A digital guide for planning overland routes via the Al Wadiah or Alab border, fuel and rest stops 2026
Yemen → 🕋 Makkah
A complete digital guide for overland trips from Yemen via the Al Wadiah or Alab border to Al-Masjid Al-Haram. Check the state of roads and border crossings before you travel.
🧭 My trip now
Before you go
🛣️ Overland route options
From Sanaa via Marib and the Al Wadiah border
Itinerary: Sanaa → Al Bayda → Marib → Al Abr → Al Wadiah border → Sharurah → Najran → Dhahran Al Janub → Khamis Mushait → Abha → Baha → Taif → Makkah.
Through the land border open to travellers (Al Wadiah). Roads inside Yemen are affected by the security situation, so check them before setting off.
From Seiyun (Hadramawt) via the Al Wadiah border
Itinerary: Seiyun → Shibam → Al Abr → Al Wadiah border → Sharurah → Najran → Dhahran Al Janub → Khamis Mushait → Abha → Baha → Taif → Makkah.
The closest start to the Al Wadiah border, for travellers setting off from Wadi Hadramawt.
From Aden via Ataq and the Al Wadiah border
Itinerary: Aden → Abyan → Ataq → Al Abr → Al Wadiah border → Sharurah → Najran → Dhahran Al Janub → Khamis Mushait → Abha → Baha → Taif → Makkah.
For travellers setting off from Aden and the southern governorates, via Shabwah to the Al Wadiah border.
From Sanaa via Saada and the Alab border
Itinerary: Sanaa → Amran → Saada → Alab border → Dhahran Al Janub → Khamis Mushait → Abha → Baha → Taif → Makkah.
By far the shortest way, but the Alab border was closed for years: make sure it is open to travellers before relying on this route.
⏱️ Arrival time and fuel cost calculator
✅ Smart pre-trip checklist
Important apps and links
On the road
⚠️ Road tips and safety
😴 Fatigue and drowsiness: Never push on when you feel sleepy. Stop at the nearest service station right away and take a 20-minute nap.
☕ Rest stops: Stop every 250–300 km (every 2 to 3 hours) to stretch and refresh. Avoid driving for more than 3 hours straight, and share the driving if you can.
📸 Saher speed cameras: The speed limit is 140 km/h on most expressways for small cars. Wear your seat belt and avoid using your phone while driving.
🐪 Stray camels: Watch out for stray camels, especially at night and in the early morning, on the Al Wadiah–Sharurah–Najran road, and take care on the mountain roads between Abha, Baha and Taif (sharp bends and occasional fog).
📱 SIM cards: Operators include STC, Mobily and Zain. Activate a roaming package or get a data SIM or an eSIM to make maps and delivery apps easier to use.
🤲 Travel supplications
Travel supplication: "الله أكبر، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، سبحان الذي سخر لنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين وإنا إلى ربنا لمنقلبون. اللهم إنا نسألك في سفرنا هذا البر والتقوى ومن العمل ما ترضى، اللهم هوّن علينا سفرنا هذا، واطوِ عنا بعده، اللهم أنت الصاحب في السفر، والخليفة في الأهل، اللهم إني أعوذ بك من وعثاء السفر، وكآبة المنظر، وسوء المنقلب في المال والأهل" وإذا رجع قالهنّ وزاد فيهنّ: آيبون، تائبون، عابدون، لربنا حامدون. "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, for we could never have done it ourselves, and to our Lord we shall surely return. O Allah, we ask You on this journey of ours for righteousness and piety, and for deeds that please You. O Allah, make this journey easy for us and shorten its distance for us. O Allah, You are the Companion on the journey and the Guardian of the family. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travel, from distressing sights, and from an evil return in wealth and family." On the way back one says the same and adds: "We return, repenting, worshipping and praising our Lord."
When stopping at a place or rest area: "أعوذ بكلمات الله التامات من شر ما خلق" "I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of what He has created."
While driving: Say takbir (Allahu Akbar) when going uphill and tasbih (Subhan Allah) when going downhill.
