I'm planning a trip to Mecca for Umra, from Doha, in the next few weeks and could give me some information
1) I have a Nissan Sunny ? Can I make it in this !!
2) Can I book a hotel for Mecca and then Medina from here - online prices are expensive ? If possible, pls give me cheap & best hotels name and addres...
3) How long does the border crossing take - and is there anything I should be aware of ?
4) Which route should I take ? Jump onto the 40 motorway as soon as possible or try to cut across on smaller roads ?
5) Are there service stations on the way ?
6) Is there a road side rescue service available in Saudi ?
7) What time of the day should I go ? After fajr / Asar ? What's the heat like in June / July ?
8) Would it be good idea to stop in Riyad and have a rest ? Is this about half way ?
9) Is there anything I should take with me for the trip ?
10) Any other helpful advise will be very, very appreciated ?
11)Is there any hotels available between Riaydh and Mecca?
check the link below it will may help you
http://www.malqatar.com/MAQHome/docs/UMRAHGuide.pdf
If you would like to discuss your trip with me, please call me at 44810951 between 9 and 10 PM. Please use a land line as the discussion may be a lengthy one. I know the Saudi roads very well and may be able to give you some guidance.
Ismail
If you also plan to go to Medina from Mecca then make sure to fill petrol more frequently as there are less gas stations from Mecca to Medina and on the way from Medina to Doha.
Yes but make sure that you get it completely serviced and checked for everything like brakes, engine oil etc. Is it a very old model of Nissan Sunny?
You can get hotel rooms once you land there.
Going from Doha, it may take 20 mins at Qatar Border and may be 30-40 mins at Saudi border.
Route would be Salwa border to Hofuf then Riyadh(via touching Dammam border) and then 900 Km to Makka Al Mukarram. Total journey is about 1400 to 1500 Km.
Following Al Haram sign from Riyadh would be enough.
There are service stations from Doha to Mecca like SASCO, Tesheelat, Aldris etc.
Better to start immediately after fajr.
Yes there are hotels, rest houses between Riyadh and Mecca.