The road from Jeddah climbs from sea level to Taif high in the Sarawat mountains, and almost everything changes on the way: temperature, humidity, even how the road is driven. So knowing the fare is only part of it. It helps to know when to leave, which road you'll take and what to prepare. These are the things travellers usually ask us before booking this ride.
The basics
- Distance: about 170 km, varying slightly with your start point in Jeddah and destination in Taif.
- Time: around two hours normally, longer on weekends or when there's fog on the heights.
- Pickup: the arrivals hall at Jeddah airport, or your hotel or home in the city.
What it costs, briefly
Fares are per car, not per passenger: a ride from Jeddah Airport to Taif starts from 300 SAR in a sedan, while one-way rides from inside Jeddah are quoted on WhatsApp. Round-trip fares and booking are on our Jeddah to Taif taxi page.
Round trip or one way?
For a single day in Taif, booking the round trip with the same car is better value and far less hassle, because you won't be hunting for a ride back in the evening. If you're staying several days, book the outward leg now and message us later to arrange the return to Jeddah or the trip on to Makkah.
Which road will the driver take?
There are two main ways up to Taif:
- Al Hada road: shorter and more scenic, climbing through mountain hairpins with wide views. It is sometimes closed for maintenance or after heavy rain.
- Al Sail road: a little longer but wider with gentler gradients, used as the alternative when Al Hada is closed.
The driver picks the road on the day. Do tell us in advance if any passengers are non-Muslim: the route that passes through the Makkah boundary is not open to them, so the driver will take the alternative.
When to leave
In summer
This is Taif's big season, when Jeddah residents head up to escape the heat. An early morning start avoids both the traffic leaving Jeddah and the queue on the climb, and you'll arrive while the air is fresh. Thursday and Friday evenings are busy in both directions.
In winter
Taif is cold at night, and fog can form on the heights in the morning or on rainy days. A midday start is comfortable; bring a jacket.
After a night flight
If you land late, the road is usually quiet at night, though you won't see the views. Some travellers prefer a night in Jeddah and a morning drive up, which works well with children.
Pilgrims passing through Taif
The miqat for Taif and those passing through it is Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail Al-Kabir), with Wadi Muhrim aligned with it on the Al Hada road. If you're staying in Taif and then going down to Makkah for Umrah, that's where you enter ihram; tell the driver so he stops there. For the ride down, see our Taif to Makkah taxi page.
What to send when you book
- Pickup: your flight number for the airport, or your Jeddah address.
- Destination in Taif: hotel or district (Al Hada, Al Shafa, city centre and so on).
- Number of passengers and bags, and whether you want one way or a round trip.
- Any stops you need, such as the miqat or a rest break.
For airport pickups the driver waits in arrivals with your name on a sign, tracks your flight, and gives you 60 minutes of free waiting after landing. More on our Taif taxi page.
Frequently asked
How long from Jeddah airport to Taif?
Around two hours normally, sometimes longer at weekends or when traffic is diverted.
Is the fare per car or per person?
Per car, so five people in a family car pay one fare for the whole ride.
Can we stop for photos on the way?
Yes, at the safe lay-bys along the Al Hada road. Just let the driver know beforehand.
Do you run at night?
Yes, 24 hours a day.
To book, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075 or use the booking page.