Exploring Islam's Heart: Tourist Guide to What's Inside Makkah

For a Muslim, going to Makkah in Saudi Arabia is a great thing that everyone wishes to do at least once in your life. In this article, we go through some of the most general information about “What is inside Makkah?”. Besides, the way to go to Makkah is also an issue that many people are concerned about. Let's take a look at the article!

Tourist Guide to What's Inside Makkah

What is Makkah?

We will go through the two most important questions, “What exactly is Makkah?” and “What is inside Makkah?” to learn more about the definition of Makkah.

Makkah is officially Makkah al-Mukarramah, which is also known as Mecca. Makkah, in western Saudi Arabia's desert valley, is Islam's holiest city since it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the faith itself. For the annual Hajj, which draws millions of tourists each year, only Muslims are allowed in the city (pilgrimage). The most revered sanctuary of Islam, the Kaaba, is surrounded by the central Masjid al-Haram (important mosque), which was built in the seventh century.

Throughout history, Makkah has been known by many different names. Throughout the Truth, Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) mentions Makkah by several names in the Holy Quran, including Makkah, Bakkah, Al-Balad, Al-Qaryah, and Ummul-Qura.

Where is Makkah in Saudi Arabia?

When they first hear about Makkah, a lot of people must be asking, "Where is Makkah located?"

Makkah is located 45 miles east of the Saudi city of Jeddah. Makkah is 909 feet above sea level and is nestled in a valley surrounded by rocky mountains ranging in height from 1,000 to over 2,500 feet. Temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is minimal precipitation throughout the year. On the other hand, Makkah has been flooded in the past due to its location in a valley. In 2008, it had a population of 1.7 million people.

Where is Makkah?

When can I visit Makkah?

The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah, is a ritual that forms one of Islam's beliefs. Every believer should visit Makkah in Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime. This principle is given in the Koran, which stipulates when the pilgrimage must be completed based on the Muslim calendar.

Makkah is open from Sunday through Thursday, although most stores and companies are open on Saturday as well. On Friday, however, they do not open until after the completion of the afternoon prayer, which is approximately 4:00 p.m.

What attractions should I see inside Makkah?

Makkah has several old and modern landmarks, and it is home to the world's biggest Mosque.

Pilgrims and regular tourists should visit the Zamzam as well. Well, the significant location of a holy spring. There are many modern structures in the city, some of which are particularly stunning.

Makkah is home to monuments like the Abraj Al Bait, also known as the Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, which is the world's fourth tallest skyscraper and has the third biggest floor area.

Among these is the Gate of Makkah, which was built in 1979 to mark the limits of Makkah. The terrain has altered here, but many of the more contemporary structures are worth viewing.

What is Makkah's natural landscape like?

Makkah is close to the Saudi shoreline and surrounded by rugged terrain; therefore, there are many natural treasures to be seen here as well. Pilgrims should definitely consider visiting Hira, the cave where Muhammad initially heard God's revelations.

It's a city of contrasts, a combination of ancient and contemporary, yet there's enough to appreciate in Makkah, both religiously and in terms of general tourism.

How to travel from Jeddah to Makkah?

Because Makkah lacks an airport, most visitors travel to Jeddah's massive King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). South Terminal mostly services local flights as well as Saudia, the country's primary airline. Most other foreign aircraft land at North Terminal, which is 19 kilometers distant.

A private limousine provided by your Makkah hotel is the most convenient alternative for the 104-kilometer trip from Jeddah International Airport to Makkah.

You may also take a legal cab from the terminal or use Uber or Careem to schedule a journey. During peak periods, expect a lengthy wait. Regular SAPTCO buses go from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. This alternative is unpleasant if you're going with large luggage because the bus stop is 7 kilometers from Makkah's city center.

How to travel from Jeddah to Makkah

How to get around Makkah?

Here's a quick rundown of the city's outstanding transportation system, which serves the entire holy city and beyond.

Because of government initiatives, public transportation is constantly improving. This makes it simpler and faster for people to go to the Grand Mosque and other vital regions and holy sites in Makkah, even during peak seasons like Ramadan and Hajj.

Public buses: safe and effective

The Saudi Public Transport Company, Saptco, operates clean, frequent public buses on particular routes throughout Makkah. Intercity buses connect all cities in Saudi Arabia.

As part of the Makkah Public Transportation Program, a more comprehensive network of bus routes into and around the city is planned. The railroad travels via the towns of Jeddah and Rabigh.

