Thousands of years ago, Makkah was merely a barren valley. Nobody had the least bit of interest in residing in this valley, until Sayidda Hajar discovered the Zamzam Well, thereby changing the course of history by Allah’s command. The event was followed by the building of the Kaa’ba, which now attracts travelers from all corners of the earth.
Closest Airports to Makkah
Due to the sanctity of Makkah and the fact that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter it, there is no airport in the city. However, the Kingdom’s wise leadership has established international airports in the cities surrounding Makkah in order to ease the transportation of pilgrims and visitors from around the world. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the main airport for welcoming pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons through the pilgrim terminal, and it is open to visitors who arrive at other times of the year. Other nearby airports include the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah as well as Taif International Airport, which is 70 kilometers away from Makkah. People from around the world can obtain the right visa and book flights to these three airports.
Traveling to Makkah by Land
There are several ways to get to Makkah after arriving in the airport; you can rent a car from the airport without worrying about finding a parking space in the Haram Al Sharif area; the Shaza Makkah Hotel has a free parking service for guests during their stay. You can also use one of the licensed taxis or public transport companies that provide you with transportation to Makkah from Jeddah, Madinah, or Taif. Alternatively, there are private drivers at the airport gates who transport visitors from one city to the other with an agreed-on price. You could also book a train ticket from the Jeddah and Madinah stations according to the train schedule. If you decide to travel from your country to Jeddah, we recommend booking the transport service to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport in advance so you can reach the Shaza Makkah Hotel in a luxury car that can add more comfort and luxury to your trip at an additional cost.
Taking the Haramain High-Speed Railway
The Haramain High-Speed Railway linking Makkah and Madinah through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (Rabigh) was opened last year, and you can easily book your ticket on the train, which covers 300 kilometers per hour. As soon as you reach the railway station in Makkah, you’ll find delivery and transportation companies as well as public transport companies that offer buses going to the Haram Al Sharif for a symbolic price. For a more comfortable and private trip, you can use the shuttle service to and from the railway station and the Shaza Makkah Hotel, and your driver will be waiting for you so you can start your spiritual journey with peace and tranquility.
