Illustration of a plane landing at Jeddah airport under a crescent moon with a pickup car

Welcome to Jeddah: A First-Arrival Guide for Pilgrims at JED

Welcome. If you are reading this, you are probably about to make your first trip to the Holy Cities, or helping a relative prepare for theirs. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is where most pilgrims enter the Kingdom. It is big and busy, but arriving is very straightforward once you know what to expect. Here is what we usually explain to our passengers in our first message.

Before you board

  • Know your terminal: the airport has more than one, including the modern main terminal and the North Terminal. Your booking or your airline's app normally shows which; send it to us.
  • Ihram in your hand luggage: anyone intending Umrah must enter ihram before passing the miqat, and when flying this is usually done on the plane. Ask your group guide or a scholar if your situation is unusual.
  • Book your car in advance: send a WhatsApp message at least a day ahead.
  • Check your documents: visa and any permits required. Check current guidance on official platforms such as Nusuk.

A sample booking message

Copy this, fill it in and send it to WhatsApp +966582918075:

Assalamu alaikum, I need a car from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. Flight number: ... Landing time: ... Terminal: ... Passengers: ... Large bags: ... Makkah hotel: ...

We reply with your booking confirmation and vehicle. If you have small children or a wheelchair, mention it in the message.

At the airport, step by step

  1. Immigration: queues can be long when several flights land together; that is normal.
  2. Baggage: watch the screens for your flight's belt.
  3. Connectivity: the arrivals hall has kiosks for the local mobile operators. A local SIM makes it easy to reach your driver.
  4. Your driver: he tracks your landing and waits in arrivals holding a sign with your name. You have 60 minutes of free waiting after landing, so take your time through immigration and baggage.
  5. Ignore offers from strangers: if you have a booking, wait for your driver and contact him or us on WhatsApp.

The drive to Makkah

The airport is about 100 km from Makkah, usually 60 to 75 minutes, and longer during Ramadan and peak seasons. As you approach Makkah you will pass traffic control points, which are routine. Before arriving, you may want to call your hotel to confirm the drop-off point, as some roads near the Haram close at busy times.

Full details and FAQs for this route are on our Jeddah Airport to Makkah transfer page, and if you want to go straight to the mosque to perform Umrah, see Jeddah Airport to Haram.

Fares: one price for the whole car

From Jeddah Airport toSedanFamilyVIP
Makkah200 SAR350 SAR500 SAR
Jeddah city and hotels150 SAR250 SAR500 SAR
Madinah500 SAR700 SAR1000 SAR
Taif300 SAR500 SAR800 SAR

The fare is per car, not per passenger, and is paid on arrival with no prepayment. Choose the class by luggage, not just headcount; the classes are explained on our fleet page, and other fares are in the taxi fare guide.

When you leave

At the end of your trip, Makkah to Jeddah Airport is 190 SAR by sedan, 300 SAR by family vehicle and 500 SAR VIP. Book a day ahead and allow for traffic on top of the time your airline asks for. If you are carrying Zamzam and boxes of dates, let us know so we send a car with enough room.

Questions first-time visitors ask

Will I find the driver easily?

Yes. He waits in arrivals with your name on a sign, and you can message him or us on WhatsApp at any moment.

What if my flight is hours late?

The driver follows your actual landing time, and the 60 free minutes start from when you land.

Do I need cash?

Cards are widely accepted, but a few riyals for small purchases are handy.

Do you operate at night?

Yes, around the clock. Many international flights arrive at night.

Wishing you a blessed journey

The Mishwar Al Haramain team is waiting for your message on WhatsApp +966582918075.