Makkah Station: A Complete Visitor Breakdown

Makkah Haramain High-Speed Railway Station is the main gateway for travelers arriving in the holy city of Makkah. The station is located in the Rusaifa District, just a short drive from Masjid al-Haram, and is extremely convenient for anyone coming for Umrah or Hajj. It is one of the largest and busiest stations on the Haramain line, designed to handle thousands of passengers efficiently every day.

The moment travelers arrive here, they get easy access to nearby hotels, markets, the Jabal Omar area, and the main roads leading directly to the Masjid al-Haram.

The station sits at the southern end of the West Line of the Haramain High-Speed Railway. When trains travel south, this is the final stop. When they travel north, they head toward Jeddah Airport Station, Jeddah Al-Sulaimaniyah Station, KAEC, and finally Medina.

Because of this position, the station acts as the main starting and ending point for millions of pilgrims each year. The station helps reduce traffic on roads and shortens travel time between holy cities while also providing a modern travel experience.

This station holds huge importance for three groups of travelers. Pilgrims rely on it because it offers the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between Makkah and Medina. Tourists visiting Jeddah or KAEC also use it as a base, since travel times are short and the trains run smoothly. Business travelers prefer it because it provides quick links to Jeddah’s airport and business districts without dealing with busy highways.

 

About Makkah Station

Location

Makkah Haramain High-Speed Railway Station is located in the Rusaifa District, one of the closest large neighborhoods to the central Haram area. The distance between the station and Masjid al-Haram is around 6–7 km, which normally takes 10–15 minutes by taxi, shuttle, or private car.

Because this part of Makkah has wide connecting roads, reaching the Haram from the station is quite easy. Most hotels in Jabal Omar, Aziziyah, Misfalah, and Kudai have shuttle buses that stop at the station during busy Umrah periods.

Taxis and Uber/Careem are always available outside the main entrance, and the station has a dedicated pick-up/pick-drop lane, so vehicles move smoothly even during peak hours.

Major roads like the Old Jeddah Road and the Ring Road connect directly to Rusaifa, helping pilgrims reach accommodation areas or the Haram quickly.

Station Design 

The design of Makkah Station is large and purpose-built for heavy foot traffic, especially during Umrah and Hajj. The building has a long, wide façade and a series of shaded outdoor walkways to protect passengers from heat. The architecture uses light-colored stone and heat-resistant panels to reflect sunlight and keep indoor temperatures cool.

Inside, the station feels wide, open, and bright. High ceilings allow air to circulate easily, and the entire hall is fully air-conditioned.

The floors are smooth and polished, making it simple to roll suitcases or push wheelchairs. Accessibility is strong throughout the building, with features such as:

• Ramps beside every staircase
  
  

• Large elevators located near security
  
  

• Wide corridors for elderly travelers or those with mobility needs
  
  

• Clear signage in Arabic and English
  
  

These directional signs guide passengers to key areas, including:

• Ticketing counters
  
  

• Security checkpoints
  
  

• Waiting lounges
  
  

• Prayer rooms
  
  

• Restrooms
  
  

• Train platforms

Station Facilities

The ticketing area includes both staffed counters and self-service smart ticketing kiosks where travelers can book, modify, or reprint tickets quickly without standing in long lines. The security screening system operates like an airport, with multiple lanes to handle peak traffic. Once inside, passengers enter a large central hall that serves as the waiting area. There are also designated family sections and accessible seating areas placed near elevators and ramps. 

Station Amenities

1. Prayer Rooms & Religious Facilities: Prayer rooms are among the most important facilities in the station. Passengers arriving close to prayer times appreciate how easy it is to access them without leaving the building. These rooms are clean, well-lit, and located conveniently near the main waiting areas.

2. Cafés, Shops & Passenger Essentials: There are also several cafés and snack counters inside the station that serve tea, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and quick meals. Small shops sell water, dates, SIM cards, over-the-counter medicines, travel chargers, toiletries, and ihram essentials, making it simple for pilgrims to buy last-minute items before heading to the Haram. During busy seasons, temporary pop-up stalls sometimes open near the entrance to accommodate large crowds.

