Title: Essential Tips and Guidelines for Your Umrah Journey
Are you planning for the sacred journey of Umrah? Embarking on this spiritual pilgrimage requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pilgrim, here are some essential tips and guidelines to help you navigate through your Umrah journey seamlessly.
Travel To/From:
- Arrival at Jeddah Airport (Terminal 1):
- Upon landing at Jeddah Airport, you have two transportation options:
- Taxi: Costs approximately SAR 150-200, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Makkah.
- Haramain Rail: With a per-ticket cost of SAR 34.5 (if booked early), now priced at SAR 60. Terminal is conveniently linked to the airport, with a travel time to Makkah of 52 minutes. From there, a short taxi ride (10 minutes) will take you to your hotel near Haram. Ideal for couples or small groups.
- Travel Between Makkah and Medina:
- Haramain Rail is the preferred mode of transportation for its safety and speed. Ticket prices start from SAR 120, with earlier bookings offering cheaper rates. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes, with the current ticket price at SAR 172.5.
- Alternatively, a taxi journey takes around 5 hours.
- Important Note:
- Haramain Rail strictly adheres to departure schedules, and boarding gates close 10 minutes prior.
- It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance through the official HHR website.
SIM Card and Transportation Apps:
- Purchase a SIM card from the airport for communication needs. The cheapest package, available from STC, costs SAR 34.5 and includes 1GB data, 1GB social media, and 100 free local minutes.
- Utilize the Careem app for transportation, offering new customers with a Saudi number a 50% discount on their first 3-4 rides.
Makkah:
- Specific gates (Gate 79 – King Fahad Gate and Gate 3 – Al Salam Gate) are designated for Umrah pilgrims. Only Muhrim are permitted through these gates.
- Others can enter through Gate 69 or 81 but will be redirected to the 1st floor for Tawaf, as they are not allowed in the Mataf area.
- Plan your Umrah and Hatem visits during optimal times: after midnight, between 7:30 am – 10 am, or after Zuhr prayer.
- Ensure proper attire for Umrah; wearing Ihram solely to access the Mataf area is not permitted.
Medina:
- A permit is mandatory for entering Raiz ul Jannah. Ensure your application (Nusuk) is valid and within the designated time frame.
- Women have specific timings for visiting Raiz Ul Jannah, typically after Fajr until 11 am and from 9 pm to 11 pm.
- Gate 37 is the entry point for Raiz Ul Jannah, where permits are checked.
- Different gates are designated for men and women for Salam at Roza, with Gate 32 specifically for women (note: this does not lead to Raiz ul Jannah).
- Janat ul Baqi timings are from after Fajr prayer until Asr.
Food, Shopping, and Departures:
- Safwa Tower, near the clock tower and WC 3, offers a variety of shopping and food options at affordable prices.
- For departures, Jeddah Airport provides two lounges: Wellcome Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge, each with its own advantages in terms of space and food variety.
Essential Medications:
- Don’t forget to pack essential medications such as Panadol, muscle relaxants, Vicks nasal inhaler, Strepsils, and Voltern Gel for any unforeseen health issues during your journey.
By adhering to these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a memorable and spiritually enriching Umrah experience. May your journey be blessed and filled with divine grace.