Leaving the Prophet's City for Makkah
Most people who book a Madinah to Makkah taxi are at the end of their days in Madinah and about to begin, or repeat, their Umrah. That shapes the whole trip. It usually starts with a stop at the miqat a few minutes from the hotel, continues on a long, quiet motorway, and ends in Makkah where you may want to go straight to the Haram while still in ihram. Below is how the journey normally runs, what it costs, and what to tell us so it goes smoothly.
The journey, stage by stage
1. Pickup at your Madinah hotel
The driver meets you at the lobby of your hotel, whether you are in the central area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi or further out. Most hotels near the mosque have a set drop-off area; if yours does not, send a location pin and the driver will call when he is outside. Allow a few minutes for loading suitcases, especially if you are travelling as a family.
2. The miqat at Dhul Hulayfah
Pilgrims travelling from Madinah to perform Umrah enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah, known today as Abyar Ali, where Masjid Dhul Hulayfah stands on the edge of the city. It is the first stop, a short drive from the centre. There are facilities to wash and change, and the driver waits while you pray and make your intention. Many people prefer to put on the ihram garments at the hotel and only make the intention at the miqat, which shortens the stop.
3. The motorway south
From there the route follows the main highway to Makkah, about 450 km in total. Drive time is usually around four and a half to five hours, plus whatever time you spend at stops. There are service stations along the way for fuel, food and prayer, and the driver will stop when you ask.
4. Arriving in Makkah
As you reach Makkah, decide whether to go to the hotel first or straight to the Haram. In ihram, many people drop their bags and head out for tawaf right away. If your hotel is in the central area, the driver takes you to the nearest permitted point, as some streets around the Haram close at busy times.
Fares from Madinah to Makkah
| Vehicle | Seats | Fixed fare |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Up to 4 | 400 SAR |
| Family SUV / van | Up to 7 | 600 SAR |
| VIP | Up to 3 | 800 SAR |
The fare is for the whole car, hotel door to hotel door, including the miqat stop and normal rest stops. You pay on arrival in Makkah, and standard bookings need no deposit. If you are coming directly from Madinah airport instead of a hotel, send your flight number and we will confirm the fare on WhatsApp.
Choosing when to leave
Most families like to leave Madinah in the morning after Fajr or after breakfast, which brings them into Makkah in the afternoon with time to rest before an evening Umrah. Others prefer to travel after Isha and arrive late at night, when it is cooler and the roads are quieter. Both work; tell us which you prefer and we will plan around it. Avoid timing your arrival just before Friday prayer if your hotel is close to the Haram, as roads in the centre become very busy.
Before you set off
- Check-out: settle your Madinah hotel bill before the pickup time so you are not held up at reception.
- Ihram: keep the ihram garments and anything you need for the miqat in a small bag, not in a suitcase at the bottom of the boot.
- Luggage: tell us the number of large suitcases. A family with many bags is better in the SUV or van.
- Hotel in Makkah: send its name or a location pin so the driver can plan the final approach.
Travelling with elderly relatives or children
Five hours in a car is long for older passengers and young children. Ask for an extra stop or two, and bring a cushion or a light blanket because air conditioning can feel cold on a long drive. If someone uses a wheelchair, mention it when you book so the right car comes. More details about our cars are on the fleet page.
Larger groups, and what comes after Makkah
If there are more than seven of you, the simplest option is two cars leaving the same hotel at the same time, with the drivers agreeing the stops so the group stays together on the road. Give us the exact headcount and we will suggest how to split it.
Many pilgrims make Makkah their last stop before flying home. If your flight leaves from Jeddah airport, you can book the Makkah-to-airport ride in the same message. It starts at 190 SAR for a sedan, and we will suggest a departure time based on your flight.
Common questions
Can I stop at Masjid Quba before leaving Madinah?
Yes, if you plan it in advance. Tell us when you book, and we will allow time for a short visit before heading to the miqat.
Does the driver wait at the miqat while I change?
Yes. The miqat stop is part of the trip and is included in the fare.
I am not doing Umrah straight away. Do I still stop at the miqat?
That depends on your intention. If you are not entering Makkah for Umrah right now, tell the driver, and he will drive straight on.
Do you also drive the opposite way?
Yes. The return leg has its own page, Makkah to Madinah taxi. For rides within Madinah itself see Madinah taxi.