Small passengers, long roads
Families travelling for Umrah or a visit to Madinah spend more time on the road than many expect. Makkah to Madinah is about 450 km, and even the run from Jeddah Airport to Makkah is roughly 100 km of motorway. At those speeds a child on a parent's lap is not protected: in a hard stop, no pair of arms can hold on. This article sets out what parents need to decide about car seats and vehicle size before landing, so the question is settled before you reach the kerb.
What the rules say
Saudi traffic regulations require children to be properly restrained in a vehicle and keep young children out of the front seat. Exact age thresholds and penalties can be updated, so check the General Department of Traffic's official guidance for current details. The rule that never goes out of date is simple: children ride in the back, in a seat that suits their age and size.
Which seat does your child need?
| Stage | Seat type | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Babies | Rear-facing infant carrier | Many can be carried by hand straight from the plane to the car |
| Toddlers | Seat with a five-point harness | Needs a firm fit using the car's seatbelt or anchor points where available |
| Older children | Booster seat | Lifts the child so the belt crosses the shoulder, not the neck |
Bring one or ask for one?
The most reliable option is to bring your child's own seat. You know it, you know how it fits, and many airlines let you check one in (see your airline's policy). If that isn't practical, message us on WhatsApp well before your trip with your child's age and approximate weight. We will tell you whether a seat can be arranged for your date and confirm the details, so you aren't counting on something unconfirmed. Don't assume a random kerbside taxi will have one in the boot.
A car seat takes up room, so think about the size of the car too. Two adults and one child usually fit fine in a sedan. Two children in seats plus Umrah luggage is much more comfortable in the family vehicle. You can compare the options on our fleet page.
How long will they be strapped in?
Knowing the drive time helps you plan naps, feeds and stops. These are approximate times, shown with our fixed per-car fares:
| Route | Approx. time | Sedan | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 60–75 min | 200 SAR | 350 SAR |
| Makkah to Madinah | 4.5–5 h | 400 SAR | 600 SAR |
| Jeddah to Madinah | about 4–4.5 h | 500 SAR | 700 SAR |
| Madinah Airport to hotel | short city ride | 100 SAR | 200 SAR |
Other routes are listed in the taxi fare guide.
Little things that make the trip easier
- Plan a break. On the Makkah to Madinah road, stop at least once at a service station so the children can stretch their legs. Tell the driver at the start that you'd like a stop.
- Take bulky coats off. A thick jacket stops the harness from fitting snugly. Buckle up first, then lay a light blanket over the straps.
- Water and sun. Air conditioning dries the air, so keep water within reach. A small window shade helps on afternoon drives.
- Time it around naps. Many families set off after a meal or just before the child's usual sleep, and the long hours pass quietly.
- A settled child means a calmer car, and that includes the driver.
When you land
Airport arrivals with children have their own rhythm: nappy changes, a hungry toddler, a pushchair to unfold. That's why our drivers wait in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and you get 60 minutes of free waiting from landing. If the queue at immigration is long, you don't need to rush. If you're going straight to Makkah, the Jeddah airport taxi page explains how the pickup works.
Parents' questions
Can I fit my own child seat in your car?
Yes, and the driver will help you place it in the back. If your seat needs specific anchor points, mention it when you book so we can check the vehicle.
Is a lap OK for a short ride?
We don't recommend it. The road from Jeddah Airport to Makkah is a motorway, and safety doesn't depend on how far you're going.
Do children change the fare?
No. Fares are per car, not per passenger, so the number of children doesn't matter as long as the vehicle category stays the same. Only choosing a bigger category changes the price.
What should my booking message include?
The number of adults and children and their ages, whether you're bringing a seat or need one arranged, your bags and any pushchair, and your flight or pickup time.
Settle it before you fly
Keeping little ones safe starts with one clear message. Contact Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp +966582918075 or book through the booking page.