Jannat al-Baqi, also known as Baqi al-Gharqad, is a significant cemetery located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, which is known to be the final resting place of many of the Prophet Muhammad's relatives and companions. Here’s how to reach this holy site:
To reach Medina and Jannat al-Baqi by air, travelers should book flights to the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED). Upon arrival at the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to get to the city center, which is approximately 20 minutes away.
Travelers coming from within Saudi Arabia or neighboring countries can reach Medina by road. For those renting cars, take note of the specific laws and customs for driving in Saudi Arabia. Public buses and private tour operators also offer services to Medina from major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Medina with Mecca, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh. The Al-Madinah train station is close to the city center and from there, visitors can easily take a taxi or a bus to reach Jannat al-Baqi.
Once in the city of Medina, Jannat al-Baqi is located to the southeast of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi). Since non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the central part of the city where the mosque and the cemetery are located, this travel advice applies only to Muslim visitors.
From the Prophet's Mosque, it's a short walk to the cemetery. The entrance is typically open to visitors after Fajr (dawn), Zuhr (midday), and Asr (afternoon) prayers, although times may vary. Visitors should be dressed modestly out of respect for the religious significance of the site and follow all cultural norms and local regulations.