Umrah, a sacred pilgrimage to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah, is a life-changing spiritual trip for Muslims all over the world. For pilgrims, transportation is important to ensure a seamless and comfortable journey between the different locations they must visit. Saudi Arabia provides a diverse range of transportation choices to suit a range of budgets and preferences, all meant to make the pilgrimage easy. This article will cover all you need to know about Umrah transport services in Saudi Arabia.
Understanding Umrah Travel Routes
Before going into every form of transportation accessible, it’s vital to understand the primary travel routes included in the Umrah journey:
Makkah to Madinah Taxi (or vice versa)
Many pilgrims travel between the two major towns as a significant step of their pilgrimage. The distance is around 450 kilometers and can be traveled by road or high-speed train.
Local transportation around Makkah.
Transportation to and from the Masjid al-Haram, as well as between housing and other Ziyarat (holy sites), is required.
Local Umrah Transport in Madinah
Pilgrims often visit Masjid an-Nabawi and other Islamic sites within the city, needing convenient local transportation.
Types of Transport Services for Umrah
Saudi Arabia has a range of transportation choices, from low-cost public transportation to luxury private vehicles.
A. Public Transportation.
SAPTCO Buses
The Saudi Public Umrah Transport Company (SAPTCO) runs buses between key cities such as Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh. These buses are cost-effective, clean, and air-conditioned, but they are not necessarily the fastest.
Local Buses
Local buses follow regular routes in Makkah and Madinah. While they are cheap, they may not be helpful for non-Arabic speakers or people new to the city.
B. Haramain High-Speed Rail
The Haramain Train is a modern, efficient form of transport linking Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA).
- Travel time between Makkah and Madinah is around 2.5 hours.
- Features include comfortable seating, clean services, Wi-Fi, and drinks.
Tickets: Can be purchased online or through a mobile app.
C. Private Taxi Service in Saudi Arabia
Regular Street Taxis
Available in most areas of Makkah and Madinah. While convenient, costs are different, so it’s best to agree on the fee ahead of time if the meter isn’t in use.
Ride-hailing apps
Uber, Careem, and Jeeny are popular apps in Saudi Arabia, making them great for travelers looking for Umrah taxi pricing, GPS tracking, and English-speaking support.
D. Group Transportation for Umrah Pilgrims
- Many Umrah packages include shared travel via minibuses.
- Vans
- Luxury Buses
These are often managed by travel agencies and are a cost-effective solution for group travel, often including airport transfers, city-to-city transportation, and Ziyarat tours.
Private Car Services with Drivers.
Hiring a private vehicle with a driver is a popular choice for families and small groups looking for comfort and privacy.
- These are often given through local transportation providers.
- Online platforms
- Hotel Guest Desks
Airport Transfer Services
A. From King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
Jeddah is the primary entry point for most international Umrah pilgrims. Transport options from KAIA to Makkah include
- Haramain Train (from Terminal 1)
- SAPTCO bus
- Private taxis and limousines
- Ride-hailing apps
B. From Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah)
For those arriving directly in Madinah:
- SAPTCO buses and private transfers are available to take you to your hotel or onward to Makkah.
Transportation During Ziyarat Tours
During Umrah, pilgrims often visit various religious and historical sites in both Makkah and Madinah.
Makkah Ziyarat Sites
- Jabal al-Noor (Cave of Hira)
- Jabal Thawr
- Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
Madinah Ziyarat Sites
- Quba Mosque
- Qiblatain Mosque
- Mount Uhud
- Baqi Cemetery
Many travel agencies offer half-day or full-day Ziyarat tours with guides, often conducted in pilgrims’ native languages.
Accessibility and Transportation for Older and Disabled People
Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in offering accessible transportation choices.
- Haramain trains and major bus stations are wheelchair-friendly.
- Many private Umrah taxi service firms provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- Electric bikes and wheelchairs can be rented at Haram.
If you are traveling with older people or those with injuries, you should tell your travel agent or transportation provider beforehand to ensure that all required arrangements are made.
Booking Transportation: Tips and Tools
Online Booking Platforms
- Umrah.taxi: https://umrah.taxi/
- Uber/Careem: Available via the app store
- KSA Transport Booking: https://ksatransfers.com/
Travel Agents
For peace of mind, many pilgrims prefer to include transportation within their Umrah packages. Agents often handle all bookings and offer 24/7 support.
Hotel Concierge
Many hotels in Makkah and Madinah can arrange taxis or private cars at short notice.
Cost of Umrah Transport Services
Here’s a rough idea of average prices (as of 2024):
Service Type Approx. Cost (SAR)
Haramain Train (Makkah–Madinah) 150–300
Taxi (Makkah–Madinah): 400–600
Uber (within Makkah): 15–40
SAPTCO Bus (Jeddah–Makkah) 25–40
Private Van with Driver (per day): 500–900
Note: Prices may vary during peak Umrah or Hajj seasons.
Safety and Etiquette
Safety Tips
- Dress properly and follow local customs.
- Show kindness during busy periods, especially in prayer times.
- Tip drivers if you believe their service is unique.
Etiquette for Pilgrims
- Dress properly and follow local customs.
- Maintain kindness during busy periods, particularly around prayer times.
- Tip drivers if you believe their service is unique.
Conclusion
Umrah transport in Saudi Arabia has become highly modern and accessible to Umrah pilgrims. There is something for everyone, whether you want affordable buses or expensive private cars. Plan your journey ahead of time, especially during high seasons such as Ramadan or school vacations, to save time and worry. Understanding the options available allows pilgrims to focus on the spiritual parts of their journey, not the mechanics of traveling.
