Are you planning Umrah and wondering how to get around in Makkah and Madinah? Finding comfortable transport in the holy cities can be both exciting and challenging, especially for pilgrims about to begin the holy journey of Umrah. As millions of people gather in these holy cities each year, they need to get easy transport to access the sacred sites to worship. Therefore, many travel agencies include transportation options in their All Inclusive Umrah Packages to ensure a smooth sacred journey for all.
Apart from the included conveyance options in your Umrah deal, you can also use public transport while you are in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has taken drastic steps in recent years to improve the local transport system, which has also made it easier for pilgrims to move around in the holy cities. Are you looking to find the best transport option during Umrah? You are at the right place. This blog provides detailed insight into the transportation options provided by the Kingdom that pilgrims can use during Umrah.
7 Transportation Options to Use in Makkah and Madinah
- Public Buses
There is a large private bus network in the Kingdom with the name Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) that provides easy and cheap transport options for pilgrims and locals. The buses are clean and maintained and run on specific routes within Makkah and between all cities of Saudi Arabia. Hence making it easy for the pilgrims to explore beyond the boundaries of Makkah. This network offers both standard and VIP services to cater to the needs and budgets of all travellers.
People can avail of its VIP services including personal screens for entertainment and extra legroom to relax. Beyond this, they are cheaper compared to other modes of travel, as one-way fares between Riyadh and Jeddah are under 100 SAR. There are many ways to book bus tickets, including via the official website, through the bus’s app, or by going to any of the company’s stations.
- Taxi
It is easy to hail a taxi anywhere in Makkah and Madinah, either on a street or through your hotel. It follows a meter system, so it is essential to check before starting the ride that the meter is at zero and the driver starts it when you get in the taxi. In this way, you can avoid being overcharged. However, most of the time, drivers do not use the meter, allowing you to settle the fare based on the distance. During Ramadan and Hajj, the fares of these taxis increase by up to three times due to a high influx of pilgrims.
- Ride-sharing Apps
Booking rides is quite common in Saudi Arabia and is more convenient than taxis. Uber, Careem, and Easy Taxi are widely used as pilgrims can book the ride from their mobile phone, and there is no fear of being overcharged. However, its prices can vary depending on the time you are travelling. If you have booked an Umrah package during the off-season, you will get these rides at cheaper prices; however, if you are on Umrah during a peak season, prices will hike up.
- Rental Cars
Families travelling together book Family Umrah Packages and avail themselves of private transport services, including rental cars. They can ask their travel agency to include a rental car in their package so they can get around the cities at their own pace. If you want to book a rental car yourself, there are various companies in the city offering chauffeur-driven cars ranging from economical to luxury models and even SUVs. These are the best and easiest options for families with kids or elders. Rates for these rental cars can vary, but a standard car is available for as low as 100 SAR per day. Please note that it is vital to have an International Driving Permit or a license from a GCC country to rent and drive a car in the Kingdom.
- Shuttle Services
In Makkah and Madinah, various shuttle services are available for pilgrims, like taxis and buses operating under SAPTCO. Many hotels and travel agencies also provide private services to the pilgrims to ensure a smooth travel from their hotel to the holy sites. These services operate on a fixed schedule to ensure punctuality and ease for pilgrims.
- Haramain Trains
The famous Haramain High-Speed Train, a modern rail network connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Hajj and Umrah pilgrims can benefit from this latest marvel and enjoy the comfort and speed it offers. It provides an easy and fast transport option, especially for pilgrims that want to go from Makkah to Madinah or vice versa. The cost of a one-way ticket from Makkah to Madinah ranges from SAR 150 to SAR 250 and takes about half an hour to reach. As it is one of the most reliable ways to travel from Makkah to Medina, most all inclusive Umrah packages come with a ticket for Haramain Trains.
- Walking to Avoid Crowds
Despite great innovations in transportation in Saudi Arabia, walking is still the best way to get around in Makkah and Madinah. Many hotels are within walking distance from the holy sites in both cities, allowing pilgrims to go for prayers whenever they want. This helps you to avoid traffic crowds and save big on taxi fares. All you need to do is wear comfortable shoes and grab a water bottle and umbrella to avoid the sun. Walking through the sacred land will allow you to experience the calm surroundings to the fullest.
The Final Word
Finding easy transportation in Makkah and Madinah is not that difficult, provided you know where to look. Pilgrims must familiarise themselves with the different options and know local customs and rules for a smooth and easy commute during Umrah. Note that your trip to the sacred sites is a pilgrimage of high value, and every step you take here will bring you closer to the mercy of Allah Almighty. So, one must remain patient, especially during the peak times when transport can be crowded or delayed. However, if you want to ensure a peaceful Umrah journey, then contact Muslims Holy Travel and book Umrah packages with comfortable transport options. It is a leading travel operator in the UK and provides quality services to pilgrims.
