When you book a VIP car, you're not just paying for a nicer seat. You're paying for a calm journey built on an unwritten understanding between you and the driver. This article explains that understanding from both sides: what you're entitled to expect, and what makes the ride easier for you and the driver alike, in a country where hospitality and mutual respect matter a great deal.
What a professional driver provides
- Arriving early: at a hotel, a few minutes before the agreed time; at the airport, tracking your flight and waiting in arrivals with your name on a sign. You get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
- Help with luggage: loading, arranging and unloading it on arrival.
- Quiet discretion: no long chats you didn't start, no interest in your calls, and respect for family privacy.
- Knowing the roads: including seasonal closures around the Holy Mosques and the permitted drop-off points.
- Safe driving: sticking to limits and rules, even if asked to hurry.
Stating your preferences
The easiest approach is to mention them at the start, in a sentence or two, rather than feeling uncomfortable the whole way:
- The air-conditioning temperature you like.
- Whether you prefer complete quiet, don't mind conversation, or would like Quran radio, for example.
- Whether you'd like prayer or coffee stops on long trips.
- Any special needs: a wheelchair, or an elderly passenger who needs time getting in and out.
Better still, include these details with your WhatsApp booking so the driver arrives already knowing them.
Etiquette on the passenger's side
Greeting and courtesy
"As-salamu alaykum" is a welcome opening anywhere in the Kingdom, and a little courtesy makes the journey better for everyone.
Being on time
A long delay at the hotel can upset the driver's schedule, especially in busy seasons. If you're running late, send a quick message.
Seatbelts
They're mandatory in Saudi Arabia, and the driver may ask you to buckle up because it's his responsibility.
Smoking and food
Smoking in the car isn't acceptable; ask for a stop if you need one. Strong-smelling meals are best kept for the rest stop.
Photos
Photograph the scenery freely, but ask before including the driver.
Tipping
It isn't required; the agreed fare is all you owe. If you'd like to thank a driver for exceptional service, that's entirely up to you.
When is VIP worth it?
Not every trip needs it. A sedan is fine for an ordinary ride, and a family car solves the problem of numbers and bags. VIP suits:
- Meeting an important guest or client at the airport.
- Long journeys where you want the highest comfort, such as Makkah to Madinah.
- Special occasions, or elderly travellers who need extra comfort.
See the vehicle classes on our fleet page and our VIP transfer service.
VIP fares on popular routes
| Route | VIP | For comparison: sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Jeddah hotels | 500 | 150 |
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 500 | 200 |
| Makkah to Madinah | 1000 | 400 |
| Madinah to Makkah | 800 | 400 |
| Jeddah to Madinah | 1000 | 500 |
Prices in SAR per car, paid on arrival with no prepayment for normal bookings. The full list is in our fare guide, and pickup details are on the Jeddah airport taxi page.
A note on busy seasons
In Ramadan and during Hajj, roads around the Holy Mosques close to traffic, and sometimes even a VIP car can't reach the hotel door. A professional driver will tell you the nearest permitted point and help with the bags as far as possible. Book early in these periods, because demand for the higher classes rises.
Common questions
Can I ask the driver not to talk?
Yes. It's a perfectly normal request on business trips or for anyone who wants to spend the journey in remembrance and prayer.
Is the fare per passenger?
No, it's for the whole car.
What if my flight is late?
The driver tracks the flight and comes for the actual landing time, and you then have 60 free minutes.
Is the service available at night?
Yes, 24 hours a day.
To book, contact Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp at +966582918075 or via the booking page.