3. Eco-Friendly Design & Comfortable Environment: Makkah Station also uses eco-friendly LED lighting and efficient cooling systems to reduce electricity consumption while maintaining a comfortable environment. The building’s design includes covered walkways and insulated panels that help control indoor temperatures. 

4. Digital Displays & Passenger Information: Digital displays are placed at every key location, giving live updates on departure times, platform numbers, and boarding status. The station also has level boarding platforms, meaning the train floor is aligned with the platform height to help passengers with heavy luggage board easily.

 

Luggage Policy

Each passenger may carry:

• 1 large suitcase (approx. 65 × 55 × 35 cm)
  
  

• 1 personal item (backpack, handbag, etc.)
  
  

Oversized boxes or extra bags may be stopped at security, especially during busy Umrah periods, so keeping within limits helps avoid delays.

Parking Details

The parking area is large and divided into:

• Short-term parking – Close to the entrance; best for drop-offs or quick stays
  
  

• Long-term parking – Slightly farther; ideal for travelers going to Medina or taking longer trips
  
  

The paths between the parking areas and the station entrance are wheelchair-friendly. Taxi, Uber, and Careem lanes are separated from private-car areas to keep traffic organized.

How to Book Tickets?

1. Online: Use the official Saudi Railway Company (SAR) website, selecting your class (Economy/Business) and destination (Jeddah, Madinah, etc.).

2. At the Station: Purchase tickets at the counter or ticket machines at Makkah Station. 

How to Get to Makkah Station 

This station is one of the most accessible in the city because it is located in the Rusaifa District, which lies directly between central Makkah and the main roads leading to Jeddah.

The distance from the station to Masjid al-Haram is around 6–7 km, and depending on traffic, the ride usually takes 10–15 minutes.
During peak prayer times or weekends, the travel time may extend to 15–20 minutes, but rarely beyond that because Rusaifa has multiple entry and exit routes that help avoid bottlenecks.

Key Roads Connecting to the Station

The roads leading to the station are wide and commonly used by taxis, hotel shuttles, and private cars. These include:

• Old Jeddah Road
  
  

• Rusaifa Road
  
  

• Western Ring Road
  
  

Drivers in Makkah are usually familiar with the station because it is the main departure point for pilgrims traveling to Medina.

Transportation Options to the Station

Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps

Reaching the station is easiest by taxi, Uber, or Careem, all available around the clock.
Most ride-hailing apps match a driver in 2–5 minutes because the area is surrounded by busy neighborhoods.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels—especially in:

• Jabal Omar
  
  

• Misfalah
  
  

• Aziziyah
  
  

• Nawariya
  
  

• Kudai
  
  

offer direct shuttle services to the station.
These run more frequently during Umrah seasons and after prayer times. Some hotels near the Haram even have dedicated Haramain desks to coordinate shuttle timings.

Station Entrance & Traffic Lanes

The station’s entrance area has four dedicated traffic lanes:

• Quick drop-offs
  
  

• Pick-ups
  
  

• Buses/coaches
  
  

• Taxis
  
  

This layout ensures smooth traffic flow even during peak hours.

Position on the Haramain Line

Station Order (Northbound Travel)

Within the Haramain West Line, Makkah Station sits at the southern end. It is:

• The final stop when traveling south
  
  

• The first stop when traveling north
  
  

Northbound route:
Makkah → Jeddah Airport Station → Jeddah Al-Sulaimaniyah → KAEC → Medina

Because of this placement, the station is the main starting point for pilgrims heading to Medina, especially during high-demand periods such as Ramadan, peak Umrah weekends, and Hajj.

Travel Times From Makkah Station

Travel times are reliable and rarely change, even during busy weekends. Typical durations:

• To Jeddah Airport: 10–15 minutes (fastest airport connection)
  
  

• To Jeddah Al-Sulaimaniyah: 15–20 minutes
  
  

• To KAEC: 1 hour 10–15 minutes
  
  

• To Medina: 2 hours 10–20 minutes
  
  

These consistent timings make the train a preferred option over unpredictable highway travel—especially for passengers catching flights from Jeddah Airport.

