Jeddah station, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Al-Sulaymaniyah Station is located in the Al-Sulaymaniyah district, approximately 10 km from Jeddah's city center, close to the highways toward Makkah and the airport. Most travelers arrive by taxis, ride-hailing cars or private car, and the station has drop-off areas and parking for passengers. The station operates daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, so plan early and late journeys around these hours.

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's main commercial city and largest port on the Red Sea, and it has long been the gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. The Haramain High-Speed Railway supports millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and links three major cities of the Hejaz region in one network. It is part of Saudi Arabia's modern transportation master plan, and the Haramain High Speed Railway network promotes economic diversification in the region by boosting tourism, trade and new urban development.

Jeddah Al-Sulaymaniyah Station connects to Makkah and Madinah, with all trains on the Haramain High-Speed Railway serving the Jeddah area. Travel time from Jeddah to Makkah (Mecca) is around 30 minutes, while the distance from Jeddah to Madinah (Medina) is approximately 390 kilometers, covered in about 1 hour 50 minutes via King Abdullah Economic City. Trains offer Economy and Business classes, with more frequent services during the Hajj and Umrah peaks.

Entry to Mecca is restricted to Muslims, so only Muslim passengers can travel to Makkah station; non-Muslim travelers can use the railway between Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City and Medina. Pilgrims heading to Mecca for Umrah should plan their ihram in advance according to their point of departure and the guidance of the relevant religious authorities. During Hajj, additional rules and permits apply, so check the latest requirements before booking.

There is currently no direct high-speed train between Jeddah and Riyadh, as the Haramain High-Speed Railway runs only along the west coast between Makkah and Madinah. Most travelers between the two cities fly from King Abdulaziz International Airport, a trip of about 1 hour 45 minutes, or drive the long desert highway. Long-term plans for a rail link across the country would connect Riyadh with Jeddah in the future.

Jeddah is served by two major stations on the Haramain High Speed Railway network: Al-Sulaymaniyah in the city and the station at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA). The KAIA station provides direct connectivity to international flight terminals, and the railway integrates air transit with ground transportation networks, so pilgrims can travel straight from their flight to Makkah or Madinah by train. From Al-Sulaymaniyah, a taxi to the airport typically takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies, its markets and its traditional atmosphere. The Jeddah Corniche runs for kilometers along the Red Sea, with parks, sculptures and the King Fahd Fountain, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Both are about 20–30 minutes from the station by car, depending on traffic.

The Haramain High Speed Railway was inaugurated in September 2018, and commercial passenger service on the Haramain High Speed Railway began on October 11, 2018. On 29 September 2019, a large fire broke out in the roof of Jeddah Al-Sulaymaniyah Station, and trains were rerouted through the newly built KAIA station from December 2019. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, services returned in March 2021, and the repaired Al-Sulaymaniyah station has since reopened to passengers.

Step one is choosing your travel date: trains on weekends, during Ramadan, the Hajj season and public holidays fill up fast, so it pays to book early. Once you pay, your ticket is saved in your Haramain account and app and sent by email with a QR code. Check the departure station, train time, carriage and seat before you travel, as some trains use the airport station instead of Al-Sulaymaniyah.

Passengers and luggage pass through security checks before entering the platform area, and gates close shortly before departure. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is recommended, and longer during the Hajj and Umrah peaks, giving you time for security checks and finding your platform. Luggage allowances apply on Haramain trains, so check the rules for large suitcases before you travel.

Yes, the station is equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including elevators, ramps and step-free routes between the entrances, the departure hall and the platforms, as well as accessible toilets. Passengers who need help can request assistance from station staff, ideally when booking or at the ticket office before departure.

Taxi stands are located outside the station's main entrance, where licensed taxis wait for arriving passengers throughout the day. Ride-hailing taxi services such as Uber and Careem also operate in Jeddah and can pick you up from the station's drop-off area. A taxi to Jeddah's city center, about 10 km away, usually takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

The station has clean restrooms, with clear signage leading to the restrooms and waiting areas, and ATMs are available for cash withdrawals. Separate prayer rooms for men and women allow travelers to pray before their journey, and seating areas are spread across the departure hall. Station staff and information desks can help with directions and services.

To make your travel experience smoother, book early, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and double-check whether your train leaves from Al-Sulaymaniyah or the airport station. Carry your ID or passport and your ticket QR code on your phone, and keep within the luggage allowance. Future plans include integrating the railway with the Jeddah Metro System, which will make reaching the station even easier, and this FAQ aims to add practical tips to the official timetables, so you can plan your journey with confidence.

Jeddah Station in Al-Sulaymaniyah is one of the main stops on the Haramain High Speed Railway, which was inaugurated in September 2018 and opened to passengers on October 11, 2018. After a fire in September 2019, trains were temporarily rerouted through the King Abdulaziz International Airport station, and the repaired Jeddah station later reopened. Today it operates daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with trains to Makkah, Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City.

You can buy train tickets for Haramain High Speed services online through the official website and app, at the ticket counters in the station, or at the digital self-service kiosks in the departure hall. Booking early is recommended during Ramadan, the Hajj season and weekends, when trains fill up fast. Your ticket is saved in your account and sent by email with a QR code, which you show at the gates.

Haramain trains are the fastest in Saudi Arabia, running at high speed of up to 300 km/h on a line of about 450 km between Makkah and Madinah. From Jeddah, the journey to Makkah takes around 30 minutes and to Madinah about 1 hour 50 minutes, much faster than by road. The railway is part of the country's modern transportation master plan and supports millions of pilgrims every year.

Jeddah Station offers cafés and kiosks selling snacks and beverages, convenience stores for travel essentials, and VIP lounges for Business class passengers. For more shopping, Jeddah's large malls and the traditional markets of Al-Balad, the historic old town, are about 20–30 minutes away by taxi. Clean restrooms, ATMs and separate prayer rooms for men and women are also available in the station.