How To Get From Jeddah To Madinah (Full Guide!)
Travelling from Jeddah to the holy city of Madinah, which is located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, is very important for locals. Also known as Medina, Madinah is the second-holiest city in Islamic tradition after Mecca, and is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. In the eastern part of Madinah stands the stunning Prophet’s Mosque, which serves as the burial site of the prophet Muhammad, who built the mosque in 622 AD – from that time, the Hijri era began on the Islamic calendar. Since its inception, the Prophet’s Mosque has been a model for other Muslim mosques, making it one of the most impressive points of interest in Saudi Arabia.
Exactly How To Get From Jeddah To Madinah
There are several different ways to get from Jeddah to Madinah: by train, car, bus, taxi or plane. Let’s discuss them to make your trip as smooth as possible!
Flying From Jeddah To Madinah
If you want to get from Jeddah to Madinah quickly, you should consider flying. Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, operates direct flights from Jeddah to Madinah several times a day.
Tip: Check-in counters at the airport open three hours before departure and close one hour before departure, so be at the airport early.
How Long Does It Take To Fly From Jeddah To Madinah?
A direct flight from Jeddah to Madinah takes about one hour. Keep in mind that flight times are subject to many factors, such as weather conditions or unexpected delays.
How Much Does It Cost To Fly Between The Two Cities?
Saudia flight tickets from Jeddah to Madinah cost around €70 (285 SAR) each way. If you book your flight tickets in advance, this company sometimes runs promotions, so you may find tickets at better prices. When I travel, I use Skyscanner to find cheap flights and get the best airfares.
Where Are The Departure And Arrival Airports?
Planes depart from Jeddah Airport (JED; officially: King Abdulaziz International Airport) and fly into Madinah Airport (MED; officially: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport), which is located about 20 kilometres east of the Prophet’s Mosque. The fastest way to get from Madinah Airport to the city of Madinah is by taxi, which takes 30 minutes and costs around €40 (SAR 163) one-way.
Bus From Jeddah To Madinah
If you’re travelling on a budget, you should consider taking the bus from Jeddah to the holy city. The advantage of taking the bus is that it gives you a chance to take in the natural scenery of Saudi Arabia. Buses run daily from Jeddah to Madinah, with departures from early in the morning to late at night.
How Long Does It Take By Bus On This Route?
Depending on the departure time you choose, the bus from Jeddah to Madinah will take 5–7 hours. The buses take several stops along the way, where you can eat, pray or use the restroom.
How Much Does A Bus Ticket From Jeddah To Madinah Cost?
Bus fares range from €17 (SAR 68) to €25 (SAR 102) for a one-way trip. You can view all of the schedules on the Northwest BUS website. You can also buy bus tickets there. Select Jeddah Train Station as your origin and Al Madinah Bus Station (Jabal Ohud) as your destination, and then enter your other details to see all of your travel options.
How Often Do Buses Run From Jeddah To The Holy City?
Buses from Jeddah to Madinah depart daily starting at 6:30 am, with the last bus departing from Jeddah Train Station at 11:59 pm. There are seven or eight buses per day. Get to the station at least half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
The bus driver will check your ticket before you board the bus. You can use a paper ticket or a mobile ticket. The driver may also ask you for other documents, such as your passport or visa.
Is The Bus From Jeddah To Madinah Safe?
Yes, it’s a very safe way to travel between the two cities. Just remember that during the trip, women and children sit at the front of the bus and men sit in the back.
Also read: Things to Do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Train From Jeddah To Madinah
One of the fastest and most reliable ways to get from Jeddah to Madinah is by train. The Haramain High Speed Railway provides a fast, convenient and safe way to travel to Madinah.
How Long Does It Take To Do This Trip By Train?
It takes about two hours to get from Jeddah to Madinah by train. To make sure you get a seat on the train, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance on the Haramain High Speed Railway website.
It’s good to know that Saudi high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and spacious cabins. They offer business and economy class seats. Therefore, in my opinion, this is one of the most optimal and best options to reach Madinah from Jeddah as quickly as possible.