On-Ground Convenience at the Station

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

The moment you step outside the station’s main doors, you'll find:

• A long line of taxis in a dedicated lane
  
  

• Clearly marked Uber and Careem pick-up points
  
  

• Station staff assisting passengers in locating their cars
  
  

Parking & Accessibility

Parking is available, and the paths from parking to the entrance are:

• Shaded
  
  

• Smooth
  
  

• Wheelchair-friendly
  
  

Public Transport Note

Public buses do operate in the Rusaifa area, but most travelers do not use them because taxis are faster and more convenient.

Makkah’s metro system does not connect to the station (it operates only around the Haram during Hajj), but the strong road network makes the station easy to reach without a metro link.

 

Things to Do Near Makkah Station

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Makkah Station is only 6–7 km from Masjid al-Haram, making the Grand Mosque—Islam’s most important cultural and religious site—very easy to reach. This is the heart of Islamic history, where millions of pilgrims come for Umrah and Hajj every year.

Travelers can visit the mosque for prayer, tawaf, or simply explore the Haram area, which is surrounded by Islamic architecture, hotels, markets, and old alleyways.

Nearby Cultural Attractions

A short distance from the Haram, the Jabal Omar Complex offers modern Islamic architecture and beautiful night views. Visitors can walk around elevated plazas and enjoy the unique blend of traditional and contemporary design.

Other key cultural sites include:

• Makkah Museum (Al-Zahir District) – About 15 minutes from the station; displays artifacts on Makkah’s history and Islamic arts.
  
  

• Kiswa Factory – Where the cloth of the Kaaba is made (prior booking required).
  
  

• Zamzam Well Exhibition – Shares details on the history and significance of the Zamzam water source.
  
  

• Haramein Museum (Jabal Omar) – Showcases Islamic history, holy sites, and historical manuscripts.

Family & Leisure Activities

The Abraj Al Bait area near the Haram has wide plazas and cool indoor spaces suitable for families. Children can enjoy the malls, toy stores, and the impressive Clock Tower up close.

Popular family-friendly spots include:

• Makkah Mall (Aziziyah) – About 10 minutes from the station; great for shopping and kids’ activities.
  
  

• Al Hejaz Mall (King Fahd Road) – Offers shops, food courts, and indoor entertainment.
  
  

• Khalidiya Park & neighborhood parks – Peaceful areas for outdoor relaxation in Rusaifa and Kudai.
  
  

Although Makkah is not a beach destination, many travelers take the train to Jeddah (20 minutes) for beaches, entertainment zones, and waterfront activities along the Corniche.

Culinary Experiences

Food in Makkah is influenced by global pilgrims, creating a mix of Saudi, Yemeni, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, and Egyptian flavors.

Where to Eat Near the Station

Popular food areas close to the station include Rusaifa, Aziziyah, and Misfalah. Local favorites include:

• Kabsa
  
  

• Mandi
  
  

• Madhbi
  
  

• Saleeg
  
  

Popular restaurant chains easily accessible from the station:

• Al Baik
  
  

• Al Tazaj
  
  

• Al Romansiah
  
  

• Shawarma House
  
  

Dining Around the Haram

The Clock Tower Mall offers a wide variety of dining options:

• Middle Eastern grills
  
  

• Turkish kebabs
  
  

• South Asian biryani
  
  

• International fast food
  
  

Tea lovers will enjoy Karak, Arabic coffee, and fresh juices from local cafés in Jabal Omar and Misfalah.

For quick bites, the area around the station has:

• Small bakeries
  
  

• Local sandwich shops
  
  

• Convenience stores with dates, pastries, fresh bread, and Saudi snacks
  
  

Day Trips & Excursions

Makkah Station’s connection to the Haramain Railway makes it ideal for short trips.

By Train

• Jeddah Airport Station: 10–15 minutes
  
  

• Jeddah City Station: ~20 minutes, giving access to the Corniche, museums, beaches, and major malls
  
  

• KAEC: Just over 1 hour, leading to beaches, Bay La Sun Marina, cafés, bike paths, and quiet waterfront areas
  
  

Many travelers take half-day trips to KAEC for seaside relaxation.

