How to Ride the Haramain High-Speed Railway for Less Cost – Tips for Discount Tickets and a Medina to Jeddah Travel Experience

The Haramain High Speed Railway (HHR Train) connects major cities in Saudi Arabia and has become an essential transportation option for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers. In this article, I’ll introduce methods and tips for purchasing HHR Train tickets at discounted prices. Use this guide to achieve comfortable and efficient intercity travel in Saudi Arabia.

What is the Haramain High Speed Railway?

The Haramain High Speed Railway is a high-speed rail system connecting the major Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Medina. Opened in 2018, it reaches a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). This line, connecting Islam’s two holiest sites, plays an important role as a transportation method for pilgrims.

Target the 50% Off Promotion Periods for Booking

For those considering using the HHR Train, I recommend targeting the 50% off promotion periods. During these regularly held promotions, you have the opportunity to purchase tickets at half the regular price. Don’t miss out on these great deals by checking the official website and social media.

Incidentally, the HHR Train often has available seats even shortly before departure, so you don’t necessarily need to book weeks in advance. It might be worth waiting until a promotion is announced and booking closer to your travel date.

Important Things to Know

Here are several important points to be aware of when planning and booking your journey.

1. Train Stations Are Far from City Centers

HHR Train stations are often located far from city centers. This is due to the large land area required for high-speed rail infrastructure. Therefore, you need to allow sufficient time to reach the stations. Consider using taxis or ride-sharing services.

2. Arrive at Least 15 Minutes Before Departure

The HHR Train emphasizes punctual operations, and it’s recommended to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before departure time. Security checks and boarding procedures may take time, so plan accordingly.

3. Allow Extra Time for Unexpected Situations

Traffic congestion is common, particularly during morning hours in urban areas. Additionally, unexpected traffic regulations or roadwork might cause unplanned delays. It’s important to allow ample time for these unforeseen circumstances.

4. Jeddah Has Two Stations

Jeddah has two stations. One is Jeddah Central Station, which is relatively close to the city center, and the other is Jeddah Airport Station, adjacent to the airport. Choose the appropriate station based on your itinerary and destination. (By the way, Central Station is also called Jeddah Al-Sulimaniyah Station and is located in the Al-Sulimaniyah area on the outskirts of Jeddah. It’s surprisingly far from the city center, so in some cases, it might be more time-efficient to get off at Airport Station. Take note!)

5. Schedules Vary by Day of the Week

HHR Train schedules vary depending on the day of the week. In particular, Sundays tend to have fewer train services, so careful consideration is needed when planning your itinerary. I recommend checking the latest schedule on the official website.

6. Non-Muslims Cannot Travel South of Jeddah Station

Travel toward Mecca (south of Jeddah station) is restricted to Muslims only. Non-Muslims cannot use this section of the line. Regular checks are conducted on board, so be careful (attempting to board falsely will result in penalties).

7. Keep Electronic Tickets Available Offline

The official HHR Train app may sometimes encounter errors and fail to open. Once you’ve issued a ticket, be sure to take a screenshot or download it as a PDF. This ensures smooth boarding even if you can’t access the app.

8. Gender Considerations in Seat Reservations

The seat reservation system displays the gender of passengers who have already reserved seats. This is a feature designed with Islamic cultural considerations in mind. To avoid any issues, it’s advisable to avoid booking seats next to someone of the opposite gender.

My Recent Journey: Medina to Jeddah Airport

The route I used this time was from Medina to Jeddah Airport. The fare for this section was 69 SAR after applying the 50% promotion discount. The HHR Train, which connects approximately 450 km in about 2 hours, offers advantages in terms of both time and cost compared to air or road travel. In the next article, I’ll provide details about the train journey experience.

Summary

The Haramain High Speed Railway is a convenient transportation option connecting major cities in Saudi Arabia. However, using it comes with its own set of considerations. Proper preparation, such as verifying station locations, arrival times, and schedules, enables smooth travel.

In the next article, I’ll share my actual riding experience in detail. I’ll thoroughly describe the onboard facilities, comfort, scenery, and other attractive aspects of the HHR Train. Stay tuned for an exploration of Saudi Arabia’s new transportation revolution, the Haramain High Speed Railway!

Riding the Haramain High-Speed Railway Experience Review: A Smooth Journey from Medina to Jeddah