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Traveling to Makkah and Madinah is an incredible experience that requires proper planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and memorable trip. The first step is to determine the period in which you want to travel. This will help you plan your itinerary and ensure that you have a comfortable and stress-free journey. You should consider factors such as the weather, peak tourist season that may be taking place during your intended travel dates.
Once you have determined the period of your trip, the next step is to plan the duration of your stay in both cities. It is important to consider how long you want to stay in Makkah and how long you want to stay in Madinah and in what order you want to visit these cities. It is generally recommended to stay in Makkah for a few days and then visit Madinah, as this order allows you to focus on the spiritual aspects of your journey and reflect on the teachings of Islam.
Booking your trip is the next step, and this can be done using booking pages or simply by searching on google. It can also be beneficial to add a layover for example in Jordan as it might improve the ticket prices, but this is not always the case. The best time to book a flight can vary depending on factors such as the destination, season, and airline. Generally, the optimal time to book a flight is considered to be around 6-8 weeks in advance, as this is when airlines typically release the best deals. However, it’s also important to keep an eye out for last-minute deals, as airlines may offer discounts on unsold seats just prior to the departure date. The best approach is to compare prices from different airlines and booking platforms and choose the option that offers the best value for your specific travel needs. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, you will land at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the hotels near the Haram in Makkah, such as Clock Tower Hotels, Al Tawhid, or Hajar Tower. The journey from the airport to the hotels takes approximately 80 km and costs around $70 to $80.
When choosing a hotel, it is important to keep in mind that you will need a hotel in both Makkah and Madinah, so it is important to book a hotel in both cities as early as possible, and you should choose hotels that are located near the Haram in Makkah and near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. For example the Hotel Mövenpick is located in the central area of the Haram in Mekka and the Al Madina Golden Hotel is located near the Haram of Masjid An-Nabawi. This will allow you to minimize the time and effort required for transportation and enable you to focus on the spiritual aspects of your journey.
Keep in mind that you have to take care of your visa at the same time. In order to enter Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for a visa. To do this, you will need to register at the Visa platform and create a user account. The visa application fee is $10.5 and the total visa cost are approximately $180. It’s important to note that the processing time can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 days, and sometimes it may be rejected without any apparent reason. Additionally, the fees paid for the visa application are non-refundable. While it’s possible to apply for the visa in person at the airport, it’s recommended to apply online to avoid any potential risks.
When filling out the application, you will need to select Umrah as the visa type, unless it is not a seasonal time in which case you will need to select Tourism. With a tourist visa, however, you are not entitled to bring Zamzam water from the airport. You will also need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and passport information, as well as a recent picture with a white background.
The next step is to travel from Makkah to Madinah, and this can be done by taking the Al Haramain train. The train journey takes two and a half hours and offers a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation between the two cities. You can choose between economy or business class, and it is recommended to choose business class for a more comfortable journey. The cost for buisness class is approximately $70. Upon arrival at the train station in Madinah, you will need to take a taxi to reach your hotel, which should be located near the Prophet’s Mosque. For booking a ticket click on the Link: Haramain High Speed Railway
Visiting the tomb of the Prophet is an important part of the trip, and it requires booking an appointment in advance. To do this, you need to download the Nusuk App and enter your Visa number. It is important to book before visiting Madinah as it is impossible to get a reservation on the same day. To make the most of your time in Madinah, it is recommended to take a sightseeing bus tour with Citysightseeing that takes you to all the important sights and costs around $10 to $20 per person. The tour is an excellent way to get a comprehensive understanding of the city and its history.
Finally, when you are ready to leave Madinah, you can fly out of Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport to the country of your choice. This will conclude your journey to Makkah and Madinah, and you will leave with memories to last a lifetime. With proper planning and consideration of all the important details, your trip to Makkah and Madinah will be a truly memorable experience.
1. Proper planning and preparation is essential for a smooth and memorable trip to Makkah and Madinah.
2. Determine the desired period of travel and consider factors such as weather and peak tourist season.
3. Plan the duration of stay in both cities, with Makkah being visited first for a more spiritual journey.
4. Book your trip using websites like booking.com or by searching on Google, considering the best time to book a flight is around 6-8 weeks in advance.
5. Consider adding a layover in Jordan as it may improve ticket prices, but this is not always the case.
6. Land at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah and take a taxi to the hotels near the Haram in Makkah.
7. Book hotels early near the Haram in Makkah and near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
8. Apply for a visa by registering on the visa platform and providing personal information, with a visa application fee of $10.5.
9. Travel between the cities by taking the Al Haramain train, with the option of economy or business class.
10. Book an appointment in advance to visit the tomb of the Prophet using the Nusuk App.
11. Take a sightseeing bus tour with Citysightseeing to get a comprehensive understanding of Madinah.
12. Leave from Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport to conclude the trip.
