Transport: Between Cities and Back to the Airport

At a glance

• Transport details: on your transport voucher
• Time confirmation: the day before each journey, with hotel reception or your travel agent
• Makkah to Madinah: several hours by bus, less by the Haramain train
• Return flight: at the airport at least 4 hours before departure

Step-by-step guide

Between Makkah and Madinah

1. The day before, ask hotel reception or your travel agent for the departure time.
2. Find out the hotel check-out time and return your room key on time.
3. Pack and be in the hotel lobby before the set time.
4. Before boarding the bus or car, count your bags and check they have been loaded.
5. If you are going from Madinah to Makkah, be ready in Ihram. Make the intention at Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali).
6. At your destination, count your bags, then check in at the hotel.

Back to the airport

1. Two days before departure, confirm your flight time and transport time with your travel agent.
2. The day before, bring your luggage within the airline’s weight limit.
3. Keep your passport, ticket and essentials in your hand bag.
4. Be in the lobby with your luggage before the transport time.
5. Reach the airport at least 4 hours before your flight.

Do

• Save the driver’s or group leader’s number on your phone.
• For long journeys, keep water, a snack and your medicines in your hand bag.
• Give elderly companions a comfortable seat.

Don’t

• Don’t stay in the Haram at transport time. The vehicle won’t wait long.
• Don’t load your luggage into an unknown taxi because someone tells you to.
• Don’t leave your luggage unattended in the hotel lobby, because another pilgrim may leave their own bag and pick up yours by mistake.

Common mistakes

• Staying late in the Haram on the last day and missing the transport.
• Not confirming the return time, and not finding out the flight time has changed.
• Going over the weight limit because of Zamzam and shopping.

Frequently asked questions

What if the transport doesn’t come on time? First contact hotel reception, then the transport staff whose number is on your voucher. If it isn’t resolved, complain to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on 1966. Details are on the “How to Complain” page. Remember, transport delays are common, so don’t panic if it happens.

Can I take the Haramain train myself? Yes. If your package includes a bus but you want to take the train, you will need to buy the ticket yourself. Tell your travel agent first so they can adjust the hotel and transport arrangements.

How do I get from the airport to the hotel? That is covered on the “Arriving in Saudi Arabia” page.