Every year, millions of Hajj pilgrims go to Makkah and other holy sites. To help with this large movement, Saudi Arabia has created a modern transportation system that moves people quickly, safely, and comfortably.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, coordinates the entire operation with licensed operators.
Overview of the Hajj Transportation System
The transportation network includes:
- Road networks
- Airports and seaports
- High-speed railways
- Metro lines
- Public buses and shuttle services
This system help that pilgrims can reach Makkah and perform rituals in Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina and return safely within a short time frame.
Arrival to Saudi Arabia
Pilgrims arrive via international flights at:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- Taif International Airport
From there, they are transported to Makkah al-Mukarramah using:
- Haramain High-Speed Railway
- Dedicated buses
- Private transport services
Haramain High-Speed Railway
The Haramain Train connects:
- Makkah al-Mukarramah ↔ Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah
- With stops in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City
Key Features:
- Speed up to 300 km/h
- Fully electric, modern, and air-conditioned
- Transports hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every Hajj season
📊 In 2023, it successfully transported 750,000 passengers through 3,627 trips , with a 98% on-time performance rate.
Al-Mashaaer Metro Line
This metro line is run by the Saudi Railway Company. It connects three important places during Hajj:
- Arafat
- Muzdalifah
- Mina
Key Details:
- 9 stations across 18 km
- Trains run at speeds up to 80 km/h
- Each train carries 3,000 passengers
- Total hourly capacity: 72,000 pilgrims
📊 In 2023, the Al-Mashaaer Metro transported over 2.13 million pilgrims in 2,208 trips and making it one of the busiest days of the year for mass transit in the region.
Makkah al-Mukarramah Bus Project
Launched in 2022, this public bus service was developed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites , under the Saudi Vision 2030 program.
It runs between:
- Al-Rusaifah Station (connected to the Haramain Rail)
- Jabal Omar Station , near the Grand Mosque
This project helps manage increasing numbers of pilgrims and ensures smoother access to the Holy Mosque in Makkah .
Shuttle Transportation
Organized by the General Syndicate of Cars: shuttle services operate:
- On dedicated two-lane routes
- During peak Hajj days
Types of Routes:
- City-to-city : Between Makkah and surrounding areas
- Holy site routes : Between Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina
These shuttles help reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for pilgrims moving between locations.
