Jeddah stretches for dozens of kilometres along the coast, and nobody here relies on a single way of getting around. A first-time visitor will find a high-speed train, public buses, ride-hailing apps, ordinary taxis, and a well-known stand in the south called Kilo 10. Each works well in some situations and badly in others. This guide puts them side by side so you can pick based on your actual trip.
The options at a glance
| Option | Works well for | Less suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Haramain train | Fast trips to Makkah or Madinah if you are near a station | Lots of luggage, or getting to a hotel door |
| Public buses | Budget travel along main city corridors | Flexible timing and routes |
| Ride-hailing apps | Short hops within the city | Peak seasons, when prices rise and waits grow |
| Kilo 10 shared cars | Solo travellers on a tight budget | Families and anyone in a hurry |
| Private car with driver | Airport runs, families, intercity trips | Very short rides for one person |
The Haramain train
The train links Jeddah with Makkah and Madinah, with one station in the city and another at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Its strength is speed over long distances, especially to Madinah. Remember, though, that you still need to get from your hotel to the station and from the arrival station to your hotel, and tickets sell out early in peak seasons. Check timetables and book through the official train website.
Buses and apps
The public bus network covers the main corridors and is a cheap option if your destination is on a line. Ride-hailing apps are everywhere and handy for short trips, but prices move with demand, and agreeing a pickup point at the airport or near busy markets can be awkward.
Kilo 10: what to expect
In south Jeddah, on the old Makkah road, Kilo 10 is a long-established spot where cars gather to carry passengers to Makkah and other destinations. You pay for a seat and wait until the car fills. That can suit a solo traveller with a small bag and time to spare, but it is far less comfortable for families: the wait is unpredictable, luggage space is tight, privacy is limited, and the stand itself is a long way from north Jeddah, where the airport and many hotels are.
If you are heading to Makkah, weigh time and effort, not just money. Details of the private ride are on our taxi from Jeddah to Makkah page.
Private car: Mishwar Al Haramain fixed fares
Fares are per car, not per passenger, set by route rather than a meter, and paid on arrival:
| Route | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Between Jeddah districts | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Jeddah to Jeddah train station | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Jeddah to Jeddah Airport | 150 SAR | 250 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Jeddah Airport to anywhere in Jeddah | 150 SAR | 250 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Jeddah to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 600 SAR |
| Jeddah to Madinah | 500 SAR | 700 SAR | 1000 SAR |
Other routes are in the taxi fare guide, and vehicle classes are on our fleet page.
Booking in two minutes
Send on WhatsApp: pickup point (location pin or hotel name), destination, time, and the number of passengers and bags. For airport pickups add your flight number; the driver tracks your landing, waits in arrivals with a name sign, and you get 60 minutes of free waiting. Airport details are on our Jeddah Airport taxi page.
Tips for getting around Jeddah
- Traffic is heavy in the morning rush and in the evening until late, particularly near malls and the Corniche at weekends.
- Distances are longer than they look on a map; north Jeddah to Al Balad can take a while.
- Heading to the airport, add extra time and confirm your terminal before you leave.
- Pilgrims coming from outside the miqat and going straight to Makkah should be in ihram before reaching Jeddah; those already living in Jeddah enter ihram from there.
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster to Makkah, the train or a car?
The train is quick between stations, but add the ride to the station, waiting time and the ride from Makkah station to your hotel. A car goes door to door in about an hour from central Jeddah in normal traffic.
Is Kilo 10 a good choice for families?
Usually not, because of the waiting, limited space and lack of privacy. A family often pays close to the same for a whole private car as for several seats, with far more comfort.
Is transport available around the clock?
Our service runs 24 hours a day, and apps generally operate all day too. The train and buses follow fixed timetables.
How long from the airport to Al Balad?
It depends on traffic, but usually between half an hour and an hour. Tell us your landing time and we will give you an estimate.
Get in touch
Whatever your ride in or out of Jeddah, the Mishwar Al Haramain team is on WhatsApp +966582918075, or you can use the booking page.