How to Travel from Jeddah to Medina: Full Guide
Whether you’re traveling for pilgrimage, business, or cultural exploration, getting from Jeddah to Medina is easy with the right transport. This guide explores every option, from the Haramain bullet train to taxis and buses, and helps you choose the most efficient way to reach this holy city. Find out how to travel from Jeddah to Medina with ease and confidence.
Last updated: 23.07.2025
Last updated: 23.07.2025
Haramain High-Speed Train
When considering how to get from Jeddah to Medina, the Haramain High-Speed Railway (SAR) is the most convenient and modern solution. This electric bullet train connects Jeddah and Medina in just 1 hour and 48 minutes, cutting travel time in half compared to buses or cars. The train route spans 271 kilometers and offers smooth, comfortable rides with clean, air-conditioned cabins and wide reclining seats.
With up to 15 daily departures, including early mornings and late evenings, you can easily find a train that suits your schedule. Ticket prices start at around $65 USD, depending on how early you book and which class you choose - Economy or Business. Food and drinks are available on board via mobile trolleys, and the train stations are well-equipped with modern facilities and seamless check-in processes.
Taxi
Traveling by taxi is another option, though not the most practical for everyone. A direct taxi from Jeddah to Medina typically takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The price for this ride can range from $200 to $300 USD, making it significantly more expensive than public transport.
While taxis provide flexibility and door-to-door service, they’re not ideal for budget travelers or those unfamiliar with long-distance travel in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, road conditions in the desert can be unpredictable, and summer heat makes long car rides more exhausting. If you choose this method, ensure the vehicle is licensed for intercity travel and negotiate the price beforehand to avoid surprises.
While taxis provide flexibility and door-to-door service, they’re not ideal for budget travelers or those unfamiliar with long-distance travel in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, road conditions in the desert can be unpredictable, and summer heat makes long car rides more exhausting. If you choose this method, ensure the vehicle is licensed for intercity travel and negotiate the price beforehand to avoid surprises.
Bus
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, long-distance buses offer an affordable way to reach Medina. Operators like SAPTCO provide several daily services between the two cities, with ticket prices starting at just $20–$30 USD. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on the number of stops and traffic. Modern buses typically come with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes onboard restrooms, making the ride reasonably comfortable.
However, delays are common, and the travel time can feel long, especially during peak travel seasons. While not as efficient as the train, buses remain a solid choice for those prioritizing cost over speed and comfort.
Quick Fact:
Intercity buses in Saudi Arabia, operated by companies like SAPTCO, connect major cities such as Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Mecca with budget-friendly fares. These buses are air-conditioned, gender-segregated, and often offer reclining seats, making them a comfortable option for long-distance travel.
Intercity buses in Saudi Arabia, operated by companies like SAPTCO, connect major cities such as Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Mecca with budget-friendly fares. These buses are air-conditioned, gender-segregated, and often offer reclining seats, making them a comfortable option for long-distance travel.
Car rental
Renting a car or driving your own vehicle offers the most freedom, especially if you want to make stops along the way. The route along Highway 15 is about 420 kilometers and takes 4.5 to 5 hours under normal traffic conditions. Roads are well-maintained, and the signage is clear, but you’ll need to be prepared for long stretches with few rest stops.
This option suits road trip lovers or groups looking to split costs, though you’ll need to factor in expenses like tolls, gas, and potentially car rental and insurance. It’s also important to remember that desert driving can be physically draining, especially in hot weather. While scenic and flexible, this option doesn’t compete with the train in terms of speed or ease.
This option suits road trip lovers or groups looking to split costs, though you’ll need to factor in expenses like tolls, gas, and potentially car rental and insurance. It’s also important to remember that desert driving can be physically draining, especially in hot weather. While scenic and flexible, this option doesn’t compete with the train in terms of speed or ease.
Plane
Flying from Jeddah to Medina is possible, but it’s generally not the most convenient option due to the short distance between the cities. Several domestic airlines operate this route, including Saudia and flynas, with flight durations of around one hour. However, when you factor in the time needed for airport transfers, security checks, and boarding, the total journey can easily exceed three to four hours. Flights depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and arrive at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, both of which are modern and well-equipped.
Plane travel may suit those with connecting international flights or travelers enrolled in frequent flyer programs. Ticket prices can vary widely depending on the time of booking and season but typically range from $80 to $150 USD. Baggage fees and restrictions may apply, especially with low-cost carriers. While air travel offers comfort and onboard service, it lacks the seamless, city-center-to-city-center convenience of the Haramain High-Speed Train. For most travelers, the train remains the faster and more efficient choice. Still, flying remains a valid option for those prioritizing flight schedules or with airport-specific travel plans.
Plane travel may suit those with connecting international flights or travelers enrolled in frequent flyer programs. Ticket prices can vary widely depending on the time of booking and season but typically range from $80 to $150 USD. Baggage fees and restrictions may apply, especially with low-cost carriers. While air travel offers comfort and onboard service, it lacks the seamless, city-center-to-city-center convenience of the Haramain High-Speed Train. For most travelers, the train remains the faster and more efficient choice. Still, flying remains a valid option for those prioritizing flight schedules or with airport-specific travel plans.
Wondering how to get to Medina from Jeddah? Whether you’re a pilgrim heading to the Prophet’s Mosque or a tourist exploring Saudi Arabia’s cultural heart, the Haramain High-Speed Train offers the best combination of speed, safety, and convenience.