If your package did not include madinah visit, then this page is for you. Here are a few things we learned as we secretly escaped to Madinah.
- Two days before Hajj, Mecca locks down for Hajj.
- If you are in Madinah and traveling within 4 days of Hajj, they will ask for a passport and visa. Visa must be for “Hajj season”. Can use a copy of your passport, original booklet not required.
- Haramain High Speed Railway (HHR)
- Use the app as it’s more reliable, the website usually fails at payment page
- The lower numbers are closer to Mekkah. So try to pick a chair facing Mekkah, allows you to pray in seat as there is no prayer room.
- High Speed Railway/Train leaves on time. Be sure to walk towards the train at least 15 minutes before time to ensure bags are stored and you find your seat.
- Book ahead of time, prices will jump from 300+ to 800+ SAR for Business per person for same day or high demand travel times.
- Business is worth it if you want lunch in train and sit in business lounge. (Personally I liked Mecca lounge more than Madinah)
- Takes about 2 hours 15 minutes with 1 stop, or 2 hours and 25 minutes for 2 stops.
- Buses to Madinah from Mecca go for 100 SAR, but take 5 hours.
- Rawdah
- Use the Nusuk app to reserve a spot. I had to register a different account then my wife even though she was registered as my companion.
- The Nusuk app shows a week ahead. I noticed the calendar updates up after Duhr KSA time.
- Men are right after Maghreb.
- There are over 2000 people who will have reserved a spot.
- Those who didn’t register can still go if time and space is allows it.
- Rawdah’s doors are at 38, however, pray near 37, preferably outside.
- Right after Maghreb (Men), head over to the lines. Ask guards were is the Rawdah and stand in line. Have your reservation ready.
- They don’t scan the QR code but check manually the date. Screenshots won’t be accepted.
- There are multiple check points and a system to release people in waves.
- The Rawdah is within the first 4 pillars across (from front left) to 3 pillars back (from front left).
- Women are right after Isha, however, women don’t actually pray inside the Rawdah nor are allowed to see the prophet (pbuh) or AbuBakir or Omar’s graves.
- Hotel stay averaged 660 SAR a night before Hajj.
- Taxi from HHR to Masjid Quba was 30 SAR
- Taxi from Masjid Nabawi to HHR was 40 SAR
When I was purchasing my package, it had 2 days of Madina. However, my flight ticket was changed and when I arrived in my hotel, no one has communicated or mentioned the 2 days of Madina to me. I asked my guide and they told me I just need to arrange my travels to Madina myself. I had to pay for additional train ticket which I like not find economy class. I had to pay for business class which was much expensive. I paid for hotel from my pocket in Madina and the Madina tour. I’m not sure why they checked me the money in my package and they never delivered the services I payed for.