⛽ Yemen stations (Sanaa → Marib → Al Wadiah border)
1. Soal Station
South of Sanaa on the Sanaa–Dhamar road.
2. Abdul Ghani Lakebh Station
On the Marib road.
3. Sudani Station
On the Marib–Hadramawt road.
4. Fuel Station – Al Wadiah road
On the Al Abr–Al Wadiah road, the last large station about 100 km before the border.
⛽ Saudi stations (Al Wadiah → Najran → Abha → Taif → Makkah)
The miqat for those coming from the south via Taif is Qarn al-Manazil (Wadi Muharram on the Al Hada road, or As-Sayl Al-Kabir): enter ihram there before the descent to Makkah.
5. Bin Askar Petroleum Services Complex – Sharurah
In Sharurah after the Al Wadiah border. Fill the tank: there are no known stations after it for about 320 km, until Najran.
6. Petro Makkah – Najran
In Najran, one of the most-reviewed stations on the Sharurah–Najran road.
7. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
8. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
9. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
10. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
11. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
12. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
⛽ Yemen stations (Seiyun → Al Wadiah border)
1. Shibam Typical Station
At Shibam, west of Seiyun.
2. Fuel Station – Al Wadiah road
On the Al Abr–Al Wadiah road, the last large station about 100 km before the border.
⛽ Saudi stations (Al Wadiah → Najran → Abha → Taif → Makkah)
The miqat for those coming from the south via Taif is Qarn al-Manazil (Wadi Muharram on the Al Hada road, or As-Sayl Al-Kabir): enter ihram there before the descent to Makkah.
3. Bin Askar Petroleum Services Complex – Sharurah
In Sharurah after the Al Wadiah border. Fill the tank: there are no known stations after it for about 320 km, until Najran.
4. Petro Makkah – Najran
In Najran, one of the most-reviewed stations on the Sharurah–Najran road.
5. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
6. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
7. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
8. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
9. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
10. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
⛽ Yemen stations (Aden → Ataq → Al Wadiah border)
1. Al Masila Fuel Complex
When leaving Aden.
2. Al Safwa Express Complex
On the Abyan–Shabwah road.
3. Capital Complex – Ataq
In Ataq, the most-reviewed station on this road.
4. Al Uqlah Junction Station
On the Ataq–Al Abr road.
5. Fuel Station – Al Wadiah road
On the Al Abr–Al Wadiah road, the last large station about 100 km before the border.
⛽ Saudi stations (Al Wadiah → Najran → Abha → Taif → Makkah)
The miqat for those coming from the south via Taif is Qarn al-Manazil (Wadi Muharram on the Al Hada road, or As-Sayl Al-Kabir): enter ihram there before the descent to Makkah.
6. Bin Askar Petroleum Services Complex – Sharurah
In Sharurah after the Al Wadiah border. Fill the tank: there are no known stations after it for about 320 km, until Najran.
7. Petro Makkah – Najran
In Najran, one of the most-reviewed stations on the Sharurah–Najran road.
8. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
9. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
10. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
11. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
12. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
13. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
⛽ Yemen stations (Sanaa → Saada → Alab border)
1. Al Wafa Petroleum Station
On the Sanaa–Saada road.
2. Al Zarbatan Station
Near Saada on the road to the Alab border.
⛽ Saudi stations (Dhahran Al Janub → Abha → Taif → Makkah)
The miqat for those coming from the south via Taif is Qarn al-Manazil (Wadi Muharram on the Al Hada road, or As-Sayl Al-Kabir): enter ihram there before the descent to Makkah.
3. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
4. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
5. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
6. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
7. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
8. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
📞 Emergency numbers (tap a number to call)
In Saudi Arabia (road security)
In Makkah and Madinah
🏨 Staying and getting around in Makkah and Madinah
🏨 Hotels and parking: Book hotels in advance and make sure parking is available, or use the official car parks at the entrances to Makkah (such as Kudai or Az-Zahir) and take the Makkah shuttle buses to the Haram.
🚕 Getting around: Use apps such as Uber and Careem to get around Makkah and Madinah at clear, regulated prices.
