Introduction: Transportation System During Hajj
Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. To make sure this journey is as smooth and safe as possible. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has built a top-class transportation system just for pilgrims.
This service is managed by two main government companies:
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services
They work together with licensed companies to help pilgrims reach Makkah, move between holy sites, and complete their rituals easily.
How Pilgrims Arrive in Makkah
Most pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia by airplane at either:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah
- Taif International Airport
From there, they travel to Makkah al-Mukarramah using:
- Haramain High-Speed Railway
- Dedicated buses
- Or private vehicles
Haramain High-Speed Railway 🚄
The Haramain Train connects four major cities:
- Makkah al-Mukarramah
- Jeddah
- King Abdullah Economic City
- Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah
It is fast: up to 300 km/h. It’s electric, clean, safe, and comfortable.
During Hajj 2023, it carried 750,000 pilgrims across 3,627 trips, with a success rate of 98% meaning almost every trip went perfectly.
Al-Mashaaer Metro Line 🚇
This special metro line helps pilgrims move between the three holy sites during Hajj:
- Arafat
- Muzdalifah
- Mina
- It has 16 trains
- Each train can carry 3,000 passengers
- Total capacity: 72,000 people per hour
- Speed: Up to 80 km/h
- Route length: 18 kilometers on a double-track line
- Stops at 9 stations
In 2023 , this metro moved over 2.13 million pilgrims in 2,208 trips !
Public Buses in Makkah 🚌
Launched in 2022, this project connects:
- The Haramain High-Speed Railway station in ar-Rusaifah
- With the Jabal Omar area , near the Grand Mosque in Makkah
It’s part of Saudi Vision 2030 , aiming to improve the experience for pilgrims as numbers grow each year.
This bus network makes it easier for pilgrims to get to and from the Grand Mosque without stress.
Shuttle Transportation
Organized by the General Syndicate of Cars , shuttle buses run during Hajj season only.
They follow two-lane dedicated routes to avoid traffic and ensure speed and safety.
There are two types of shuttles:
- Between holy sites (like Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina)
- To and from Makkah , outside the holy areas
These shuttles are an important part of the modern Hajj system, helping pilgrims move safely and efficiently.
Why Is This Transportation System So Important?
- Helps manage the huge number of pilgrims safely
- Reduces traffic jams
- Saves time and energy for pilgrims
- Makes sure everyone can focus on worship and not worry about travel
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in improving transport services every year, making Hajj more comfortable and organized than ever before.
Final Thoughts
Today, modern transportation systems make performing Hajj much easier than before. Pilgrims can travel quickly and safely between holy sites using high-speed trains, metros, buses, or shuttles. This allows them to concentrate on their faith and spiritual journey.
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