How to Use the Haramain Rail for the Ultimate Western Coast Trip in the KSA
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, characterized by high speed and comfort, is an exceptional option to explore Saudi Arabia’s western coast. From skipping traffic to exploring top scenic routes, this transport option is a boon for travelers.
This article serves as a guide to using the Haramain rail for a trip along the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Haramain High Speed Railway is a 453-kilometer electric train line in Saudi Arabia. This railway line connects Mecca and Medina via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. This contributes to faster and more convenient travel.
Key Takeaways
- The Haramain Railway runs at a speed of 300 km per hour.
- The two available classes are economy and business.
- The major stops are Jeddah, Mecca, King Abdullah Economic City, and Medina.
- Children above 12 years need to pay the full fare.
Why is the Haramain Train Perfect for Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Western Coast?
With the daily capacity of 160,000 passengers, the Haramain train is a priority to explore Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Let's find out the top reasons why this is a reliable option.
Speed: The Haramain rail runs at around 300 km per hour. This lets you reach your destination quickly. Imagine traveling from Jeddah to Makkah in under an hour. This is what the stated railway service ensures.
Comfort: Comfort is a non-negotiable factor when choosing a railway transportation option. Right? The Haramain railway offers modern, AC coaches. Hence, you can travel comfortably without any hassle.
Frequent Services: The current fleet operates more than 100 services a day, which is set to touch 140 services daily during the Hajj season. This accounts for improving accessibility for global tourists.
Strategic Connectivity: Because of strategic connectivity, the Haramain railway is a priority for travelers in Saudi Arabia. This links important cultural and business hubs. This ensures excellent convenience for both tourists and pilgrims.
Class Comparison in Haramain Railway
The Haramain Railway offers economy and business class. Let’s have a comparison.
| Aspect | Business class | Economy class |
|---|---|---|
|
Seating |
Wide and comfortable seats arranged in a 2+2 configuration |
Comfortable seats arranged in a 2+3 configuration |
|
Amenities |
Complimentary snacks and meals |
Food and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard cafeteria |
|
Experience |
Free and fast Wi-Fi, quilter cabins, and a premium environment |
Modern and clean coaches with good accessibility for the passengers |
|
Luggage capacity |
2 large bags and 1 carry-on |
1 large bag and 1 carry-on |
When you are sure of whether to go for business or the economy class, you have to book tickets. What are the available options? Well, consider the official Haramain portal or the Haramain Train app. Try to book 7 to 14 days in advance to secure the best possible fare. Here are the steps you need to follow during ticket booking.
- Select your departure and arrival stations
- Choose your travel date and return trip (if needed)
- Select the number of passengers
- Choose your preferred class and time
- Enter passenger details and make payment
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via app or email
How Can You Plan a Multi-City Trip Via the Haramain Railway?
Taking a multi-city trip on the Haramain Railway system is a pretty linear process. The Haramain bullet train connects major Saudi Arabian cities. This makes it a key consideration for the tourists visiting this country. Here are the top routes that this railway system covers.
| Route | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Mecca to Medina |
2 hours |
Every 2 hours |
|
Jeddah to Medina |
1 hour 45 minutes |
Every 3 hours |
|
Jeddah to Mecca |
45 minutes |
Every hour |
|
King Abdullah Economic City to Medina |
2 hours 15 minutes |
Every 2 hours |
The Haramain rail is the right choice when you plan an inter-city visit in Saudi Arabia. Here is a sample 6-day itinerary plan.
Day 1: Mecca
Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is the first stop from where you can board the Haramain rail. Jabal al-Nour is the top place to visit in this city. The other places are Jabal Thawr, the Clock Tower Museum, Jannat al-Mu'alla cemetery, etc. Start your journey from this city, and you can visit the stated attractions in a day.
Day 2-3: Mecca to Jeddah
Take a train from Mecca on the morning of the second day and reach Jeddah within 45 minutes. This city ensures a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Explore the UNESCO-listed Al-Balad old town in Jeddah. As there are many areas to explore, keep an entire day for it.
Visit the scenic Jeddah Corniche and King Fahd’s Fountain on the morning of the third day. Plan for other top attractions in the evening, like shopping at the Red Sea Mall and visiting Al Taybat Museum.
Day 4-5: Jeddah to King Abdullah Economic City
King Abdullah Economic City provides a blend of luxury and leisure. What makes this city a priority for tourists is that it offers a blend of breathtaking beaches, a marina, and recreational spots. As the journey is for two hours, start early. Visit Yam Beach and Marina Canal on the fourth day.
Visit Juman Park on the fifth day. Don’t miss the KAEC Scooter tour in the evening. This lets you explore the city's modern infrastructure and coastal views. Try local dishes when you move around the city.
Day 6: King Abdullah Economic City to Medina
Take the first train at 7:30 AM from King Abdullah Economic City to reach Medina before 10:00 AM. Medina is a peaceful historical destination, which can be an ideal stop to complete your trip. The popular pilgrimage sites are the Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud, and the Qiblatain Mosque. Well, don’t miss tourist spots like Dar Al Madinah Museum and Al-Baqi cemetery.
What You Should Remember Before Getting on the Haramain Rail
Here are some of the factors that you must keep in mind.
Transport from stations: Along with booking your train tickets, you need to be aware of the transportation options from stations. This is not a concern in Saudi Arabia. No matter what the stop is, you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing.
Food Availability: You do not need to worry about the food availability. This railway has onboard catering, which is free for business class. Well, you can buy food if you have an economy class ticket. With the availability of cafes in the stations, you can buy meals.
Family Travel: The Haramain Railway offers free tickets or heavily discounted tickets for infants aged 0 to 2 years. They charge a comparatively lower fare for children aged 3 to 12 years. You need to pay the full ticket price for children above 12 years.
Saudi eVisa: Compared to the traditional paper visa, an eVisa is a better option if you plan to visit Saudi Arabia. The application process is easy, and you get it mailed within a week. This eliminates the hassle of standing in long embassy queues.
Traveling via train is an excellent way to experience Saudi Arabia. From experiencing scenic desert landscapes to traveling between cities comfortably, this transportation option is an ideal one. Here are the key tips that you need to keep in mind when you choose Haramain Railway.
- Avoid booking tickets during the Ramadan period
- Arrive at the station at least an hour before the train time
- Opt for daytime travel to enjoy the desert scenery
Considering the Haramain Railway to Experience Saudi Arabia’s Western Coast?
With speed and convenience, the Haramain Railway is a probable option for travelers on the Saudi Arabia trip. But first, you must get the visa. We offer Saudi eVisas in a few simple steps. Visit our site, make the application, and get your eVisa mailed. Be ready to acquire a lifetime experience.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA. Malaysian citizens, South Korean citizens, Hungarian citizens, Estonian citizens and Canadian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.