The short answer
Taif sits up in the Sarawat mountains south-east of Makkah, while Madinah lies well to the north. By road the two are roughly 450 to 500 km apart, depending on where in Taif you start and which route the driver takes. Actual driving time is usually about five hours, stretching to six or more if you stop for prayers and meals or choose to pass through Makkah.
Treat these as approximate. A hotel in central Taif is a different starting point from Al Hada or Al Shafa, and whether you are heading for a hotel near the Prophet's Mosque, the airport or the train station in Madinah changes the total a little.
Which routes are there?
| Route | Approx. distance | Approx. time without stops | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taif to Madinah on the highways, bypassing Makkah | 450–500 km | About 5 hours | Madinah is your only destination |
| Taif to Makkah (via Al Hada), then on to Madinah | About 90 km, then about 450 km | About 6 hours or more | You want to perform Umrah or visit the Haram on the way |
The driver picks the most sensible road on the day based on conditions, roadworks and traffic. Just tell us in advance if you want to stop in Makkah.
Who usually makes this trip?
Mostly families and pilgrims who started in Taif, to escape the summer heat or visit relatives, and now want to pray at the Prophet's Mosque. Others land at Taif airport and prefer to begin their visit in Madinah. Either way, the road is long enough to deserve some planning.
What changes the journey time
- Coming down the mountain: Taif is high up, and the first part of the trip descends on winding roads that drivers take steadily.
- Fog and rain: on some days the highlands get fog, which slows traffic.
- Stops: each prayer or meal stop typically adds around half an hour.
- Arriving in Madinah: in busy seasons the area around the Prophet's Mosque is congested, so allow extra time to reach your hotel.
The train doesn't go to Taif
The Haramain railway links Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah, but not Taif. Taking the train means a car from Taif to Makkah station, then the train, then another car from Madinah station to your hotel. With luggage, older relatives or small children, many travellers find a single car from hotel door to hotel door simpler and far less tiring.
What does a private car cost?
We don't publish a fixed fare for Taif routes, because the pickup point, the route (direct or via Makkah) and the vehicle all affect the price. Send us the details on WhatsApp and we'll confirm the final fare before you travel. What never changes:
- The fare is per car, not per passenger.
- No prepayment for normal bookings; you pay on arrival.
- Vehicle classes: sedan, family SUV/van, and VIP. See our fleet.
For comparison, if you decide to break the journey with a night in Makkah, the published fare for Makkah to Madinah alone is 400 SAR by sedan, 600 by family car and 1000 VIP. Details are on our Makkah to Madinah taxi page.
What to send when booking
- Your hotel or district in Taif and your destination in Madinah.
- Date and preferred departure time.
- Number of passengers and large suitcases.
- Whether you want to stop in Makkah or at a miqat, or go straight through.
Tips for the road
- Leave in the morning and you'll reach Madinah before sunset, which is easier if you want to pray at the Prophet's Mosque on your first evening.
- Bring water and snacks for children; some stretches between service stations are long.
- Going the other way, from Madinah to Taif? Expect Taif to be noticeably cooler in the evening, especially in winter.
Common questions
How many kilometres is it from Taif to Madinah?
About 450 to 500 km, depending on the route and your exact start and end points.
How many hours by car?
Roughly five hours of driving, longer with stops or a detour through Makkah.
Can you pick me up at Taif airport?
Yes. Send your flight number and the driver will wait in arrivals with your name on a sign, with 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
Do you run the trip in the other direction?
Yes, Madinah to Taif as well. See our Taif taxi and Madinah taxi pages.
To book, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075. We operate around the clock.