According to the survey, Umrah pilgrims have increased by 8.7% during the last year. With such a staggering figure, pilgrims prefer to go for affordable options to enjoy a comforting trip. While many pilgrims prefer to hire a car for its convenience, some still opt for public transport. Nearly 23.4% of people have chosen to use buses from one city to another during the last two years. With such a huge demand for transportation, pilgrims look for cheaper solutions. They can book the Cheapest Umrah Packages to save their money while enjoying their trip. This blog will discuss some reasonable modes of transportation that you can use on your next Umrah trip. These transports offer a smart way to save up on your hard-earned money.
Cheap Transport Options for Umrah
Here are some of the cheaper and quicker transport options that you can use for going to Umrah. These rides help you limit your expenses and give you a soothing journey overall.
Haramain High-Speed Railway
One of the most efficient and economical ways to travel between the holy cities of Mecca and Medina is via the Haramain High-Speed Railway. Opened to the public in 2019, this modern railway service has become the preferred mode of transport for many due to its affordability, speed, and comfort. The Haramain Railway connects Jeddah, King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, and the cities of Mecca and Medina along the 450 km route. Every train has 113 business seats and 304 economy seats.
Since you are travelling on a tight budget, opting for an economy seat would be better. While business class may have more perks, you can still have a comfortable trip. This train offers you free WiFi to remain in touch with your loved ones. You can munch on some tasty treats in the cafeteria on the fifth coach of each train. The prices of tickets vary depending on the class and services you selected. All trains are usually on time, making a trip between the holy cities in just 2 hours. This gives pilgrim’s ample opportunity to save time and money.
Saudi Arabian Public Buses
If you are looking for even cheaper options, then Saudi Arabia’s public bus network will be the right pick. The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) offers safe and air-conditioned buses connecting Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. These buses are a reliable and economical choice for pilgrims, with ticket prices depending on the route and type of bus. SAPTCO also provides luxury for a slightly higher fare. Equipped with comfortable seating and extra amenities, these vehicles make the journey more relaxing for longer distances. Booking can be done online or at bus stations, and SAPTCO buses are known for punctuality and safety.
Ride-Sharing Services
Another reasonable mode of transport is ride-sharing services. These apps are best for travellers who want to move between the cities on a limited budget. Ride-sharing apps like Careem or Uber give you the freedom to book a car anytime and from anywhere. Also, these apps offer you a chance to connect with your fellow passengers, forming a sacred bond. Careem has added a lot of options for economic pilgrims. One such feature is the “Go” service which is made for individuals on a tight schedule. The prices may vary depending upon the route and demand of the ride (which type of car do you choose). But for shorter trips, it is an easy choice. Also, you can split the fare with other pilgrims, making it cheaper.
Private Car Rentals
Don’t want to share a ride with someone? Do you think your privacy will be invaded? Then you can hire a car for the trip duration. Car rentals are a great choice to consider especially when travelling with family. Various car rental agencies in Jeddah and in the Holy City offer exquisite rides that promise a peaceful trip. While renting a car is a bit costlier than public transport, the perks offered by a car are worth the money. A rented car gives you the freedom to explore the sites at your own pace. You can make a stop at any desired place without worrying about any time constraints, as it happens in public transport. Also, the rent gets shared among various people. Hence, no burden is placed upon a single individual alone. This makes car rental a feasible option to choose.
Nusuk Umrah Transport Services
Nusuk is the first-ever official platform for travellers to book their Umrah/Hajj trip. Supported by the Saudi government, this platform offers budget-friendly rides for pilgrims. It partners with local transport providers to arrange shuttles between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. You can enjoy a relaxing and simple journey using the Nusuk mobile app. You can avail of the group services given by the Nusuk via shuttle buses. These buses give you an economical pick-n-drop service from major hotels and airports. The benefit of using Nusuk is that you will enjoy services given by trusted providers for your ease.
Challenges of Transport During Umrah
Despite having many reliable ride options, pilgrims still face countless challenges especially during high season and for those who are travelling on a limited budget. It is better for you to take a view of these challenges to have an understanding of how to tackle them.
High Crowd: The first challenge is high crowd and availability during peak Umrah seasons, such as Ramadan and Hajj periods, when millions of Muslims from across the globe arrive in Saudi Arabia. With so many pilgrims visiting the holy sites each year, travellers can encounter issues like limited seats, long waiting lines, and a rush atmosphere at popular attractions. Also, ride-sharing apps tend to charge more due to the high demand of visiting the sites.
Language Barrier: Another challenge is the language barrier. For non-Arabic speakers, understanding transport routes and schedules can be quite difficult. This is common for public modes of rides where not many language options are available. Also, if you are new to the Kingdom, then you will also encounter trouble in navigating the key sites. This can add an extra cost to your wallet. It is better to learn some basic phrases of the language to overcome this obstacle.
Delays: Another common challenge that pilgrims face is unpredictable delays, particularly during high-traffic periods. Public buses or trains can get late due to road blockage or the high demand of pilgrims. This disrupts the schedule for many travellers regarding Umrah trips. Also, the fluctuating prices during peak season are a cherry on top of the list of challenges.
Tips for Cheap Umrah Travel
Here are some of the tips that you can follow to make the Umrah journey more manageable and within your pocket.
- Always plan for early booking. You can get tickets for trains and buses like SAPTCO at cheaper rates when booked well in advance. Early bookings help in saving last-minute panic attacks and price hikes which are quite common. You can consider booking the Family Umrah Packages from a reputable travel agency.
- Travel during off off-season as it is more comfortable in terms of crowd and money. Off-peak travel gives pilgrims reasonable hotels and vehicles, making it easier to stay within the wallet range.
- Avail discount offers by using mobile apps of the selected mode of ride. Both SAPTCO and Haramain trains offer budget-friendly packages for a limited time like during Ramadan.
- If you want to save money on transport, then you can access the nearby sites by walking on foot. You don’t need to spend on hailing a ride every time you want to go for a bit of sightseeing.
Wrap Up
When planning for Umrah, it is important to balance cost with comfort for a soothing journey. With the influx of pilgrims every year, reasonable rides have become easier to access. Transports like buses or trains give travellers the flexibility to look for cost-saving solutions. From high-speed bullet trains like Haramain Express to SAPTCO reliable bus fleets, the Kingdom has transport choices for every traveller. This blog has highlighted some of the modes of transport you can use during your Umrah trip to enjoy comfort at cheaper rates. This will make your spiritual journey more memorable and fulfilling. So what are you waiting for? Hop on to that fast train to begin your mystic trip.
