How to build your Saudi trip this year
A visit to Saudi Arabia is no longer only about Hajj and Umrah. Tourist visas are available, and the destinations range from the Red Sea coast to the southern mountains and the historic sites of the north. Even so, most of our passengers come first and foremost for the two Holy Mosques, and they ask what else they could add. Rather than a long list of places, this guide groups visitors by how much time they have and suggests what suits each.
Step one: before you book flights
- Visas: there are tourist visas, Umrah visas and others, each with its own conditions. Use the official platforms (the unified visa platform, Nusuk and Visit Saudi) rather than second-hand information that may be out of date.
- Umrah and Rawdah permits: these are managed through the Nusuk app. Check the current requirements before you travel.
- Season: the cooler months, roughly November to February, are the most comfortable for getting around. Summer is hot in most regions, except highlands such as Taif and Abha.
- Payments: the currency is the Saudi riyal. Cards and digital wallets are widely accepted, but carry a little cash.
Step two: choose a trip that fits your days
One week: the Holy Cities first
Land in Jeddah, go to Makkah for Umrah and stay a few days, then move to Madinah and fly home from Madinah's airport. This simple plan gives each city its due without exhausting you. Start with the Jeddah airport taxi page to arrange your pickup.
Ten days: add Jeddah or Taif
Spend a day in historic Jeddah and on the Corniche before you fly, or a day in Taif for mountain air, farms and the Al Hada road. Taif is about 90 km from Makkah, which makes it a comfortable day trip there and back.
Two weeks or more: go north or south
From Madinah you can head to AlUla and its archaeological sites, including Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer mountains and cooler weather, go south to Abha and the Asir region. These extensions need flights, accommodation and tours booked in advance.
Business trip plus Umrah
Many business travellers visit Riyadh or the Eastern Province, then set aside two days for Makkah. In that case a domestic flight to Jeddah is fastest, and we'll meet you at the airport.
Step three: getting between stops
Domestic flights cover the long distances, the Haramain train links Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah, and a private car takes you from hotel door to hotel door. These are our fixed per-car fares on the most popular routes:
| Route | Approx. distance | Sedan | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | about 100 km | 200 SAR | 350 SAR |
| Makkah to Madinah | about 450 km | 400 SAR | 600 SAR |
| Jeddah to Madinah | about 420 km | 500 SAR | 700 SAR |
| Makkah to Taif, round trip | about 90 km each way | 400 SAR | 600 SAR |
| Jeddah Airport to Taif | via the mountain road | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
Riyadh and Dammam routes are quoted on request via WhatsApp. Full details are in the taxi fare guide, and for Taif see the Makkah to Taif taxi page.
Step four: general etiquette
- Modest dress is appropriate in public, especially near mosques.
- Some services pause briefly at prayer times in many places, so plan around them.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Entertainment seasons such as Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season change their dates and programmes every year, so follow the official announcements.
- Drink plenty of water. Even in the cooler months, the dry air and long walking days add up.
Common questions
Can a tourist visa holder perform Umrah?
This is governed by regulations that can change, so check the current conditions through Nusuk and the official platforms before you travel.
Makkah first or Madinah first?
Either works. If you land in Jeddah intending Umrah, start with Makkah. If you start with Madinah, enter ihram at the Dhul Hulayfah miqat when you set off for Makkah.
Do you operate all year and around the clock?
Yes. We run 24/7, booking is on WhatsApp, and you pay on arrival.
Can you plan all my ground transfers at once?
Yes. Send us your itinerary with dates and we'll confirm each leg and its fare.
Plan your rides now: message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp +966582918075 or use the booking page.