Whether you are going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Hajj or tourism, the journey always starts from Jeddah airport. The place is a major gateway to the holy cities. Finding transportation options from Jeddah Airport to holy cities can be quite overwhelming, especially when it is the peak season to visit.
When travelling for religious purposes, the journey to Jeddah Airport to Makkah is one of the profound spiritual journeys for pilgrimages. And to make this trip more pleasant and comfortable, various options can be considered. This blog highlights the major modes of transport from Jeddah Airport to Makkah for a seamless, and comfortable experience.
Transportation Options Overview
The distance from Jeddah to Makkah is almost 107 kilometers with a travel duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The journey is filled with anticipation, particularly for people who visit Saudi Arabia for the first time. The historical and cultural landmarks make it appealing and pleasant for travelers. Given the duration of the trip, and the sightseeing of the historical culture of Saudi Arabia, the journey should be comfortable, and convenient.
There are various travel options available to travel from Jeddah airport to Makkah such as train, bus option, taxi, or car rentals. Make sure that you consider the following factors before selecting the best transport mode:
Budget: If you want to travel on budget, then public transportation options will work best for you.
Time Sensitivity: Buses take longer to reach Makkah, whereas you can reach faster on trains and taxis.
Group Size: If you have a big group travelling, then renting a vehicle is practical.
Luggage Needs: Make sure that your transportation mode has sufficient space to keep your luggage.
Haramain High-Speed Railway
The high-speed train from Jeddah airport to Makkah is fast, reliable and equipped with the latest services. The train travels daily from morning till night, and the travel duration is around 60 minutes, making it the fastest travel service. The cost of the train service from Jeddah airport to Makkah is SAR 90, offering convenient and affordable options for travelers. You can get the tickets for the train either online or from the station. The best approach would be to book it in advance in peak season. Taking the train is a great option when you have a limited budget or don’t have a lot of luggage.
Bus Services
The bus services run from Jeddah airport to Makkah on a regular basis. The journey is not fast and might require you to change routes to get to Makkah. It takes around 2 hours or sometimes more than that to travel to Makkah from a bus service. The trip duration can get longer if there is traffic on the way. Bus services such as SAPTCO or other shuttles are quite an economical option with ticket prices ranging from SAR 20 to SAR 40. But if you want to reach your destination without changing routes, then bus service might not be a convenient option.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxi services are private and are readily available from Jeddah airport. The journey duration often ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the traffic situation. The price range for this service is usually SAR 400. Other than that, ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Careem are also feasible options that you can use to travel to Makkah in a shorter time. You can find taxis at airport stands, whereas for ride-sharing, you can book in advance. Make sure that you finalize the fare before starting the ride to avoid any confusion later.
Car Rentals
Car rentals is also an option available that you can use to travel to Jeddah airport to Makkah. This is convenient, and reliable. The options work great when you have a big group or lots of luggage. For those preferring car rentals, Almuqet Travel offers a variety of vehicles with or without a driver, catering to different group sizes and luggage needs.
Various rental agencies are available with diverse vehicle options to accommodate travelers. The journey duration from Highway is usually around one hour. If you are booking the car rental for your entire journey in Saudi, then make sure you park your vehicle at the designated parking facility. You can get the car rental option with or without a driver.
Special Considerations for Pilgrims
The pilgrim season in Saudi is often packed with busy schedules of trains, buses, or taxis. It is the responsibility of a Pilgrim to select the route that works best for them to avoid problems during the travel. Following are some of the factors that pilgrims should consider when travelling:
Luggage Handling
If you have a lot of luggage which cannot be accommodated in a bus or train, then you should select private transport or taxis to travel. You can choose a Makkah transport company to travel anywhere you want with your luggage.
Traveling in Groups
When traveling in groups, make sure that you get a service that is convenient. Taxis or private transport companies are great for this. Know the Jeddah to Makkah and Makkah to Madinah taxi fare before traveling.
Accessibility Services
Traveling via train or buses is accessible. You can get wheelchair assistance and priority seating, particularly helpful when you have elders travelling with you.
Cultural Etiquette
Traveling during peak times requires a lot of patience. Other than that, when traveling for Hajj or Umrah, make sure you are dressed according to Islamic principles and respect the culture of Saudi.
Conclusion
With many modes of transport available from Jeddah airport to Makkah, travelers can have a peaceful and pleasant journey. Make sure that you know what your individual requirements are before selecting your option. While there are many convenient options available to go to Makkah from Jeddah, you can also get back with Makkah to Jeddah airport taxi or train services.
Saudi Arabia has diverse travel options, accommodating diverse populations. From wheelchair assistance to big luggage adjustment, people can use a vast range of services. Remember to book the travel service beforehand. During the peak season, one might experience slight delays in getting to the required place, but staying patient and planning properly is the key. The journey is wholesome, spiritual and extremely comfortable, only if you plan it correctly.