One pilgrim tells you they paid 190 riyals, another says 350, and both travelled "between Jeddah and Makkah". There is no contradiction. A fixed fare depends on three things: where you start, which direction you are going, and which class of car you book. This guide takes the fare apart one factor at a time, so you know in advance what you will pay and why.
Factor one: where you start
Starting at King Abdulaziz International Airport is different from starting within Jeddah. The airport is about 100 km from Makkah and central Jeddah about 80 km, but the fare isn't driven by kilometres alone: an airport pickup includes flight tracking and a driver waiting in arrivals for up to 60 minutes after landing.
Factor two: direction
The trip down from Makkah to Jeddah or its airport is priced differently from the trip up from Jeddah to Makkah. The reason is practical: on the return leg the driver knows the time in advance and collects you straight from your hotel, with no waiting around at an arrivals hall.
Factor three: car class
- Sedan: up to three passengers with moderate luggage.
- Family (SUV or van): for families, or anyone with large suitcases and pushchairs.
- VIP: for those wanting a higher level of comfort.
The starting point
Every fare is fixed per car and paid on arrival, starting from 200 SAR in a sedan from Jeddah to Makkah. Traffic, prayer stops and the number of passengers within the class capacity do not change it. The fare for each class and direction is listed in the fare guide linked below.
What does each person actually pay?
Because you pay for the car, not the seat, the cost per person falls as the car fills up:
- Two people in a sedan from Jeddah Airport: 200 ÷ 2 = 100 riyals each.
- Three people in a sedan: about 67 riyals each.
- A family of six in a family car: 350 ÷ 6 ≈ 58 riyals each.
In other words, a large family in a family car can pay less per head than a couple in a sedan, with more space and comfort to boot.
When the bigger class is actually cheaper
If three of you each have a large suitcase, a sedan may not take everything. The alternative is two sedans at 400 riyals from the airport, whereas one family car costs 350. That is why it pays to tell us the number of bags, not just the number of people, so we can suggest the right class.
Where to book each direction
- Arriving by air: our Jeddah Airport to Makkah transfer page.
- Staying in a Jeddah district or hotel: our taxi from Jeddah to Makkah page.
- In Makkah and heading back: Makkah to Jeddah.
To compare other routes such as Madinah and Taif, see the fare guide.
How this compares with hailing a car on the spot
Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps can be convenient, but their price moves with traffic, time of day and demand, and at peak times around the Haram or the airport it can climb noticeably. They also may not have a vehicle large enough for a family's luggage when you need it. A fixed fare trades that uncertainty for a number you know before you travel. For a single traveller with a small bag at a quiet hour, an app may be perfectly fine; for families, late-night arrivals and peak seasons, the predictability of a pre-booked car is usually worth more.
Avoiding surprises
- Book ahead and get the fare confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before the trip.
- Give an exact pickup point: the airport and flight number, or your hotel name and location.
- If you are already in ihram from the plane, mention it so the driver knows you want to go straight to the Haram or your hotel.
- In busy seasons, book early: family cars go faster than sedans.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the trip back from Makkah slightly cheaper?
Because it doesn't include an airport meet-and-greet or waiting tied to a landing time.
Are night fares higher?
No. The same fixed fare applies around the clock.
Does the fare include drop-off at the hotel door?
Yes, at the closest point where cars are allowed to stop near your hotel.
What if we are seven or more?
Send your numbers and bags on WhatsApp and we will suggest a family car or more than one car as needed.
To book: WhatsApp +966582918075.