Jeddah Airport to Makkah for Pakistani Pilgrims: Train, Package Transport or Taxi
Jeddah airport to Makkah for Pakistani Umrah pilgrims: Haramain train hours, the 25 kg bag limit, ticket change fees, and why package transport comes first.
From Jeddah airport to Makkah, a Pakistani Umrah pilgrim has three choices: the transport already in the Umrah package, the Haramain high speed train, or a taxi. The train leaves from a station inside the airport's main terminal building and runs from 06:30 to 00:30 every day.
We read the Haramain railway's own station, baggage and ticket pages, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's questions page, on 2 October 2026. The one fact most people miss is that the Makkah train station is 3.5 km from the Haram, so the train alone does not get you to your hotel.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Is transport in my Umrah package? | A visa through an agent needs a package with accommodation and transport |
| Train station at the airport | Inside the main terminal building, King Abdulaziz International Airport |
| Train hours | 06:30 to 00:30 daily |
| Makkah station | Ar Rusayfah, 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram |
| Train baggage | One large bag up to 25 kg, plus one hand bag |
| Railway helpline | 920 004 433 |
Pakistani Umrah pilgrims have three ways from Jeddah airport to Makkah
The three ways are the transport in your Umrah package, the Haramain train, and a taxi from the airport hub. For most Pakistanis the package transport comes first, because it is already paid for. The train suits pilgrims travelling on their own with light bags.
The airport station is part of a transport hub that connects the terminal to the high speed rail, buses, shuttles, taxis and car parking, according to the railway's station page. So all three options start from the same building.
Which one is best depends on your bags and your hotel. A family with four suitcases and a group bus booked should not switch to the train to save an hour.
Your Umrah package transport is already paid for
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says an agent abroad cannot issue an Umrah visa without a service package of accommodation and transport. So if a Pakistani agent got your visa, your transfer from the airport should be in the contract.
The ministry also says you do not have to pay any amount outside your contract unless you add services. If a driver or group leader asks for extra money for the airport transfer, show the contract and call your agent. The same contract should list the mandatory Umrah food voucher as its own line.
Pilgrims who booked on Nusuk Umrah have the same protection. Its comprehensive packages include intercity transport, as we found when we checked the Umrah visa from Pakistan routes in September. Keep the booking on your phone and on paper.
The Haramain train leaves from inside the airport's main terminal
The Airport Jeddah railway station is built into the main terminal building at King Abdulaziz International Airport. It runs daily from 06:30 to 00:30. Trains go to Makkah station in Ar Rusayfah, which is 3.5 km from Masjid al-Haram, so you still need a taxi or bus.
The railway's page does not name a terminal number. It says "Main Airport Terminal Building". If your flight lands at another terminal, ask airport staff how to reach the main terminal before you buy a ticket.
Flights that land after midnight are a problem. The station closes at 00:30, so a pilgrim landing at 2 am cannot take the train that night. Plan the package transport or a taxi for those arrivals.
Makkah station also has 4,750 parking spaces, for anyone being collected by family or a driver.
Train baggage is one 25 kg suitcase plus a hand bag
Each train passenger may bring one large bag of up to 25 kg, no bigger than 65 by 55 by 35 cm, and one hand bag such as a backpack or purse. Bags are security checked before boarding. Cash, gold and jewellery worth over 60,000 riyals are not allowed.
That rule is tighter than most airline allowances. A pilgrim with two large suitcases cannot take both on the train. One of them goes in a taxi or with the group.
The railway also bans sharp tools such as knives and large scissors, large lighters and gas cylinders, and toy weapons. Food must be tightly packaged, and only small drinks in their original container may be carried.
| Rule | What the railway says |
|---|---|
| Large bag | One piece, up to 25 kg, 65 x 55 x 35 cm |
| Hand bag | One backpack, laptop bag, purse or similar |
| Cash, gold, jewellery | Not above 60,000 riyals |
| Ticket office | Closes 20 minutes before departure |
| Boarding gates | Close 10 minutes before departure |
Book and board the Haramain train in five steps
Book on the railway's website or app with the passenger's name, then carry the ticket and your passport. Reach the station early, because the ticket office closes 20 minutes before departure and the gates close 10 minutes before. Tickets cannot be passed to someone else.
- Book in each traveller's name. Tickets are non-transferable and used only by the person named.
- Add a correct phone number and email. The railway says these are its only way to reach you about delays.
- Carry ID. Your passport must be shown if staff ask.
- Arrive early. The ticket office shuts 20 minutes before departure, the gates 10 minutes before.
- Keep children with you. Under 12s must travel with an adult, and under 2s share an adult's seat.
Prices change by class and date, so we do not quote a fare. The booking page shows it before you pay.
Changing or cancelling a train ticket costs up to half the fare
An economy ticket costs 10 per cent of the fare to change more than 24 hours ahead, and 20 per cent of the fare to cancel. Inside 24 hours the charges rise to 20 and 50 per cent. Within 20 minutes of departure nothing can be changed.
Business tickets are free to change or cancel more than 24 hours ahead. If you miss the train, the ticket is void and there is no refund.
Delays work the other way. If the train is more than 2 hours late and you still travel, the railway refunds 25 per cent of the ticket. More than 3 hours late, it refunds 50 per cent. Delayed flights are your own risk, since the railway does not pay for a missed plane.
Plan the return the same way. Your last day often has an early flight and bags to weigh, and the power bank rules on flights still apply when you fly home from Jeddah.
Before you fly home, check the rules to carry Zamzam water home on PIA and Saudia.
Common questions
Is there a train from Jeddah airport to Makkah?
Yes. The Haramain high speed train runs from a station inside the airport's main terminal to Makkah station, daily from 06:30 to 00:30.
How far is the Makkah train station from the Haram?
3.5 km, in the Ar Rusayfah district, according to the railway. You need a taxi or bus for the last part.
How much luggage can I take on the Haramain train?
One large bag up to 25 kg and 65 x 55 x 35 cm, plus one hand bag.
Do I pay extra for the airport transfer on an Umrah package?
No, if it is in your contract. The Saudi Hajj ministry says you pay nothing outside the contract unless you add services.
Who do I call if my Umrah transport does not turn up?
Call your Umrah company first. If it does not respond, the ministry's care centre is on 920002814.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked on 2 October 2026. Station locations, hours, baggage, prohibited items, ticket and delay rules are from the Haramain High Speed Railway website. Package transport and the no extra payment rule are from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah questions page. We could not open the airport's own transport page, which blocked automated access, so we do not quote bus times, taxi fares or train fares.
About the author
Public Services and Education Journalist
Fajr Riaz is a journalist and content writer at Pakistan Era, based in Lahore. She covers the questions people meet in everyday life in Pakistan: how a public service works, what a change in the rules means, and where to find a reliable answer.
