In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha brings two things at once: the closing days of Hajj in Makkah and the holy sites, and a public holiday when many residents travel to see family or head to cooler resorts. The result is the most pressured week of the year for roads and airports. Rather than a generic list of tips, this is a practical plan for organising your journeys before, during and after Eid.
Step One: Understand What Happens in Makkah During Hajj
Before you plan any ride into Makkah at this time, be aware that entry during the Hajj season is regulated. It is normally limited to Hajj permit holders and people with official authorisation to enter, and Umrah permits are paused for part of the season. The exact rules and dates change from year to year, so always check official sources such as the Nusuk platform and the relevant authorities before booking travel to Makkah around Hajj and Eid.
We follow these regulations. If your journey involves entering Makkah during this period, we will ask about your status before confirming, so that nobody is turned around at a checkpoint.
Step Two: Think of the Season in Three Phases
The days before Eid
Roads into Makkah fill with organised Hajj buses and demand for airport transfers climbs. If you are travelling between Jeddah and Madinah, or up to Taif, book early.
Eid and the days of Tashreeq
The morning of Eid itself is often fairly quiet while people attend prayers and sacrifices, then the cities get busy with family visits. Around the Grand Mosque there are traffic restrictions and diversions, and drop-offs may be limited to designated points some distance from the Haram.
After Hajj ends
This is when the big wave of departures begins: pilgrims heading to Madinah or Jeddah Airport, and residents returning from holiday. Makkah to Madinah and airport runs are at their peak, so book several days ahead.
Step Three: Budget Extra Time on the Road
On a normal day, Jeddah Airport to Makkah (about 100 km) takes an hour to an hour and a quarter, and Makkah to Madinah (about 450 km) roughly 4.5 to 5 hours. Over Eid, add a generous buffer to those figures and avoid setting off at peak moments such as midday on holiday days or the evening before the holiday ends. Early mornings and late nights are usually best.
If you have a flight, allow more time than usual to reach the airport and follow your airline's guidance for the Hajj season.
Step Four: Choose a Vehicle That Fits a Family Trip
Eid travel is usually family travel, with suitcases, gifts and children. Instead of splitting the family across two cars, book one vehicle that takes everyone:
- Sedan: one or two travellers with limited luggage.
- Family SUV / Van: families and small groups with large bags.
- VIP: extra comfort on long journeys.
See the categories on our fleet page.
Step Five: Know the Fare Before You Go
Seasonal surprises are common: app surge pricing, or haggling on the street. Our fares are fixed per car, do not rise for the season, and are paid on arrival. Here are the most requested routes after Hajj:
| Route | Sedan | Family SUV / Van | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah to Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Makkah to Jeddah Airport | 190 SAR | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Madinah to Jeddah Airport | 450 SAR | 700 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Makkah to Taif (round trip) | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 800 SAR |
More routes are listed in the fare guide. If you are moving between the two holy cities, see our Makkah to Madinah taxi page.
Step Six: Taif, the Classic Eid Escape
Many people from Jeddah and Makkah spend the Eid break in Taif, which is noticeably milder than the coast. The road from Makkah via Al Hada is about 90 km, a scenic mountain drive that gets busy during holidays, so go up in the morning. Round trips from Makkah have fixed fares; details are on our Taif taxi page.
A Quick Checklist Before You Travel
- Book your car at least two days ahead during peak days.
- Send an exact address and a phone number that works throughout the trip.
- Carry enough water; Eid currently falls in the hotter months.
- Charge your phone and bring a power bank in case the road is slow.
- Check traffic restrictions around the Haram if that is your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to Makkah for Umrah during Eid al-Adha?
That depends on the Hajj-season regulations for that year. Umrah permits are paused for part of the season and entry to Makkah is restricted, so check Nusuk before planning.
Do your prices go up over Eid?
No. Published routes keep the same fixed per-car fare all year; routes without a published fare are quoted on WhatsApp before booking.
When should I book Makkah to Madinah after Hajj?
As early as you can. The days right after Hajj are among the busiest of the year on that route.
Will the driver track a delayed flight during the season?
Yes. We track your flight and give you 60 minutes of free waiting after landing for airport pickups.
To book, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075 or use our booking page. Eid Mubarak.