Travellers often use public transport on their trips and tours. This is a good habit because it allows you to explore the culture and travel systems of others. Public transport has only one purpose that all people to travel together in the same vehicle so that traffic and pollution are reduced.
We are talking here about the public transport of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Makkah is a historical Islamic city where Muslims perform Umrah. Millions of Muslims from the entire world travel towards Makkah every year for the pilgrimage.
During Umrah, pilgrims use vehicles to travel within Saudi Arabia, such as Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, or Riyadh. Some prefer to use private transport via Cheap Umrah deals with an agency, and some like to travel in public transportation mode. Both are best on their own and have advantages. However, if you want to use public transport in Makkah, here you will learn some helpful tips. Let’s explore!
Use the “Makkah Bus” Mobile Application
Makkah Bus is a mobile application by the Saudi Ministry to provide public transport to pilgrims. You can download this app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. After installing, you will be asked to complete the registration process by signing up. This is not a free bus service; you have to pay 4 SAR for an economy seat and 8 SAR for an express seat. The payment is digital through the app’s e-wallet.
If you are travelling with family members, you can book bus tickets for all in the same account login. You will see the stops’ names tracking system in the bus. Please note that buses in Makkah run very punctually, so try to arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before boarding time.
Use Smart Card or QR Code System
In buses of Makkah, pilgrims can use a smart card or QR code for payment. A smart card is a physical card issued by ticket vending machines at bus stops in Makkah. Travellers can buy and add balance to this. Upon entering the bus, you can scan the card on the validator installed at the door of the bus.
QR is also the best technology to scan your bus ticket. After confirming payment, you will get a QR code to scan on the bus to mark your entry. Again, you have to scan this on the installed validator. Remember that one code or card is for only one person. It’s better to take a weekly pass if your Umrah duration is for one week or more.
Note: Buses can be crowded in Makkah because pilgrims frequently travel from one point to another.
Avoid Peak Hours of Public Transport
Makkah’s public transportation is totally from other cities in Saudi Arabia. Here, buses often follow a short schedule. The peak hours run according to the status of prayer. Peak hours are usually after the five obligatory prayers, Ramadan’s Suhoor and Iftar times, early morning, etc. During Ramadan, there’s a lot of rush; therefore, you have to reschedule your timetable for travelling around. If you want to avoid peak hours of public transport in Makkah, follow these guidelines:
- Go towards the bus stop 30 to 35 minutes after the end of prayers.
- For Asar and Maghrib time, reach the Grand Mosque at least one hour before.
- The Makkah Bus app shows the live tracking of crowds inside the buses.
- If one station is too crowded, walk a little to another nearby station.
- During peak hours, taxi fares double due to surge pricing. So, you can walk or wait for the bus.
- If you are with elderly people, never let them go out during peak hours.
Give Priority to Women and Older People
In public transport in Makkah, priority is given to women, the elderly, and those with families. The main purpose behind this is to make travelling hassle-free for everyone. If we talk about buses, these are often divided into two portions. The front section is for men, and the back/middle section is for ladies and older pilgrims. Some seats are special only for those who are handicapped or very old.
If you are travelling with family or older ones, give priority to private ground transport in Makkah. Additionally, if an elderly person is in a wheelchair, buses and bullet trains in Makkah always have a ramp that opens up to the ground. Avoid entering the separate sections for women. If you want to explore Makkah, such as Ziyarat places, it’s better to travel early in the morning so that the elderly can be saved from the heat and rush.
Save Your Location in Mobile
Places and buildings look the same in Makkah, so you must save your location in mobile or any digital device. Use Google Maps or any similar app to pin your location so that if you lose your way, you can easily come back. You can even use Google Maps offline if you don’t have access to the internet.
It’s a good practice to share your live location with a travel partner, family member, or any group member. It’s also recommended not to don’t rely solely on the maps. You should know which major tower or shop is closest to your location. GPS in electronic devices can drain the battery quickly. So, carry a small power bank or charging adapter with you.
Make your Haramain Train Booking Early
Haramain High Speed Railway (HHR) is the modern and fastest transportation system of Saudi Arabia. Keep in mind, this bullet train doesn’t run across Saudi Arabia, but only connects five railway stations in the western province (part of Hijaz). One of those five stations is Makkah Mukarramah, and the remaining include Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah Munawwarah.
If you want to reach or go outside of Makkah, use the Haramain bullet train. You can get a ticket online via mobile application or website, at the ticket counter, and from vending machines. It’s best to make a reservation online on the preferred dates. The Haramain train has two classes, economy and business. Suppose you want to travel towards Madinah from Makkah, you can expect around 150 SAR for economy class.
The modern system of public transport in Makkah is a great blessing for pilgrims. By making good use of these facilities during Umrah, you can save your precious time and focus attention on worship. All that’s needed is a little planning before your journey and being mindful of everything.
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