Walking out of arrivals at King Abdulaziz International Airport after a long flight, in ihram, with your family and your luggage, is not the moment to start working out how to get to Makkah. That decision belongs before you fly. In this guide we compare the transport options for pilgrims leaving Jeddah, then walk through your first hours step by step.
The three options from a pilgrim's point of view
| Private car | Haramain train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door to door | Yes | No, you need a car from Makkah station | Usually not |
| Lots of luggage | Easy with the right vehicle | Tiring on platforms | Limited |
| Timing | Any time, 24/7 | Fixed timetable | Fixed timetable |
| Cost for a family | One price for the whole car | A ticket per person | A ticket per person |
| Older relatives and children | Most comfortable | Fine with light luggage | Hardest |
In short: the train is excellent for light travellers staying near a station, the bus suits solo travellers on a tight budget, and families, anyone with lots of bags or older relatives are usually better off with a private car.
Private car fares for pilgrims
Fares are per car, fixed by route and paid on arrival:
| Route | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Jeddah city to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 600 SAR |
| Jeddah Airport to Madinah | 500 SAR | 700 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Makkah to Jeddah Airport (return) | 190 SAR | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah to Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 1000 SAR |
If you are already in Jeddah and heading to Makkah, see taxi from Jeddah to Makkah. If you want to go straight from the plane to the mosque to perform Umrah before checking in, see Jeddah Airport to Haram. All other routes are in the taxi fare guide.
Your first hours after landing
The day before you fly
Send us on WhatsApp: flight number and landing time, number of passengers, number of bags, and your Makkah hotel name or location. We confirm the booking and the vehicle.
On the plane
Anyone intending Umrah must enter ihram before passing the miqat. When flying, this is usually done on board as the plane approaches or passes it, and the crew often announces it. Keep your ihram in your hand luggage. If your situation is unusual, ask a scholar or your group guide before you travel.
After immigration and baggage
Switch on your phone or buy a local SIM and message the driver that you are out. He tracks your landing and waits in arrivals with your name on a sign, and you have 60 minutes of free waiting after landing, so there is no need to rush if passport control is slow.
On the road
The airport is about 100 km from Makkah, 60 to 75 minutes in normal traffic and longer in peak seasons. If you want to stop for water or food, tell the driver early.
Arriving in Makkah
At busy times roads near the Haram may be closed, so the driver will drop you at the closest permitted point to your hotel. Ask the hotel in advance where that is.
Planning the rest of your trip
- To Madinah: many pilgrims travel by car from Makkah to Madinah after Umrah, about 450 km or roughly 4.5 to 5 hours.
- Back to the airport: allow at least an hour for the drive plus a traffic margin, on top of the time your airline asks for.
- A second Umrah: from Makkah to Masjid Aisha (Taneem) the fare is 90 SAR by sedan, and to Jaaranah 100 SAR.
Frequently asked questions
Is the train cheaper than a car?
For one person, usually yes. For a family, add up tickets for everyone plus a car from Makkah station to the hotel, then compare that with one car from the airport to your hotel door.
What if I land in the middle of the night?
We operate around the clock. Send your flight number and the driver will be there whatever the hour.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes, a short stop for prayer or supplies is fine; just tell the driver in advance.
How many bags fit in the car?
A sedan suits moderate luggage for one to three people; the family class is for lots of bags. See our fleet and tell us your count.
May your Umrah be accepted
Leave the road to Mishwar Al Haramain and focus on your worship. Message us on WhatsApp +966582918075.