🚄 Haramain High-Speed Railway: An excellent, comfortable way to travel between Makkah and Madinah (about 2 hours 20 minutes). Book tickets early through the Haramain railway app or website.
💧 Zamzam water: Officially bottled Zamzam water can be bought from 📍 the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Zamzam Water Project in Makkah (Kudai district).
🕌 Historical and religious places to visit
🕋 Makkah:
🕌 Madinah:
- International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography
-
Quba Mosque
💡 Next to it is Quba Avenue, with a variety of kiosks and cafés🌴 "Bustan Al-Ajwa" date shop (excellent and close to Quba Mosque)
- Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery and Archers' Hill
- Uhud Viewpoint
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn
The way back
⛽ Return stations (Makkah → Taif → Najran → Al Wadiah → Sanaa)
The outbound stations in reverse order. On divided roads, check that the station is on your side of the road.
1. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
2. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
3. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
4. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
5. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
6. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
7. Petro Makkah – Najran
In Najran, one of the most-reviewed stations on the Sharurah–Najran road.
8. Bin Askar Petroleum Services Complex – Sharurah
In Sharurah after the Al Wadiah border. Fill the tank: there are no known stations after it for about 320 km, until Najran.
9. Fuel Station – Al Wadiah road
On the Al Abr–Al Wadiah road, the last large station about 100 km before the border.
10. Sudani Station
On the Marib–Hadramawt road.
11. Abdul Ghani Lakebh Station
On the Marib road.
12. Soal Station
South of Sanaa on the Sanaa–Dhamar road.
⛽ Return stations (Makkah → Taif → Najran → Al Wadiah → Seiyun)
The outbound stations in reverse order. On divided roads, check that the station is on your side of the road.
1. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
2. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
3. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
4. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
5. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
6. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
7. Petro Makkah – Najran
In Najran, one of the most-reviewed stations on the Sharurah–Najran road.
8. Bin Askar Petroleum Services Complex – Sharurah
In Sharurah after the Al Wadiah border. Fill the tank: there are no known stations after it for about 320 km, until Najran.
9. Fuel Station – Al Wadiah road
On the Al Abr–Al Wadiah road, the last large station about 100 km before the border.
10. Shibam Typical Station
At Shibam, west of Seiyun.
⛽ Return stations (Makkah → Taif → Najran → Al Wadiah → Aden)
The outbound stations in reverse order. On divided roads, check that the station is on your side of the road.
1. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
2. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
3. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
4. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
5. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
6. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
7. Petro Makkah – Najran
In Najran, one of the most-reviewed stations on the Sharurah–Najran road.
8. Bin Askar Petroleum Services Complex – Sharurah
In Sharurah after the Al Wadiah border. Fill the tank: there are no known stations after it for about 320 km, until Najran.
9. Fuel Station – Al Wadiah road
On the Al Abr–Al Wadiah road, the last large station about 100 km before the border.
10. Al Uqlah Junction Station
On the Ataq–Al Abr road.
11. Capital Complex – Ataq
In Ataq, the most-reviewed station on this road.
12. Al Safwa Express Complex
On the Abyan–Shabwah road.
13. Al Masila Fuel Complex
When leaving Aden.
⛽ Return stations (Makkah → Taif → Abha → Alab → Sanaa)
The outbound stations in reverse order. On divided roads, check that the station is on your side of the road.
1. Aldrees – Al Hada
At Al Hada, before the Al Hada (Kara) descent to Makkah.
2. Aldrees – south of Taif
On the Baha–Taif road before Taif.
3. Al Gharamah Petrol Station
In the Baha region on Route 15.
4. Alasiri Gas Station
On the Abha–Baha road (Route 15) north of Abha.
5. SASCO – Khamis Mushait
Between Khamis Mushait and Abha, one of the most-reviewed stations in the area.
6. Aldrees – Dhahran Al Janub
At Dhahran Al Janub, where the Najran road meets the road from the Alab border.
7. Al Zarbatan Station
Near Saada on the road to the Alab border.
8. Al Wafa Petroleum Station
On the Sanaa–Saada road.
💡 Suggestions and questions
We would love to hear your feedback or any change you suggest to improve this guide