Makkah to Madinah — private taxi vs Haramain High-Speed Train

At a glance — taxi vs train

Private taxi: SAR 450 per vehicle (sedan), 4–5 hrs door-to-door, no station transfers, fully private, available 24/7.

Haramain train: SAR 150–320 per person (varies), ~2 hrs on the train, but you also need: taxi to Makkah station (~SAR 100, 30–45 mins), waiting at the station (30 mins minimum), and taxi from Madinah station to your hotel (~SAR 100+, 30–45 mins). Total: 3.5 to 5 hrs and a higher cost for families.

When private taxi is the better choice

For most Umrah pilgrims, a private taxi is the easier and more practical option.

• You have heavy luggage — no carrying bags through stations or waiting for lifts
• You are travelling as a family — especially with young children or elderly relatives
• Your hotel is not close to the Haramain train station in Makkah or Madinah
• You are travelling at night or very early in the morning (train hours are limited)
• You value flexibility — the taxi leaves when you are ready, not on a train timetable
• You are a group of 4 or more — per-person train fares add up quickly

When the Haramain train makes more sense

The train has real advantages in certain situations.

• You are a solo traveller and want the cheapest option
• You enjoy the experience of high-speed rail travel
• Your hotel is walking distance from a Haramain station
• You have very little luggage

What does the Makkah to Madinah taxi fare include?

The SAR 450 sedan fare includes hotel pickup at your Makkah hotel entrance, a rest stop of around 20–30 minutes approximately halfway through the journey, bottled water in the vehicle, and drop-off at your Madinah hotel entrance.

There are no additional charges unless you request extras — such as a child seat or additional luggage for a very large group.

A Hyundai Staria (7-seater) costs SAR 550 for the same journey — useful for families of 4 to 7.