchair spaces in the Business coach, and assistance can be requested when booking.

    Last checked: 13 October 2026.

    Related

    Sources

  • Haramain Train from Makkah: A Practical Guide for Residents

    Haramain Train from Makkah: A Practical Guide for Residents

    The Haramain train from Makkah is one of the easiest ways for residents to reach Jeddah, the airport or Madinah without driving the highway. This guide covers what you need before your first trip.

    Visiting pilgrims can read our calm guide to travelling between Makkah and Madinah.

    Where the Makkah station is

    According to the official Haramain High Speed Railway (HHR) page, Makkah station is in the Ar Rusayfah district, about 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram. The station is open daily from 06:30 to 00:30 and lists 4,750 parking spaces. That makes driving to the station and parking a realistic option for families. For local trips to the station, see using Makkah buses as a resident.

    Once you arrive, our Madinah station-to-neighbourhood transport guide covers the rest of the trip.

    Makkah station (HHR)

    3.5 km

    from Masjid Al-Haram

    4,750

    parking spaces

    06:30–00:30

    daily operating hours

    Where the line goes

    The official HHR timetable lists five stations: Makkah, Jeddah Sulaymaniyah, Jeddah Airport, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and Madinah. The two Jeddah stops are different stations. If you’re catching a flight, choose the airport station, not Sulaymaniyah.

    On the train

    HHR says each train has 417 seats, 113 in Business and 304 in Economy, with a dining area in coach five (HHR).

    For accessibility, the HHR portal says passengers with a disability are entitled to a special discount, and each train has two wheelchair spaces, located in the Business coach. Everyone on one booking must travel in the same class, so a family travelling with a wheelchair user in Business either books Business for all, or makes two bookings. Tick the special needs box when booking to request assistance.

    Luggage

    HHR limits the luggage each passenger may take on board. Check the current allowance on the official portal before a trip with suitcases, especially for airport runs.

    Fares, times and booking

    Departures change, so check the official HHR timetable for your date instead of relying on old screenshots. Pick your origin and destination there and book through the official channels. We do not quote fares here, because they change by date and demand. Use the official HHR timetable or app, and avoid unofficial booking sites that copy the HHR name.

    Going on to Madinah? Choose Makkah to Madinah in the official HHR timetable to see that day’s departures before you book.

    Tips for residents

    • Allow extra time to reach Ar Rusayfah at busy prayer times and on Fridays. Our Friday in Makkah guide helps with timing.
    • When hosting guests, confirm which Jeddah station their flight or meeting needs.
    • Keep your ID and booking ready on your phone before you arrive.

    A smooth trip from Makkah

    1

    Book on official channels: the HHR app or website, for your exact date.

    2

    Pick the right Jeddah stop: Airport for flights, Sulaymaniyah for the city.

    3

    Time the drive to Ar Rusayfah: allow extra time around prayers and on Fridays.

    4

    Park or get dropped off: the station lists 4,750 spaces.

    5

    Arrive early: keep your booking and ID ready on your phone.

    FAQ

    How far is the Haramain station from Masjid al-Haram?

    The official HHR page puts Makkah station in Ar Rusayfah, about 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram.

    What are the Makkah station’s opening hours?

    HHR lists daily operating hours of 06:30 to 00:30.

    Is Jeddah Airport a separate stop from Jeddah city?

    Yes. The line has both a Jeddah Sulaymaniyah station and a Jeddah Airport station.

    How far is it from Makkah to Madinah by train?

    Adding HHR’s section distances (Makkah to Jeddah 77 km, Jeddah to Jeddah Airport 17 km, Jeddah Airport to KAEC 94 km, KAEC to Madinah 261 km) gives 449 km, close to the 450 km route HHR describes (HHR, About us).

    Can I take a wheelchair on the Haramain train?

    Yes. Each train has two wheelchair spaces in the Business coach, and assistance can be requested when booking (HHR portal).

    Sources

    Last checked: 22 October 2026 (merged with our former Haramain guide). Earlier check: 14 October 2026. Station location, opening hours and parking figures re-checked on the official HHR Makkah station page.

