Nestled just a short walk from the Prophet’s Mosque lies Al Hijaz Railway Station—one of Madinah’s most captivating heritage landmarks. Once the final stop on the legendary Hejaz Railway, this station has been preserved as the Hijaz Railway Museum, offering a glimpse into a transformative chapter in Islamic and transportation history.
If you're touring Madinah via the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, this site is a top highlight on the route—and for good reason. It blends architecture, faith, and engineering in one powerful stop.
The Legacy of Hejaz Railway
The Hejaz Railway was more than a transportation line—it was a bold vision of connection across the Islamic world.
A Vision of Unity and Mobility
- Initiated in 1900 by Sultan Abdul Hamid II
- Linked Damascus to Madinah, cutting travel time from 40 days to just five
- Designed to serve Hajj pilgrims and reinforce Ottoman unity across distant provinces
This feat of engineering ran over 1,300 km and represented hope, speed, and progress at the turn of the 20th century. While only portions of the railway remain today, the legacy is alive at Al Hijaz Station.
Ottoman Elegance at Al Hijaz Railway Station
Located in Madinah’s As-Suqya district, this historic station was designed to welcome weary pilgrims and travelers in style. Just 1 km from the Prophet’s Mosque, it was one of the most important transport hubs in the Ottoman Empire.
Architectural Highlights:
- A stunning facade with 17 decorative arches
- Purpose-built operations centers and rest areas for travelers
- Dedicated housing for railway staff and management
- An engine shed, turntable, and repair facilities
- Water tanks and sidings essential for locomotive care
- The charming Al Anbaria Mosque, built alongside the station
Even today, the mix of industrial functionality and Islamic design reflects the ingenuity of its time.
Inside the Hejaz Railway Museum
In 2006, the station was revived as the Hejaz Railway Museum, turning a former transit point into a living classroom of history.
Museum Features:
- 19 exhibition halls charting history from pre-Islamic Arabia to the modern Saudi state
- Original German-built Hartmann locomotives, some restored to working order
- Display of tools, uniforms, tickets, and archival documents
- Multimedia exhibits detailing life aboard the Hejaz Railway
- Stories of pilgrims who once disembarked here after epic journeys
It’s more than a museum—it’s a tribute to the people and purpose behind the tracks.
Getting There: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Route
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is one of the most convenient ways to explore Madinah’s historic ziyarat sites, and Al Hijaz Railway Station has long been a key stop on the route. It’s typically featured alongside other cultural landmarks like:
- Quba Mosque – The first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ; visitors often come here on Saturdays following the Sunnah.
- Qiblatain Mosque – Known for the historical moment when the direction of prayer (Qibla) changed from Jerusalem to Makkah mid-prayer.
- Uhud Mountain – A solemn site where the Battle of Uhud took place; you can visit the martyrs’ graves and reflect on the lessons of perseverance.
- The Seven Mosques – A group of small mosques near the Battle of the Trench site, each with deep historical significance.
However, please note: as of now, public access to the Hijaz Railway Station is temporarily suspended, according to the official site. The grounds remain closed to visitors for renovation and preservation efforts.
We recommend checking the latest updates before planning your visit. Even if you can’t go inside currently, the exterior architecture and adjacent Al Anbaria Mosque are still worth viewing during your Madinah tour.
📍 Visitor Info Snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Rd, As-Suqya, Madinah 42315 |
| Status | Temporarily closed for visitors |
| Best Viewpoint | From the roadside or Hop-On Bus stop |
| Nearby Attractions | Al Anbaria Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque |
Why It Matters
Historically, the Al Hijaz Railway Station wasn't just a transportation hub—it was a gateway for pilgrims arriving from as far as Damascus and Istanbul. The arrival at Madinah was deeply emotional, especially for those who had spent weeks journeying across deserts and mountains. The station’s proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque made it a spiritually significant final stop before completing their pilgrimage.
Even without indoor access, Al Hijaz Railway Station remains an iconic symbol of Madinah’s role as a spiritual and logistical hub. It reflects an era when innovation met devotion—where pilgrims arrived not by camel, but by iron rail, fueled by purpose and powered by steam.
Final Thoughts
Al Hijaz Railway Station is more than a museum—it’s a monument to faith, travel, and unity. Whether you see it up close or admire it from the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, this site invites reflection on how far the region has come and the stories etched into its steel and stone.
For now, enjoy the station from a distance and add it to your must-see list when it reopens—because some places are simply worth the wait.