By Road

Nature and cultural trips accessible from Makkah Station include:

• Taif (2 hours) – A cool-weather mountain city with scenic views
  
  

• Al Hada & Shafa – Popular picnic and nature spots near Taif
  
  

• Arafat, Muzdalifah & Mina – Significant Islamic sites located 15–25 minutes away

 

Important Information About Makkah Station 

The entrances are wide and fully levelled, making it easy to push strollers, wheelchairs, and luggage trolleys. Automatic sliding doors open directly into the main hall, and the elevators are large and located near the security area, giving step-free access to the platforms.

Ramps sit next to every staircase, and wheelchair-friendly toilets are available in multiple spots. Families can use baby-changing rooms, family waiting sections, and spacious seating clusters that allow children to settle without crowding.

Station staff stand near the entrance and security points to guide elderly travelers, assist with luggage, or provide wheelchair support when needed.

Connecting to trains is simple because the station layout is straightforward. Arriving 25–30 minutes before departure gives enough time to clear security comfortably.

Key features that make boarding easy include:

• QR-code ticket scanning directly at the gate
  
  

• No need to visit the counter unless changing a booking
  
  

• Clear signs guiding passengers to platforms
  

 

Where to Stay Near Makkah Station

The closest high-quality hotels are in the Jabal Omar area, which is directly connected to the Haram. Popular choices include:

• Hilton Suites Makkah
  
  

• Jabal Omar Marriott
  
  

• Hyatt Regency
  
  

• Conrad Makkah
  
  

These hotels offer modern rooms, strong air-conditioning, multiple dining options, and large prayer halls with live audio from Masjid al-Haram. They are ideal for families and pilgrims who want quick access to both the Haram and the station.

For travelers seeking more affordable stays, the Aziziyah District is only 8–10 minutes from Makkah Station. This area has clean, mid-range hotels and furnished apartments such as:

• Nusuk Al Dar Hotel
  
  

• Al Waleed Tower Hotel
  
  

• Durrat Al Eiman
  
  

These properties are popular with long-stay pilgrims because they offer larger rooms, kitchenettes, and shuttle buses to the Haram during peak periods.

Business travelers or passengers with early train schedules often choose hotels near the station. Neighborhoods like Rusaifa, Kudai, and Al Naseem offer:

• Furnished apartments
  
  

• Budget-friendly 3-star hotels
  
  

• Quick check-in/out convenience
  
  

Most major hotels in Jabal Omar, Kudai, and Aziziyah also operate shuttle services to and from Makkah Station during busy Umrah and Ramadan seasons. These shuttles follow fixed schedules based on Haramain departure times.

Although Saudi Rail does not officially list hotel partnerships, many hotels—especially in Jabal Omar—coordinate closely with train schedules and assist guests with:

• Booking support
  
  

• Group transfers
  
  

• Luggage arrangements

 

The Station Experience 

The station entrance opens into a wide, bright hall with strong air conditioning and plenty of space for people to move comfortably, even during busy Umrah periods. Security screening begins immediately upon entering.

Staff guide passengers toward the correct lane, such as:

• General lane
  
  

• Family lane
  
  

• Assistance lane for elderly travelers
  
  

They also help place bags onto the X-ray belt. Even during peak Umrah seasons, lines move steadily because the station has multiple scanners operating at once.

The main waiting hall is spacious and features:

• Long rows of cushioned seating
  
  

• Family seating zones
  
  

• Accessible seats close to elevators
  
  

Business and VIP lounge users have access to a quieter area with:

• Comfortable seating
  
  

• Free drinks
  
  

• Private restrooms

A dedicated hallway leads directly to the platforms. Additional conveniences in the waiting area include:

• Free, reliable Wi-Fi
  
  

• Charging sockets along the walls and seating blocks
  
  

• Large digital screens showing live departure times
  
  

• Clear audio announcements repeated regularly

Prayer rooms for men and women are one of the station’s most important features. They are located just steps from the lounge and include:

• Clean carpets and organized prayer rows
  
  

• Bright lighting
  
  

• Wudu rooms with non-slip floors and stainless-steel taps

 Quick Facts