  • Using Makkah Buses as a Resident: How to Plan Everyday Trips

    Using Makkah Buses as a Resident: How to Plan Everyday Trips

    Most visitors know Makkah Buses as the way to reach the Haram. Residents can get much more out of the network: getting to work, getting to appointments, and avoiding the stress of parking in busy areas. This guide explains how to plan everyday trips sensibly. It doesn’t repeat fares or detailed timetables, which can change, so check those on official channels.

    Once you reach the Haram, our guide to finding your way in Masjid al-Haram may help.

    What Makkah Buses is

    Makkah Buses is the city’s public bus network, set up under the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and operated by Modern Bus Company (MBCO). The operator describes a network of routes and stops across the city, with service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check the official channels for the current hours and any seasonal adjustments on your own route, particularly in Ramadan and the Hajj season.

    For trips out of the city to Jeddah or Madinah, see our Haramain train guide for residents.

    Step 1: Use the official Makkah Bus app

    The official passenger app is Makkah Bus, published by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play). According to the app’s official listing, you can:

    • Plan journeys on an interactive map with estimated arrival times
    • See walking distance to stops and any transfers
    • Top up a smart card or e-wallet with a debit or credit card
    • Validate your ride on the bus validator with a QR code on your phone

    Payment and ticket options can also include ticket machines at stops and other official sales points. Always use the official app or operator channels — not third-party “ticket sellers”. Check current fares and pass options in the app before you travel; they can change.

    Step 2: Find your nearest stop

    Before you rely on the bus for a commute:

    • Check the official Royal Commission / Makkah Bus map for the current routes.
    • Find the stop nearest your home and the one nearest your destination.
    • Walk to your home stop once at the time you’d normally travel. Is there shade? Is it safe to cross the road? How long does the walk really take?

    Don’t assume every neighborhood has a stop close by. Some districts are well served and others are better reached by taxi or car for at least part of the trip.

    Step 3: Time your trips around prayers and peaks

    Demand changes during the day and through the year:

    • Before and after prayers near the Haram, buses and stops serving the central area get much busier.
    • Fridays are especially busy toward the center (see our Friday guide).
    • Ramadan and the Hajj season can bring changes to routes, stops or access arrangements. Follow official announcements rather than last year’s experience.

    If your trip doesn’t involve the central area, you may find off-peak travel quite comfortable.

    Step 4: Combine buses with other options

    Many residents mix and match:

    • Bus + short taxi or ride-hailing hop for the “last kilometer” to a home that is not on a route.
    • Bus to the central area, then walk instead of driving into congested streets.
    • Haramain High Speed Railway for intercity trips to Jeddah (including the airport) and Madinah. The railway’s official portal has the current station and booking details. Leave time to get to and from the station.

    Comfort and safety tips

    • Heat: Carry water, and in summer try not to wait long at stops without shade around midday.
    • Children: Hold hands at busy stops and while getting on and off. Keep strollers folded if the bus is full.
    • Belongings: Keep phones and wallets in front pockets or a closed bag in crowds.
    • Etiquette: Offer seats to older passengers and people with disabilities, and follow the staff’s instructions on boarding and seating areas.

    When the bus is not the best choice

    Buses are excellent for many trips. Sometimes another option is better:

    • Large grocery shops or household deliveries (use delivery services instead).
    • Late-night medical visits, when a direct taxi is quicker.
    • Trips with several elderly family members, where a door-to-door ride is kinder.

    Quick planning checklist

    1. Install the official Makkah Bus app and check payment (smart card, e-wallet or QR).
    2. Find your home and destination stops, and test the walk.
    3. Avoid peak times near the Haram where possible.
    4. Have a backup ride option in your phone.
    5. Check seasonal announcements before Ramadan and Hajj.

    Last checked: 14 October 2026. Service hours re-checked on the Modern Bus Company (MBCO) site, and app features on the official Makkah Bus app listings.

    Route, payment and timetable details are set by the operator and may change. Always check official Makkah Bus and Royal Commission channels before you travel.

    Sources