- AreaHejaz, western Saudi Arabia, around 400 km north of Makkah
- Best forZiyarah, Islamic history, a peaceful stay
- Time2–4 days
- TipBook Rawdah visits in the Nusuk app as soon as your dates are fixed
Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, "the radiant city", is where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) settled after the Hijrah in 622 CE, where the first Muslim community took shape and where he is buried. For Muslims it is the second holiest city in Islam, and millions visit every year, often before or after Umrah or Hajj. The city is known for its gentle, unhurried atmosphere, its date palms and the warmth of its people.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque dominates the centre, its vast courtyards shaded by giant retractable umbrellas and its green dome marking the Prophet's resting place. Within the mosque lies the Rawdah, the area between his tomb and his original pulpit, described in hadith as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Visits to the Rawdah are by timed permit, free of charge, booked in the official Nusuk app; slots around Ramadan and the Hajj season are taken quickly. Separate times and entrances apply for men and women.
Other places of ziyarah
- Quba Mosque, about 3.5 km south of the centre, the first mosque built in Islam. A pedestrian route links it with the Prophet's Mosque.
- Mount Uhud and the cemetery of the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud, north of the city.
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the mosque of the two qiblahs, associated with the change of prayer direction towards Makkah.
- Jannat al-Baqi, the historic cemetery beside the Prophet's Mosque, where many of the Prophet's family and companions are buried.
Museums such as the Dar Al Madinah Museum and the restored Hejaz Railway station explain the city's history, and the date markets are famous for Ajwa dates. Licensed guides and ziyarah tours are widely available: see Madinah tours.
Visiting as a non-Muslim
Non-Muslims may visit the city of Madinah, its hotels, restaurants, markets, museums and sites such as Mount Uhud. The Prophet's Mosque and the area immediately around it, the central Haram zone, are reserved for Muslims, and the boundary is marked. Please respect signage and the instructions of security staff. Makkah, by contrast, is closed to non-Muslims entirely; see our Makkah guide.
Getting there
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) has domestic flights and many international routes, especially from Muslim-majority countries. The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Madinah with Jeddah, Jeddah airport and Makkah at up to 300 km/h; Makkah to Madinah takes roughly two to two and a half hours. Book on the official Haramain railway website or app. From the station, taxis and buses run to the central area. For onward travel north, AlUla is about 300 km away by road; compare car hire.
Where to stay
Hotels in the central area, many within a few minutes' walk of the Prophet's Mosque, are the most convenient for prayers and are popular year-round; prices rise sharply in Ramadan. Hotels a little further out are cheaper and often linked by shuttle. Compare Madinah hotels.
Tours: Madinah
Compare guided trips, transfers and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslims visit Madinah?
Yes, non-Muslims may visit the city, but the Prophet's Mosque and the central Haram area around it are reserved for Muslims. Please respect the marked boundary.
How do I book a visit to the Rawdah?
Through the official Nusuk app. Permits are free and timed, and they sell out quickly around Ramadan and Hajj, so book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
How long is the train from Makkah to Madinah?
Around two to two and a half hours on the Haramain High-Speed Railway, depending on stops.
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