Makkah to Madinah: Taxi vs Train vs Bus | Which Is Best for Umrah Pilgrims?
The Three Ways to Travel from Makkah to Madinah
The distance between Makkah and Madinah is approximately 440 kilometres. For Umrah pilgrims, this journey is one of the most significant of their trip — a move between two of the holiest cities on earth.
Three main transport options exist: private taxi, Haramain High Speed Railway, and SAPTCO bus. Each suits a different type of traveller.
This guide gives you the real comparison for Makkah to Madinah, Taxi vs Train vs Bus, based on journey time door to door, total cost per person, booking process, luggage allowance, and convenience for elderly or mobility limited pilgrims.
Option 1: Private Taxi from Makkah to Madinah
Journey Time
Door to door, a private taxi from your Makkah hotel to your Madinah hotel takes approximately 4.5 to 6 hours. The journey covers 440 km along the main highway. Traffic near Makkah and Madinah adds time, particularly at peak prayer times and during Ramadan.
Cost
A prebooked private Makkah to Madinah taxi runs SAR 350 to SAR 500 for a sedan, SAR 500 to SAR 700 for a 7 seater. For a family of 5 to 7 travelling together, the per person cost of a 7 seater ranges from SAR 71 to SAR 140 — comparable to a train ticket but with door to door convenience included.
Luggage
No luggage limit on a private taxi. This alone makes it the preferred option for families travelling with multiple suitcases, prayer mats, and Ihram clothing.
Best For
Families with children, elderly pilgrims, travellers with significant luggage, groups who want a flexible departure time, and pilgrims who want to stop at a ziyarat site en route.
Option 2: Haramain High Speed Railway
Journey Time
The Haramain train covers 450 km in approximately 2 hours 40 minutes train only time. However, the door to door journey is longer. From your Makkah hotel, you need a taxi to Makkah Haramain Station (20 to 40 minutes), check-in and security (30 to 60 minutes), the train ride itself, then a taxi from Madinah Haramain Station to your hotel (15 to 30 minutes). Total realistic door to door time: 4 to 5.5 hours — much closer to the taxi than the raw train time suggests.
Cost
Haramain train tickets range from SAR 100 (economy) to SAR 200 (business class) per person one way. Via the Saudi Railways (SAR) official website, you can check live availability and book — but tickets sell out quickly during Ramadan and Hajj. Add SAR 30 to SAR 60 each way for the taxi legs to and from stations. For a family of four, the all in cost is SAR 520 to SAR 1,040 — often more expensive than a shared private taxi.
Luggage
The Haramain train allows 23 kg per ticket plus a carry on. Families with multiple suitcases may need to pay for extra luggage or arrange storage.
Best For
Solo travellers or couples travelling light, those who enjoy the experience of high speed rail, and business travellers who want to work during the journey.
Option 3: SAPTCO Bus from Makkah to Madinah
Journey Time
The SAPTCO bus from Makkah Central Bus Terminal to Madinah takes approximately 5 to 6.5 hours including scheduled stops. Add travel time to and from the bus terminals at each end.
Cost
SAPTCO tickets run approximately SAR 30 to SAR 60 per person depending on class — the cheapest option per person by a wide margin. Check current departure times on the SAPTCO website before you book as schedules change seasonally.
Luggage
Luggage goes in the hold. Generally no strict weight limit for reasonable amounts.
Best For
Budget travellers, solo pilgrims comfortable with public transport, and those whose schedule is flexible around fixed bus departure times.
Head to Head: Which Should Umrah Pilgrims Choose?
The train is not automatically the best option just because it sounds modern and fast. When you calculate door to door time including the station taxi legs and check in, the time advantage over a direct taxi narrows significantly — often to less than one hour.
For most Umrah pilgrims — particularly families, those with luggage, elderly travellers, or anyone arriving and departing outside peak train hours — a prebooked private taxi is the most convenient and often comparably priced choice.
The bus is the right call only if budget is the primary concern and time is not a constraint.
The train excels for: speed conscious travellers who pack light, and for the travel experience itself as part of the pilgrimage journey.
| Factor | Private Taxi | Haramain Train | SAPTCO Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door to Door Time | 4.5 to 6 hrs | 4 to 5.5 hrs | 6 to 8 hrs |
| Cost (sedan / per person) | SAR 350 to SAR 500 whole car | SAR 130 to SAR 260 per person | SAR 30 to SAR 60 per person |
| Luggage | Unlimited | 23 kg per ticket | Reasonable amounts |
| Flexible Departure | Yes | Fixed schedule | Fixed schedule |
| Ziyarat Stop Option | Yes | No | No |
| Best For | Families, groups, elderly | Solo, light luggage | Budget travellers |
Can You Stop at Ziyarat Sites Between Makkah and Madinah?
This is where the private taxi has a major advantage neither the train nor the bus can match.
Many pilgrims want to stop at historically significant sites along the route — including Badr, whose battlefield and mosque are approximately 140 km from Madinah.
A private taxi can stop at Badr en route from Makkah for an additional fee (typically SAR 100 to SAR 200 above the base fare). This turns a straightforward transfer into a meaningful ziyarat stop. Our dedicated Madinah to Badr taxi service covers this route directly as well, if you prefer to visit Badr as a day trip from Madinah.
This option is simply not available on the train or bus.
For a full guide to Madinah sites worth visiting, see our Madinah to Makkah taxi service page for return journey options and route guidance.
FAQs
Is the Haramain train faster than a taxi from Makkah to Madinah?
The train ride itself is faster (2h40m vs 4.5 to 6h). But door to door — including station transfers, check in, and security — the total time difference is much smaller, often under one hour. For families with luggage, a direct taxi is frequently faster door to door.
How do I book the Haramain train?
Via the Saudi Railways app or website (sar.com.sa). Tickets sell out quickly during Ramadan and Hajj season — book well in advance. Note that you will still need taxis at both ends of the journey.
Can I stop at Badr during a Makkah to Madinah taxi journey?
Yes. Prebook a Makkah to Madinah taxi and request a Badr stop when booking. Umrah Taxi Hub offers this route with an optional Badr ziyarat stop included.
Which is cheapest: taxi, train, or bus from Makkah to Madinah?
Per person, the SAPTCO bus is cheapest (SAR 30 to SAR 60). For groups of 4 or more, a private taxi becomes cost competitive per person while offering door to door service. The train is typically the most expensive option when you include the taxi legs at each end.
