The figure you will usually hear is about 90 km, and that is right if you take the Al Hada road. But anyone planning a trip from Makkah to Taif needs more than a number. Taif is a mountain city high on the Sarawat range, and the road climbs from the hot plain around Makkah into noticeably cooler air in a short stretch of driving. That climb is what turns a short distance on the map into a journey with its own character.
Two ways up the mountain
Al Hada road: shortest and most scenic
Roughly 90 km, famous for its hairpin bends carved into the escarpment and its sweeping views. It tops out in the Al Hada resort area on the edge of Taif. Expect somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on where you start in Makkah and how busy the roads are. The road is occasionally closed for maintenance or in bad weather such as dense fog or heavy rain, so drivers check its status before setting off.
As-Sail Al-Kabir road: longer but gentler
Instead of climbing the face of the escarpment, this route loops around it. It is longer, but the gradient is much easier. It is the usual alternative when Al Hada is closed, and it is the road trucks and large coaches use. It passes the Qarn al-Manazil miqat at As-Sail Al-Kabir.
| Al Hada road | As-Sail Al-Kabir road | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | About 90 km | Longer than Al Hada |
| Character | Steep climb, tight bends | Gradual gradient |
| Views | Spectacular | Less dramatic |
| Best when | Normal conditions | Al Hada is closed, or a passenger gets carsick |
A note on the miqat
Travellers coming down from Taif to Makkah with the intention of Umrah pass Qarn al-Manazil, the miqat for people from Najd and Taif. It sits at As-Sail Al-Kabir, and its equivalent point on the Al Hada road is known as Wadi Mahram. If you are simply going from Makkah up to Taif for the day, there is no ihram requirement in that direction. If you are staying in Taif and planning Umrah, see the Taif to Makkah taxi page.
What the altitude means for your trip
- Temperature. The difference between Makkah and Taif is striking, especially in the evening. Pack a light jacket, even in summer.
- Motion sickness. The bends come one after another, which can unsettle some children and older passengers. A light snack beforehand and a front or window seat help — or ask for the As-Sail route.
- Fog. On some days cloud sits on top of Al Hada and drivers slow right down. Allow a little extra time.
- Holiday traffic. On weekends and during school holidays, day-trippers crowd the Al Hada road and the cable car area.
Planning a day trip from Makkah
Most visitors staying in Makkah go up to Taif and come back the same day. A typical plan looks like this:
- Leave after breakfast to avoid the midday heat in Makkah.
- Stop at one of the Al Hada viewpoints for photos of the road below.
- Spend the day in Taif according to your interests: the old markets, rose farms in season, or the surrounding highlands.
- Head back before or after Maghrib, depending on your plans at the Haram.
For this we offer a fixed-fare round trip, priced per car and paid at the end of the day:
| Makkah → Taif (round trip) | Fare from |
|---|---|
| Sedan | 400 SAR |
| Family SUV / van | 600 SAR |
| VIP | 800 SAR |
One-way trips, and trips starting in Taif, are quoted on WhatsApp based on time and drop-off point. More detail on the Makkah to Taif taxi and Taif taxi pages.
Driving yourself versus booking a driver
Some visitors consider renting a car for the Taif trip. It is possible, but think it through. The Al Hada descent is long and steep, and drivers unfamiliar with it tend to ride the brakes on the way down. Parking near popular spots in Taif can be tight on busy days, and after a long day of sightseeing the drive back to Makkah, followed by the search for parking near your hotel in the central area, is the last thing most people want.
With a booked driver, the person behind the wheel knows the road, waits while you explore, and drops you back at your hotel entrance. For a family, the round-trip fare is often comparable to a day's car hire plus fuel, without the stress.
What to bring for the day
- A light jacket or shawl for the cooler air, especially if you stay into the evening.
- Water and a small snack for the climb.
- Any medication for motion sickness, if someone in your group needs it.
- Comfortable shoes for walking around the markets.
Quick reference distances
- Makkah → Taif via Al Hada: about 90 km.
- Jeddah Airport → Makkah: about 100 km, roughly 60–75 minutes.
- Makkah → Madinah: about 450 km, roughly 4.5–5 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from the Haram to Taif?
Usually between one hour and an hour and a half via Al Hada. It can take longer at peak times, in fog, or if the As-Sail road has to be used instead.
Is the Al Hada road safe at night?
It is paved and largely lit, but the bends demand attention, so our drivers take it steadily, particularly on the way down. If someone in your group struggles with winding roads, a daytime trip is more comfortable.
Can I go straight from Jeddah Airport to Taif?
Yes. That transfer starts from 300 SAR in a sedan, 500 SAR in a family vehicle and 800 SAR in VIP.
How do I book?
Message WhatsApp +966582918075 with your Makkah hotel, date, number of passengers, and whether you want one-way or a round trip.