Al-Rusaifah (also written Al-Rusayfah) is the district to know if you travel by train. Makkah’s Haramain High Speed Railway station is here, which makes it unusually well placed for trips to Jeddah, the airport and Madinah.
This guide looks at life beside that rail link.
Quick answer
Short answer: Al-Rusaifah is a residential district about 4 km west of the Haram, measured on OpenStreetMap, under Al-Misfalah branch municipality. It hosts Makkah’s Haramain station, so it suits residents who value rail links as much as a shorter drive into the centre.
Where it is
On OpenStreetMap, the centre of the Al-Rusaifah boundary is about 4 km from Al-Masjid Al-Haram in a straight line, on a bearing of about 251° (west-southwest).
Arabic Wikipedia places the district under Al-Misfalah branch municipality and gives its area as 1.13 km², making it a compact district.
At a glance
The rail link
The official Haramain High Speed Railway page says Makkah station is in the Ar Rusayfah district, 3.5 km from Masjid Al-Haram. It lists daily operating hours of 06:30 to 00:30 and 4,750 parking spaces.
For residents, that means a trip to Jeddah, the airport or Madinah can start with a short local drive rather than a highway journey. If you commute to Jeddah, host family who fly in often, or visit Madinah regularly, that convenience adds up. The Transport General Authority lists five stations on the line: Makkah, Jeddah Sulaymaniyah, Jeddah Airport, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah. If you are meeting a flight, remember the two Jeddah stops are different stations. Our Haramain train guide covers booking and timetables.
Tip
Check departure times on the official HHR site for your actual dates. Timetables change, so do not rely on old screenshots.
What the area is like
Al-Rusaifah is mainly residential, but the station adds traffic at busy times, especially around peak trains, Fridays and the pilgrim seasons. Homes on the station approach roads will feel this more than those on side streets.
Wikipedia’s population figure for the district is from the 1413 AH census, which is too old to describe today’s district, so we have not used it.
Housing in general terms
Expect flats and family homes. Rents vary with the building, its distance from the station and the season. Compare current listings, and ask about noise and traffic if a home faces a main road.
Register the contract on the official Ejar platform before paying large sums.
Shopping and schools
OpenStreetMap maps two shopping centres, including Al-Jaroushi Mall, and supermarkets inside the district. Our groceries guide has more tips.
For schools, start with the Ministry of Education’s admission page. Because the district is compact, you may also look at schools in neighbouring areas.
Getting around the city
For local trips, check the official Makkah Bus app for routes linking the area with the centre. MBCO, the operator, runs the citywide network. Many residents mix bus, car and train.
Planning life around the station
1
Time the station trip: from the home, at a busy hour.
2
Check the timetable: on the official HHR site for your regular route.
3
Plan the Haram trip: test bus or car at prayer times.
4
Sign properly: register the lease on Ejar.
Who it suits
Al-Rusaifah suits commuters to Jeddah, families who travel to Madinah often, and anyone who hosts guests arriving by air. Those who want to walk to the Haram daily may prefer a more central district.
Distance is the straight line between the district’s OpenStreetMap boundary centroid and Al-Masjid Al-Haram (OSM relation 1472531), measured 12 Oct 2026. Road distance is longer.
FAQ
How far is Al-Rusaifah from the Haram?
About 4 km west of the Haram in a straight line on OpenStreetMap. The Haramain station is in this area.
Is it convenient for the Haramain train?
Yes — the Makkah Haramain station sits in Ar Rusayfah. Check current station hours and parking on the official HHR site.
Is housing mostly for visitors?
There is a mix. Ask whether a listing is long-term residential and confirm the lease on Ejar.
Must the lease be on Ejar?
Yes. Register the residential lease on the official Ejar platform before paying a large deposit or a year’s rent.
Last checked: 13 October 2026.
Sources
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/19262652
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/1472531
- https://sar.hhr.sa/-/makkah
- https://www.tga.gov.sa/ActivitiesServices/GetContent?categoryId=8
- https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/الرصيفة_(مكة_المكرمة)
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/eservices/register-the-residential-lease-contract/
- https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/makkah-bus/id1609922603
- https://mbco.sa/what-we-do
- https://www.moe.gov.sa/en/education/ResidentsAndvisitors/pages/schoolsadmission.aspx
- https://livinginmakkah.com/makkah-neighborhoods-guide-residents/
- https://livinginmakkah.com/haramain-train-makkah-station-residents/