Getting around in Saudi Arabia during Umrah: Best Ways to Travel Between Holy Cities

Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform Umrah, a spiritual journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. While the journey is deeply meaningful, navigating the logistics of getting around can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the region.

In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to travel between Makkah and Madinah, as well as within these holy cities, to help you plan your Umrah trip with ease.

What are the best possible travel options in Saudi Arabia?

There is a variety of Umrah transportation that you can select to travel during Umrah. From high-speed trains to taxis and buses, Saudi Arabia offers a range of public transportationoptions for pilgrims to travel easily between and within the holy cities Makkah , Madinah and Jeddah.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular choices:

Haramain High-Speed Railway:

A convenient and efficient way to travel between Makkah and Madinah. It is time saving as it only takes 2.5 hours to travel from Makkah to Madinah. These are air-conditioned and clean coaches. You can book the tickets online and also get the tickets at the station whichever way is convenient for you.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Apps:

Readily available for door-to-door service and are convenient for short trips within the cities. These apps include Careem, Uber, Jeeny etc. Taxis as Umrah transportation can be easily found near airports, hotels and malls.

Umrah Bus Services: 

Public and private options connecting cities and neighbourhoods. Some of the popular Umrah bus services include Haramain High-Speed Railway trains, SPACTO ( Saudi Public Transport Company ). These are well maintained, comfortable, clean and air conditioned coaches. These buses are also featured for enough luggage space, rest stops in long journeys and male and female seating in a line. You also have an opportunity to book the tickets of these buses online. Some families also book private coaches which are booked by the Umrah agents and offer the services of timely pick-ups and drop-offs from hotels or airport.

Private Car for Umrah travel:

You can also hire private transportation to travel between the cities during Umrah. Especially people who are travelling in families and with elderly people hire private transportation services.

Private cars are tailored to your needs and requirements. They are more relaxing and comfortable as compred to public transport. Moreover, they are flexible and even use the route of your choice and offer door-to-door services.

Airport Shuttle Services:

Some hotels in Makkah and Madinah offer free or paid airport pick and drops through shuttle buses. This service can be arranged by the travel agent and is useful for people with residence far from haram.

Local Buses:

These buses operate in the cities and are helpful in connecting different areas which also include several areas of Masjid Al Haram.

Tips for Pilgrims:

Below are a few tips that you need to follow when you’re looking for transportation apart from Saudi Arabia Public transport Umrah:

• The pilgrims should book the tickets on time before the peak season to avoid any kind of problems
• You should carry snacks, water and some essentials for the journey.
• You can use the nusuk app for transport info.
• Always keep your Id or Umrah permit with you.

Benefits of pre-booking transportation:

• Avoids last minute hassles
• Ensures availability
• Cost effective
• Saves a lot of time
• Reduces stress

Public transport has different services as compared to a private transportation. It is recommended to book private transportation in advance to avoid last minute hassle. If you go with 7 days Umrah package from Pakistan with a category A Umrah service provider then they will manage all of your transportation during Umrah with VIP transport service.  Moreover, there are a large number of pilgrims traveling for Umrah therefore, planning ahead is key to a hassle-free experience.