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

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.

Thanks Dagge. Useful info. Cheers, Brett.

Madain Saleh
 

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

I would not guarantee asphalt, but it looks like there are many minor roads between Al Ula / Duba / Al Wejh. What vehicle?

Thanks.
 

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

Answering my own question...
 

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

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

Thanks for the info, Redsnapper! That explains our police escort from north of Hail to the Jordanian border...
Stephan

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/...6ebdd9e0_o.jpg

PS Some of this stuff may be out of date, the book is a good few years old now.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/...ebc9ab5c_o.jpg

For anybody who may be interested. Some of this may be out of date by now.

Sme pics:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/...414a4bab_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/...1e5fe399_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/...5cfb2033_o.jpg

Fantastic.
Oh how I wish I could leave tomorrow.:palm:

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' :thumbup1:
So, fast forward to January 2009, are tourist visa's still difficult to get, does one still need a letter of invitation.:helpsmilie:

My wife and I will be driving a Land Cruiser.:D