There are three types of tickets: business class, first class, and tourist class.

Hire a taxi

Taxis may be called from everywhere in Makkah. Because drivers rarely use the meter, the fare is negotiable. Due to strong demand and traffic congestion, the fares may be three times higher during the last 10 days of Ramadan and the Hajj season.

Pilgrims' private buses

During the Umrah and Hajj seasons, private firms (such as Dallah and Rawahel) operate high-quality, air-conditioned buses on designated routes.

Car booking and chauffeur services

Inside Makkah, Uber and Careem provide private chauffeur services. You may order a car by calling the firm or using a credit card-linked smartphone app. The fare is more than that of a standard taxi.

Saudi Arabia Immigration Service’s car pickup service

Travelers can opt for a car pickup service when transferring from Jedda's airport to the holy site for Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage or other purposes. It is very convenient when you register for this service along with the e-Visa registration process on our Saudi Arabia Immigration Services website.

Rental car in Makkah

GCC residents and tourists with international driving licenses, as well as expats residing in the Kingdom, can hire automobiles in Makkah from a variety of rental agencies. You also need to check the Saudi visa requirements for GCC citizens.

Walking is the best way to prevent congestion.

Despite significant advances in Makkah transportation alternatives, walking remains the easiest method to move around the city during Ramadan and Hajj. This helps you avoid traffic jams and overcrowding, as well as increased cab charges.

Quick inquiries regarding traveling to Makkah

What is the distance between Jeddah and Makkah?

Jeddah and Makkah are 67 kilometers apart. The driving distance is 77.8 kilometers.

What is the most affordable method to go from Jeddah to Makkah?

Driving from Jeddah to Makkah is the cheapest option, costing between $4 and $7 and taking 52 minutes.

How can I go from Jeddah to Makkah as quickly as possible?

Taxis and trains are the quickest ways to go from Jeddah to Makkah. This option costs $39 - $44 and takes 45 minutes.

Is there a direct bus from Jeddah to Makkah?

Yes, there is a direct bus that runs from Jeddah to Makkah. Services run four times a day, seven days a week. The trip takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes.

Without a car, how do I go from Jeddah to Makkah?

Without a car, the best method to go from Jeddah to Makkah is via cab and train, which takes 45 minutes and costs $39 - $44.

How much time does it take to get from Jeddah to Makkah?

It takes around 45 minutes to go from Jeddah to Makkah, including transfers.

Where can I take the bus from Jeddah to Makkah?

SAPTCO operates bus services from Jeddah to Makkah, which depart from Jeddah station.

Where does the bus from Jeddah to Makkah arrive?

SAPTCO bus services from Jeddah to Makkah arrive at Makkah station.

Where can I stay close to Makkah?

Makkah has around 269 hotels to choose from. The nightly rate begins at $100 USD.

Extra meaningful things you want to know about “What is inside Makkah?”

How many rakats in Taraweeh in Makkah?

The Taraweeh ceremony is reported to be eight rakats long, according to the Prophet's sayings. It is comparable to your regular salah, in which Taraweeh is repeated in two-rakat increments. As a result, the longest Taraweeh is 20 rakats, while the smallest is two rakats. From the reign of Caliph Omar bin Abdulaziz, however, the residents of Medina conducted the Taraweeh prayer for 36 rakats (717–720 AD).

Taraweeh is done in sets of two rakats, the same to how you would pray a salah. The lowest distance is two rakats, and the biggest distance is twenty rakats.

What is the black stone in Makkah?

The Black Stone honors Makkah even more. According to legend, it was sent down with Adam after the "Fall" to instruct him where to build a temple. The Black Stone is now located at the eastern corner of the Ka'aba, a cube-shaped granite structure in the middle of Makkah's Masjid Al-Haram, the world's biggest and holiest mosque.

What helps you stay connected with the world when you are around Makkah, Saudi Arabia?

Enhance your travel experience in Saudi Arabia with the Travel SIM service offered by Saudi Arabia Immigration Services. This pre-paid SIM card comes loaded with data, voice, and SMS services, providing travelers with a hassle-free and convenient way to stay connected during their trip. Save time and money by using this service, and make the most of your time in Saudi Arabia. Simply purchase the Saudi Travel SIM card upon arrival or in advance and enjoy seamless communication throughout your trip.

Traveling Makkah with the Travel SIM service

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