How Much Do Train And Bus Tickets From Jeddah To Madinah Cost?
An economy class ticket on the high-speed train for this route costs €35 (SAR 143). You can view all of the train schedules on the Haramain High Speed Railway website. You can also buy train tickets there. Select Al-Sulimaniyah/Jeddah or Airport/Jeddah as your origin and Madinah as your destination, and then enter your dates to see all of your travel options.
How Often Does The Haramain Train Operate Between Jeddah And The Holy City?
High-speed trains depart from Jeddah to Madinah about 20 times a day starting at 8:00 am, so it will be easy for you to arrange a less tiring route than travelling by bus.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Madinah.
Taxi from Jeddah to Madinah
A private transfer from Jeddah Airport or downtown Jeddah to Madinah is the way to go if you are looking for hassle-free travel. Booking a taxi will allow you to reach your destination quickly, comfortably and calmly.
How Long Does It Take To Get From Jeddah To Madinah By Taxi?
Depending on your point of departure, taking a taxi to Madinah will take 4–4.5 hours. During the trip, you will be able to sit back and enjoy the natural scenery of Saudi Arabia, without having to deal with any of the challenges that driving sometimes presents.
How Much Does It Cost To Take a Taxi Between The Two Cities?
The average price of a taxi from Jeddah to Madinah is €170 (SAR 690). I recommend booking in advance through Welcome Pickups, which I sometimes use myself. If you decide to look for a taxi at the airport or in the city, be sure to agree on the final price of the transfer before getting into the car.
Practical Information: If you are travelling in a group of four people, taking a private taxi costs almost the same as taking the train. Also keep in mind that the Madinah train station is outside of the city centre, so you will still need a taxi to reach your final destination.
Driving From Jeddah To Madinah
If you are travelling around Saudi Arabia as a tourist and plan to explore the country at your own pace, you can also drive from Jeddah to Madinah. Saudi Arabia’s roads are excellent and wide, making the journey smooth and quick.
The distance from Jeddah to Madinah is almost 430 kilometres and the journey takes about four to five hours. The ride will be long, but extremely pleasant, so you won’t get bored. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the country at your leisure. Plus, fuel is cheap in Saudi Arabia — another great reason to travel by car..
Tip: If you are planning to rent a car in Saudi Arabia, I recommend Discover Cars. I personally use this company a lot, and their prices are often lower than the competitors.
FAQs: Travel From Jeddah To The Holy City
How many flights are there per day from Jeddah to Madinah?
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, operates four or five direct flights from Jeddah to Madinah daily. This is the fastest way to travel between the two cities.
What is the cheapest way to get from Jeddah to the Holy City?
If you’re on a budget, then the cheapest way to get from Jeddah to the Holy City is by bus. Bus fares range from €17 (SAR 68) to €25 (SAR 102) for a one-way trip.
Is there a train from Jeddah Airport to Madinah?
Yes, the high-speed Haramain train runs from Jeddah Airport to Madinah.
How much does it cost to take the train from Jeddah to Madinah?
An economy class ticket between the two cities on the high-speed train costs €35 (SAR 143), and a business class ticket costs €79 (SAR 323).
How long does it take to get from Jeddah to Madinah by bus?
Depending on the departure time you choose, the bus from Jeddah to Madinah takes 5–7 hours.
Can tourists go to Madinah?
Unlike Mecca, Madinah is open to all visitors, regardless of their religious beliefs. Non-Muslims used to be prohibited from entering the Prophet’s Mosque, but this rule changed in 2021.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Saudi Arabia as a tourist?
If you’re travelling in Saudi Arabia as a tourist, you may need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, this requirement does not apply to citizens of some countries, so you should check this information online before your trip.
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Now you know how to get from Jeddah to Madinah: by bus, train, plane, car or taxi. I hope you find the best option for you!
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Marius
Hi, my name is Marius, and I’m driven by a desire to explore the hidden corners of the world. Less-traveled destinations like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Mongolia fascinate me with their authentic cultures and untouched landscapes. For me, every trip is an opportunity to challenge myself, meet new people, and create memories that last a lifetime.
