Yes, you can take luggage on the Haramain High-Speed Train, but there are strict size and weight limits. Current published guidance allows each passenger one suitcase up to 25 kg and approximately 65 × 55 × 35 cm, plus one small hand item.
This is important for UK pilgrims because many airline-style “large” suitcases are actually bigger than the Haramain limit.
How Much Luggage Can I Take?
The standard allowance is:
- 1 suitcase per passenger
- maximum weight: 25 kg
- maximum size: 65 × 55 × 35 cm
- plus 1 small hand item, such as a backpack, laptop bag or handbag
If four people are travelling together and each has their own ticket, each passenger receives their own baggage allowance.
Does a Normal UK Large Suitcase Fit the Limit?
Not always.
Many airline check-in suitcases are around 70–80 cm tall. That can exceed the Haramain limit even if the bag is below 25 kg.
So before leaving the UK, measure your suitcase including:
wheels
handles
outer pockets
Do not check only the weight.
What Happens If My Suitcase Is Too Big?
Oversized or excess luggage may have to be sent separately through an external shipping service at additional cost rather than travelling with you on the same train. Haramain ticket information has specifically warned that excess luggage can be shipped externally and may not travel on your train.
That can create problems if you are only staying in Madinah for one or two nights.
Do not rely on staff ignoring an oversized bag.
Can I Take Two Large Suitcases?
Normally, the allowance is one main suitcase per passenger.
If you have two large bags, you should not assume both will be accepted simply because their combined weight is below 25 kg.
Families should distribute luggage between passengers before reaching the station.
Is Business Class Luggage Allowance Bigger?
Do not book Business Class purely because you expect extra luggage.
Published Haramain baggage guidance applies the same basic one-suitcase allowance to passengers, so check your current ticket conditions before relying on a larger allowance.
Business Class is mainly about the travel experience rather than automatically doubling your baggage allowance.
What About Hand Luggage?
One small personal item is normally permitted in addition to your main suitcase.
Examples include:
- backpack
- laptop bag
- handbag
- camera bag
- small nursery bag
Keep important items in this bag, such as:
passport
phone
medicine
hotel information
train ticket
Do not bury essential items inside your large suitcase.
How Early Should I Reach the Station?
Haramain ticket information has advised passengers to complete travel procedures within the pre-departure boarding window; historical operator ticket guidance stated check-in from 60 minutes until 10 minutes before departure.
For an Umrah family with luggage, arriving around 45–60 minutes early is a sensible practical buffer.
Security screening and locating the correct platform can take additional time during busy periods.
What If I Am Travelling With Elderly Parents?
Consider whether train travel is still the easiest option.
A family carrying several suitcases while also helping:
- elderly parents
- wheelchair users
- young children
may sometimes find a private hotel-to-hotel transfer more convenient.
You can compare your wider options in our guide on travelling between Makkah and Madinah.
Planning Your Haramain Journey?
Measure your suitcase before travelling rather than finding out at the station.
If you need help planning flights, hotels and transport for your Umrah journey, contact Hajj Umrah Travels.
