The lesser pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah called Umrah is a holy journey that many Muslims take up each year. They prefer to book Umrah packages depending on their budget. There are multiple of them including luxury and affordable Umrah packages.
After landing in Mecca, many pilgrims also prefer to travel to Medina to visit the Prophet’s mosque. This whole journey between the two holy cities can be hard and time-consuming. The distance between them is around 430 km which can drain your energy if travelling by other local means. Therefore, the Haramain train has been introduced by the Saudi government to ensure fast, easy and cozy travel for visitors and locals.
This bullet-speed train has reduced the travel time between Mecca and Medina thus, saving pilgrims time and energy for worshipping. If you are planning for Umrah and want to benefit from the Haramain train, here’s what you need to know.
Mecca and Medina Haramain Train Stations
In Mecca, Haramain train stations lie at the following places:
- In Al Rasaifah District: It is 6km away from the Grand Mosque in Mecca
- In An Naseem District: The station here is called Jeddah al-Sulaymaniyah
- Jeddah Airport Haramain High-Speed Railway Station: This station lies in a close area to King Abdulaziz International Airport. It is the main airport terminal in Jeddah.
In Medina, Haramain Railway station lies in Al Hadra District. It is 10km away from the Masjid e Nabawi.
Key Features of the Stations
Strategic Positions: These railway stations lie in close connection to some of the famous Islamic spots that make it easy for pilgrims.
Large Waiting Areas: The stations are large enough to accommodate a huge number of crowds, especially pilgrims. Mostly they want to travel on this train to cut down their travel time and reach desired locations without trouble.
Space for Praying: All Haramain Train stations have a separate area fixed for offering prayer. Pilgrims can be involved in their prayers while waiting for their trains.
Café and Hotels: Around these stations, there are multiple food and beverage options for travellers. They serve local and international food flavours.
Luggage Storing Option: On these stations, pilgrims can find luggage-keeping spots. In case they want to roam a bit about in the city, they can put their luggage under the station authorities.
Help Desks: You will find many help desks near the stations to know about timings and stops. The help desk team remains active to assist the travellers.
Luggage Guidelines to Consider
Haramain High-speed Train offers an easy and smooth travel journey for all. Sticking to their luggage policy and guidelines will make the trip more relaxing and convenient. As per the rules, each person can bring one large luggage bag that should weigh up to 25 kg.
In addition to this, each passenger can also carry a handbag with him. There are overhead shelves on the train to keep it. If the handbag is too big to fit on the overhead shelves, then there are also specially designed stacks for larger bags.
The luggage security team checks the bags and then lets anyone in. Its prime purpose is to ensure safety and reduce potential risks. Therefore, passengers must keep an eye on their luggage as well and not leave it alone. Moreover, it is better to pack lightly, and stuff needed items to avoid any trouble.
What No to Take in The Train?
While packing the luggage, there is a list of things that you should avoid packing. The following list includes all those items that are not allowed to be brought on the train.
- Alcohol or Drugs as they are strictly not allowed in Saudi Arabia. If you get caught with them, it will result in a serious penalty.
- Radioactive materials including explosives or corrosives, and compressed gas cylinders.
- Ammunition including firearms, knives, and even toy guns.
- Counterfeit Currency is not legal in KSA. Therefore, it is better to not keep it with you anywhere in the country.
- Jewelry, cash, or gold of more than 60,000 SAR value.
Ticketing Guidelines
There are a few ticketing guidelines for the passengers to follow to avoid any problems at the time of boarding.
- Travellers must book tickets in advance. They must have a valid ticket with the correct name, date, route, and time on it.
- It is necessary to bring an identification card with a ticket to get checked by the HHR staff.
- Kids under 12 years of age should have an adult by their side to travel via train.
- If a child is under 2 years of age, a ticket will be needed for him too. He will not get a separate seat though.
- Only the person can board the train whose name is written on the ticket.
- The ticket counter closes 20 minutes before the train’s departure and the boarding gate 10 minutes before.
- The passenger must remain seated on his seat throughout the whole travel.
- Any lost, forgotten, or abandoned property will remain under the HRR’s custody for 2 months only. After that neither the passenger can claim that nor the authorities are liable to return.
- Smoking is not allowed on the station premises. Anyone who will not cooperate in this regard will have to pay a fine.
- As per the rules, no animal is allowed to take on board.
Conclusion
The Haramain train is a great step by the Saudi rulers to assist pilgrims coming for Umrah. It is a comfortable and smooth train that offers an easy journey between Mecca and Medina. Those who book the affordable Group Umrah packages or other deals can check for the options of traveling via this train.
