Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
Hijaz Railway - Saudi Hijaz Railway - Saudi
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Mar 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
Hijaz Railway - Saudi
Has anyone done the Hijaz Railway road from Mada in Salih (Al Ula) to Tabuk in Saudi? I've heard it's an amazing route. However I don't want to do it if it's all sand or difficult to follow. Any experiences would appreciated.

cheers
Brett
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Mar 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Helsinki/Finland - Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally posted by BrettUAE:
Has anyone done the Hijaz Railway road from Mada in Salih (Al Ula) to Tabuk in Saudi? I've heard it's an amazing route. However I don't want to do it if it's all sand or difficult to follow. Any experiences would appreciated.

cheers
Brett

It's definitely all sand and in large parts soft, loose sand. You might be able to ride the elevated base of the railway since the tracks have long since been taken for better use, but I think the base has been flooded away in many places also. It's basically desert riding all the way. The scenery near Al-Ola/Mada'in Saleh is spectacular though. If you plan to visit Mada'in saleh, you need an entry permit from the ministry of archaelogy.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Mar 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
Thanks Dagge. Useful info. Cheers, Brett.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jun 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Madain Saleh
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dagge View Post
It's definitely all sand and in large parts soft, loose sand.
Has there been any recent change in this road's condition? If not, can we get through to the Red Sea coast road to Aqaba on tarmac without backtracking along road 70 onto road 15?

Thanks.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Jul 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Riyadh
Posts: 27
I would not guarantee asphalt, but it looks like there are many minor roads between Al Ula / Duba / Al Wejh. What vehicle?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Jul 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Thanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bin Ridin View Post
I would not guarantee asphalt, but it looks like there are many minor roads between Al Ula / Duba / Al Wejh. What vehicle?
R1100GS with off-road capability and K1200RS with practically none (graded roads are doable but I'd prefer not).

Thanks for the info. I guess, at worst, we can ask at Al Ula if we get there...
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Thumbs up Answering my own question...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bin Ridin View Post
I would not guarantee asphalt, but it looks like there are many minor roads between Al Ula / Duba / Al Wejh. What vehicle?
There is a (very scenic) asphalt road from Al Ula to Al Wejh. Then it's a right turn all the way up the coast to Duba, Al Hagl and the Jordanian border.

The landscapes around Al Ula are spectacular and worth the journey time.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Jul 2008
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephano View Post
R1100GS with off-road capability and K1200RS with practically none (graded roads are doable but I'd prefer not).

Thanks for the info. I guess, at worst, we can ask at Al Ula if we get there...
Stephan

Hi Stephan

I went a few years ago. there is a lot of sand and what is left of old embankments. Will be a struggle on a GS.

There is a book called "Desert Treks around Riyadh" that gives directions and a guide for the route, I'll see if I can find it.

Also get to Wahba Crater if you can, it is unbelievable.

Amazon.co.uk: Desert Treks from Riyadh: Ionis Thompson: Books

Be observant around Al Ula & Medain Saleh. A group of French nationals were shot after visiting last year:

BBC NEWS | Middle East | French killed in Saudi shooting
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Last edited by redsnapper; 10 Jul 2008 at 11:21.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Jul 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Quote:
Originally Posted by redsnapper View Post
Be observant around Al Ula & Medain Saleh. A group of French nationals were shot after visiting last year:

BBC NEWS | Middle East | French killed in Saudi shooting
Thanks for the info, Redsnapper! That explains our police escort from north of Hail to the Jordanian border...
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Jul 2008
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90


PS Some of this stuff may be out of date, the book is a good few years old now.
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Last edited by redsnapper; 11 Jul 2008 at 18:46.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Jul 2008
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 Jul 2008
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Jul 2008
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90


For anybody who may be interested. Some of this may be out of date by now.
__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11 Jul 2008
redsnapper's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 90
Sme pics:





__________________
'Peaches are better than Tanks'
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Fantastic.
Oh how I wish I could leave tomorrow.

I will plan to enter Saudi from Jordan, which border to enter at? and exit Saudi at Port of Jeddah.

I would not like to travel this country on a 'transit visa', 18 hours is just too short, but would like perhaps 7 to 10 days.

This then, only leaves a 'tourist visa'
So, fast forward to January 2009, are tourist visa's still difficult to get, does one still need a letter of invitation.

My wife and I will be driving a Land Cruiser.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:34.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top