Performing Hajj is not merely a journey of the body—it is a journey of the heart. Every step in the holy land carries meaning. Every moment holds prayer. Yet, amid the spiritual focus, practical matters like transportation can quietly become sources of stress.
Therefore, understanding how to travel safely in Saudi Arabia—especially when using taxis—becomes essential for every pilgrim.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has already provided an excellent facility: Shalawat buses. These buses transport Indonesian pilgrims from their hotels to the Grand Mosque and back again. According to Harun Alrasyid, Head of the Hajj Protection Division at PPIH, three terminals have been prepared:
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Syib Amir Terminal
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Ajyad Terminal
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Jabal Ka’bah Terminal
Because of this, pilgrims are strongly encouraged to prioritize these buses to avoid difficulties in finding transportation.
However, life during Hajj is dynamic. Sometimes your destination is beyond the Shalawat route. Sometimes urgency calls. And in those moments, taxis become a necessary companion.
So, how can pilgrims use taxis safely and wisely?
Let us walk through it together—calmly, carefully, and with wisdom.
Prioritize Shalawat Buses First
Before even thinking about hailing a taxi, pause for a moment. Ask yourself gently: Is the Shalawat bus available for my route?
This question matters more than many pilgrims realize.
The Shalawat bus system was designed specifically to protect pilgrims from common transportation problems in Mecca, such as:
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Overpriced taxi fares
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Language barriers
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Difficulty finding vehicles during peak hours
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Risk of getting lost
Moreover, these buses operate continuously between hotels and the Grand Mosque, making them the safest and most economical option.
Harun Alrasyid clearly emphasized that pilgrims should utilize this facility whenever possible. Not because taxis are forbidden—but because prevention is always better than regret.
Nevertheless, there are situations where taxis are perfectly acceptable. For example:
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Traveling to locations not covered by Shalawat buses
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Emergency situations
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Traveling in small groups with specific needs
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Mobility considerations for elderly pilgrims
In these cases, using a taxi is allowed and sometimes necessary.
Yet remember this gentle principle: choose convenience without sacrificing safety.
And when the moment comes that you must step into a taxi, do so with preparation—not haste.
Because a calm pilgrim is a protected pilgrim.
Essential Safety Rules When Taking a Taxi
Now, let us speak heart to heart.
Imagine the streets of Mecca—crowded, alive, moving like waves of humanity. In such an environment, small precautions can create great protection.
According to Hajj authorities, the first and most important rule is simple:
Do not travel alone.
This advice applies to both men and women, but it becomes especially crucial for:
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Elderly pilgrims
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Senior citizens
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First-time visitors
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Those unfamiliar with the area
Traveling with a companion provides not only physical safety but also emotional comfort. During Hajj, fatigue can come quietly. Confusion can appear suddenly. And having someone beside you is like having a small lantern in the night.
Furthermore, Harun Alrasyid strongly advised that elderly pilgrims must always be accompanied when using taxis or public transportation.
Why is this so important?
Because in unfamiliar environments:
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Directions can be misunderstood
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Drivers may not speak your language
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Physical stamina may suddenly drop
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Unexpected situations may arise
However, when you travel together, risks decrease significantly.
Therefore, before stepping into any taxi, gently check:
✔ Are you accompanied?
✔ Does your companion know the destination?
✔ Do you both feel comfortable with the vehicle?
If the answer is yes, then proceed calmly.
Because safety during Hajj is also part of worship.
Smart Boarding and Exiting Etiquette for Couples
There is a beautiful wisdom in small actions.
For married pilgrims traveling together, Harun Alrasyid shared a simple yet powerful tip that many people overlook.
When entering the taxi:
👉 The husband (or male companion) should board first.
When exiting the taxi:
👉 The wife (or female pilgrim) should get off first.
At first glance, this may seem like a minor detail. But in reality, it carries layers of protection and comfort.
Let us understand why.
When the husband boards first:
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He can quickly assess the taxi’s condition
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He can confirm the destination with the driver
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He creates a sense of security for his wife
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He ensures the vehicle is safe before she enters
Then, when arriving at the destination and the wife exits first:
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She can move safely toward the sidewalk
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The husband can watch the surroundings
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Assistance can be given immediately if needed
It is a simple choreography of care.
A quiet language of protection.
Moreover, this practice is especially helpful in crowded areas around the Grand Mosque, where movement can become tight and fast-paced.
Therefore, dear pilgrims, do not underestimate small habits. Sometimes, safety lives in the smallest gestures.
And in the sacred land, every careful step is an act of gratitude.
Always Ask the Fare First
Finally—and this is very important—never forget to ask one simple question before the taxi begins to move:
“How much is the fare?”
This small sentence can save you from unnecessary stress.
Harun Alrasyid emphasized that pilgrims should always request an estimated fare in advance. The reason is straightforward: to avoid unwanted incidents.
In busy pilgrimage seasons, taxi demand increases sharply. As a result:
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Prices may fluctuate
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Some drivers may not use meters
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Miscommunication can occur
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Pilgrims may be overcharged unintentionally
However, when you confirm the fare beforehand, everything becomes clearer.
Here is a calm, conversion-oriented checklist you can follow:
✅ Before Booking the Taxi
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Ask the estimated price
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Confirm the destination clearly
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Ensure your group is complete
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Prepare small cash if possible
✅ During the Ride
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Stay together
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Keep your hotel information ready
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Remain calm and observant
✅ After Arriving
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Exit carefully (wife first if applicable)
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Pay the agreed fare
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Collect all belongings
Simple steps. Powerful protection.
Final Reflection: Travel with Wisdom, Worship with Peace
Dear pilgrim, Hajj is a journey of surrender—but it is also a journey of responsibility.
Use the Shalawat buses whenever possible. They are your first shield of convenience.
However, when taxis become necessary, move with awareness, companionship, and calm preparation.
Because the goal is not merely to arrive at the Grand Mosque…
…but to arrive safely, peacefully, and with a heart ready for worship.
May your journey be protected. May your steps be guided. And may every ride bring you closer—not only to your destination, but to serenity itself.