Taif sits high in the Sarawat mountains, and Makkah lies below it at a relatively short distance, but the drop in altitude is large, so the drive between them is no ordinary trip. Whether you live in Taif and are heading for Umrah, have spent a few days in the cooler hills and are now going down to the Haram, or have landed at Taif airport with Makkah as your destination, this guide covers choosing your road and timing and knowing where to enter ihram.
Two Roads to Makkah: Which One?
| Road | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Al Hada road (Al Kar pass) | Shorter, about 90 km from central Taif, descending through scenic mountain hairpins | Anyone wanting the shortest route who is fine with bends |
| Al Sail road | Longer, but flatter with gentler curves | Elderly travellers, anyone prone to car sickness, heavily loaded vehicles |
The Al Hada road is sometimes closed for maintenance or because of weather, in which case Al Sail is the alternative. The driver checks road conditions before setting off and suggests the better option.
The Miqat: Where Do Travellers From Taif Enter Ihram?
The miqat for people coming from the Najd direction, and anyone passing that way, is Qarn al-Manazil. There is a well-known ihram point on each road:
- Miqat mosque at Al Sail Al Kabir, on the Al Sail road.
- Miqat mosque at Wadi Mahram, on the Al Hada road.
Both have a mosque and facilities for washing and wudu. If you intend Umrah, you stop there, enter ihram and continue to Makkah. Tell the driver in advance so he can allow time. If you are not performing Umrah on this trip, there is no need to stop. Anyone with a particular situation should consult a scholar.
When to Leave
- After Fajr or in the morning: good visibility on the Al Hada descent and quieter roads.
- Avoid the end of holidays: traffic down from Taif to Makkah and Jeddah peaks on the last days of breaks and Eid.
- Heading for the Haram at prayer time? Leave early; the central area gets congested before prayers, especially on Fridays and in Ramadan.
What Does It Cost?
Rides down from Taif are not listed with a published fixed figure: we confirm a fixed price for the whole car on WhatsApp before you book, and you pay on arrival. To book the ride itself, see our Taif to Makkah taxi page.
Tips for a Comfortable Mountain Drive
- Car sickness: if someone struggles with bends, give them the front seat, avoid a heavy meal before leaving, or choose the Al Sail road from the start.
- Children: bring something to keep them busy, and tell us their number and ages when booking so we pick the right vehicle.
- Luggage: families coming back from a Taif holiday usually carry plenty of bags and shopping; a family SUV or van saves a cramped ride.
- Ihram on the way: if you will enter ihram at the miqat, keep a small bag with what you need within reach instead of digging through suitcases in the boot.
- Weather: the temperature difference between Taif and Makkah is noticeable; you may leave mild air and arrive in strong heat, so have water and light clothing ready.
See the vehicle categories on our fleet page.
What to Send When Booking
- Your pickup point in Taif (district, hotel or airport), ideally as a map pin.
- Your departure time.
- Number of passengers and bags.
- Whether you want to stop at the miqat for ihram.
- Your hotel or drop-off point in Makkah.
Starting From Taif Airport
If you fly into Taif heading for Umrah, note that depending on its route the plane may pass the line of the miqat before landing; this is a question to put to a scholar. Many travellers in this situation enter ihram at one of the miqat mosques on the road after landing. Send us your flight number and landing time and we will arrange the pickup.
Once You Are in Makkah
During your stay you may need rides around the city or to Jeddah Airport when you leave; see our Makkah taxi page. Makkah to Jeddah Airport is 190 SAR for a sedan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Makkah from Taif?
About 90 km via the Al Hada road, and further via Al Sail.
Will the driver stop at the miqat?
Yes. Tell us when booking that you want to enter ihram and he will stop at the miqat mosque on the chosen road.
Which road is better for elderly passengers?
Usually Al Sail, as its curves are gentler, although it is a little longer.
Is the price fixed?
Yes. We confirm it on WhatsApp based on your pickup point and vehicle, and it is a fixed per-car price paid on arrival.
To book, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075.