Landing in Jeddah: what happens once you have booked
King Abdulaziz International Airport is the main way into western Saudi Arabia, with flights arriving from every continent. Getting out of it after a long journey can wear you down: the passport queue, the wait at the baggage belt, then hunting for a car and haggling over the price. Our Jeddah Airport taxi removes that last part entirely. You walk out of arrivals, a driver is holding a sign with your name, and the fare was agreed before your plane took off.
This page covers airport pickups in general: to Jeddah hotels and homes, to Madinah, or up to Taif. If you are going straight to Makkah, we have a dedicated page for Jeddah Airport to Makkah transfers.
Which terminal are you arriving at?
The airport has more than one passenger building, and your terminal decides where you meet the driver:
- Terminal 1 - the newest and largest building, where most flights now arrive.
- North Terminal - used by some airlines.
- Hajj Terminal - opened for Hajj and Umrah flights in season, with its own exit arrangements.
You do not have to work this out yourself. Send us your flight number and we identify the terminal and tell you the exact meeting point before you land.
From the aircraft door to the car, step by step
- Before you fly - send us on WhatsApp your flight number and date, how many passengers and bags, and the address you are heading to.
- On arrival day - we follow the flight. If it is early or late, we move the driver's time without you having to call.
- After touchdown - a full free hour of waiting begins, which is normally enough for passport control and baggage.
- In the arrivals hall - the driver stands at the exit with your name sign and takes your bags to the car.
- At your destination - you are dropped at the door and pay the agreed fare there.
Tip: switch your phone on as soon as you land, even on airport Wi-Fi, so the driver's message reaches you if he needs to get in touch.
Where airport arrivals usually head
| From Jeddah Airport to | Sedan | Family car | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah hotels and districts | 150 SAR | 250 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Taif | 300 SAR | 500 SAR | 800 SAR |
| Taif, round trip | 600 SAR | 800 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Madinah | 500 SAR | 700 SAR | 1000 SAR |
Fares are for the whole car and include the arrivals-hall meeting, the free hour and help with luggage. Night arrivals cost the same.
To your hotel or home in Jeddah
If Jeddah itself is your destination - for work, family or a stay on the Corniche - the drive from the airport to most districts is fairly short. For getting around the city afterwards you can use our Jeddah taxi service with the same up-front pricing.
Straight on to Madinah
Some visitors begin with Madinah. It is about 420 km from the airport, usually four and a half to five hours with a short stop. If you land late at night, consider sleeping in Jeddah and setting off in the morning, or tell us and we will plan what suits you best. More on the Jeddah Airport to Madinah route.
Up to Taif
The usual road to Taif passes Makkah and then climbs into the mountains; if anyone in your party is not Muslim, the driver takes an alternative road that does not enter Makkah. Mention it when booking. For getting around once you are there, see our Taif taxi page.
Choose the car for the luggage, not just the headcount
The most common mistake with airport bookings is a small car for a family with lots of bags. A simple rule: a sedan is comfortable for four people with two or three large cases. If you have a pushchair or a suitcase each, take the family car, which seats up to seven with a big boot. VIP is for anyone who wants extra comfort after a long flight or on a business trip.
Questions from people flying into Jeddah
Can you take me from the airport to a train station or another address?
Yes, to any address in Jeddah. If you have a train to catch, send us the departure time so we can allow for getting out of the airport.
I am heading to Taif and someone in my party is not Muslim. Which road will the driver take?
The usual road to Taif passes Makkah. In that case the driver takes an alternative road that does not enter Makkah, so mention it when booking.
I land late at night and I am going to Madinah. Should I set off straight away?
Madinah is about 420 km from the airport, usually four and a half to five hours with a short stop. You can sleep in Jeddah and set off in the morning, or tell us and we will plan what suits you best.