Makkah to Madinah: Distance, Drive Time & Haramain Train (Highway 15)
By Wijhatik team · Updated: August 2026
Transport comparison — Makkah to Madinah
Flight/bus/train prices are per person, one-way, estimated; car cost is for the whole vehicle, one-way. Check official operators for exact fares; live flight prices are in the calculator.
The road and drive time (Makkah → Madinah)
The main route is the Al-Hijrah Expressway (Highway 15, the Makkah–Madinah expressway), about 450 km with a driving time of ~4.5 hours in normal conditions. Car fuel is roughly ~83 SAR for the whole vehicle (450 km × 8 L/100km × local fuel price).
Haramain train — by far the fastest
The Haramain High-Speed Railway covers the route in about 2–2.75 hours (up to 300 km/h), with economy fares around ~150–200 SAR per person (business higher). It is the fastest and most comfortable way between the two holy cities.
Note for non-Muslims
Makkah is restricted to Muslims; if you are driving in from elsewhere, a non-Muslim bypass road routes around Makkah toward the Madinah highway.
Rest stops and fuel
Fuel stations, rest areas and mosques line the Al-Hijrah Expressway; fill up before you set off and stop every ~2 hours, especially in summer and during pilgrim peaks.
Travelling with kids and seasons
4.5 hours is a long drive for children — the Haramain train is the better choice. Demand rises during Hajj, Umrah and Ramadan as pilgrims move between the two cities.
Getting there without a car
🚆 The Haramain train is ideal (~2–2.75 hrs). 🚌 SAPTCO buses are cheaper but slower (~5–6 hrs). ✈️ No regular direct flights between the two cities. 🚕 Private transfers and taxis are common for pilgrims.
Related routes
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أسئلة شائعة
How far is Makkah from Madinah?
About 450 km by road, roughly ~4.5 hrs driving.
What is the fastest way from Makkah to Madinah?
Usually the train (~~2–2.75 hrs by train).
What is the cheapest way to travel between Makkah and Madinah?
Per person, the bus is usually cheapest (bus from ~70 SAR). Driving can be cheapest when the cost is shared (~83 SAR fuel for the vehicle).
Is there a train between Makkah and Madinah?
Yes, via the Haramain High-Speed Railway, about ~2–2.75 hrs at an estimated 150–300 SAR per person.
How much does it cost to drive from Makkah to Madinah?
Roughly ~83 SAR in fuel for the whole vehicle (based on 450 km × 8 L/100km × local fuel price), excluding tolls and wear.
How many hours is Makkah to Madinah by car?
Driving takes about ~4.5 hrs for roughly 450 km in normal conditions, longer at peak times and seasons.
How much is a train ticket from Makkah to Madinah?
Roughly 150–300 SAR per person on the Haramain High-Speed Railway (~2–2.75 hrs); the official operator fare varies by class and time.
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