For UK Muslims going on any of the important journeys of Hajj and Umrah, one main requirement is ground transport in Saudi Arabia. It is a must for a good pilgrimage experience. This article provides a piece of deep helpful information regarding travel matters and ways to move around the holy cities easily and with comfort.
Arrival in Saudi Arabia
The majority of the pilgrims prefer booking their flights to King Abdulaziz International Airport or Prince Mohammed Airport in Madinah. Upon getting there, they can choose from multiple options for ground transportation which will take them to the holy sites of Makkah & Madinah.
Taxi Services
Taxis are a handy and popular way to travel. You can catch them at airports, hotels, and busy city areas. The best way to travel without any issues later is to agree on a fixed price before you start your ride or you can find one with a meter to prevent any confusion and later inconveniences. If you are looking for a smooth and comfortable ride with the ease of door-to-door service, then taxis are most suitable for you as many Pilgrims prefer them.
Ride-Sharing Apps
After the development of technology in recent years, many ride-sharing applications such as Uber and Careem have become popular choices for traveling. Because of get a ride with much ease compared to normal taxis and can be requested by only using a smartphone with no issue of negotiating to get the best fare as they already have quite good fare rate.
Private Car Rentals
Renting a car is a good idea for people who want full freedom over their travel. Many car rental companies are available at airports and in cities. With a rental car, you can travel at your own speed and visit fewer common places. Just remember to get an international driving permit know the local driving rules and follow them accordingly.
Shuttle Services
Hotels and travel agencies frequently provide shuttle services for pilgrims. These shuttles are usually timed to match prayer times and religious events, making travel easy. You can book these shuttle services ahead of time to secure a seat and enjoy a smooth trip.
Public Buses
Public buses in Saudi Arabia give pilgrims a way to get around in a cheaper way. This facility is provided by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) that connects different parts of the Kingdom with Buses. They are equipped with air conditioning and make for a smooth ride. One downside of using the bus is that it will take significantly more time to get to your destination due to the many stops along the route.
Trains
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and King Abdullah Economic City. The trains are modern and quick, providing a comfortable travel option between these locations. It is suggested to book tickets much earlier, particularly during busy pilgrimage seasons. They are much faster compared to buses because of no traffic or too many stops between destinations.
Conclusion
People usually find choosing the right transport facility during the pilgrimage. They find it complicated but with our guide to ground transport, you can find what travel facilities are available and which one is right for you. The most common options are taxis or buses to travel between holy sites. After recent development Saudi govt. has also constructed the Haramain railway network. Some pilgrims also prefer Uber or Careem due to the ease of booking with only the click of a smartphone. May you have a blessed Umrah Journey.
Source of the Article: https://www.labbaikhajjumrah.co.uk/transport/
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