Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare | Distance | Travel Time
January 17, 2025
Makkah to Jeddah Airport Taxi Service at Affordable Rates
January 23, 2025
Every year, millions of Muslims visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah. These travelers/pilgrims are required to plan their travels from the Cities of Makkah and Madinah when being scheduled for arrival at the Jeddah or Madinah International Airports.
Not an easy task for the first-time traveler, especially during peak Hajj or Umrah. Makkah to Madinah taxi fare in 2026 is seasonal and changes with the peak season. So you might want to change up your booking strategy, vehicle, and wait for fares to offers instead.
Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare in 2026
On the whole, Makkah Madina taxi average cost is SAR 550 to SAR 1,500 per vehicle; this rate depends upon the type of vehicle, season, and availability.
Seasonal rush notice here, you know, during Ramadan and before and after Eid, and also in Hajj, the demand goes up high hight and so do the charges. If you are a foreigner, pre-book your taxi.
Estimated Taxi Fares | |||
Vehicle Type | Passenger Capacity | Normal Days (SAR) | Ramadan / Eid / Hajj (Sar |
Sedan | 1-4 Passengers | 550 – 700 | 650 – 850 |
SUV | 5-7 Passengers | 750 – 950 | 900 – 1150 |
Van | 8-12 Passengers | 950 – 1150 | 1100 – 1300 |
Small Bus | 18-22 Passengers | 1250 – 1450 | 1400 – 1600 |
Note: Prices are according to vehicle, not per passenger and can change depending on the time and date of your booking.
Why Taxi Fare/Prices Increase During Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj?
You should know that from January 2026 (and onwards), the travel demand will increase as pilgrims arrive for Umrah and Hajj.
Ramadan
The holy month oversees a surge in Umrah, especially the last 10 days, and you may need to pay for a premium fare, especially for Night time pickups. Also, you will see longer travel times after Tarawih prayers, so plan your trip accordingly.
Eid UL Fitr
Pilgrims have to pay higher fares during this time, and have limited travel, which leads to last minute price hikes. So again, you better pre-book.
Hajj
Dhul Hijjah will fall around May this year. During Hajj season, transportation is strictly regulated, which makes taxis scars. Once again Pre-booking will save your skin, especially for long distance travel.
Tip: Try to book before Ramadan (Mid-February 2026) if you want easy availability and affordable taxi fares.
Choosing the Right Taxi Vehicle
Picking the right vehicle option ensures you have a convenient, and comfortable ride without breaking your bank, even if you travel during peak seasons.
Sedan
Sedan Taxi is ideal for solo travelers or even couples with some light luggage, its economical but its limited for families or groups during peak times. Its flexible but has limited luggage space, especially for long trips. Best you book it in advance in Ramadan or Hajj to avoid any last-minute delays or price spikes.
SUV / GMC
These are spacious, comfortable, and ideal for Ramadan and Eid Travel, especially for families or elderly pilgrim. Still, a bit expensive, and gets even worse during peak seasons. Better confirm hotel pickup or pre-book when planning your trip.
Van / HiAce
Its ideal for groups of 8-12 pilgrims, cost saving when full booked and common with international travelers. Just that it needs early booking, and if sharing, sort out the fare upfront and confirm all stops beforehand.
Small Bus / Coaster
Ideal pick for large groups, and Hajj organizers, is cheapest if fully booked but again, this needs early booking. These buses can carry large luggage. Organizers better coordinate bookings for different hotels and pilgrim groups to get the most out of their buck.
Makkah to Madinah Travel Time
The travel time or duration depends on your vehicle’s type, traffic situation and season. Also, the driver permits small breaks for prayer if you arranged them in advance.
Vehicle | Normal Days | Ramadan / Hajj (Peak Season) |
Sedan | 4.5 – 5 Hours | 5 -5.5 Hours |
SUV / GMC | 4.5 – 5 Hours | 5 -5.5 Hours |
Van Hiace / Small Bus or Coaster | 5 -5.5 Hours | 5.5 – 6 Hours |
Taxi Vs. Other Transportation/Travel Options
If you want alternative options, try the Haramain High-Speed Train or local buses. The train is fast and has a fixed schedule but it sells out quick, has stops or station transfers and some luggage restrictions whereas the bus can be cheap, but its crowded, slow and a bit less comfortable.
But why you better off booking a umrah cab or taxi? It gives you hotel to hotel convenience, flexible luggage handling, good for elderly and can even stop flexibility. It’s a must if you are a first-time international traveler.
Now, why we said international travelers? Its because these travelers can’t rent out cars, and don’t know the routes and rates of local taxis, and can easily get overcharged or may lose their schedule. These travelers often face language barriers with drivers, don’t know traffic peaks, prayer times or even Ramadan nights. A pre-booked taxi can protect you against these issues.
A typical travel plan is like arriving at the Jeddah or Madinah Airport, travel to Makkah for Umrah or Hajj, go to Madinah for Ziyarat and then return to the airport for departure. You want that experience as feasible as possible and only a pre-booked Umrah Cab or Taxi can deliver this.
Life Saving Tips for Travelling to Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah
If you are an international traveler, your journey begins from the moment you land at the Jeddah or Madinah Airport. So, it pays to know how to navigate the airport and pre-book a cab can save your skin.
Airport Arrival: After immigration and customs, you better follow signs to official taxi counters. Licensed services do offer pre-booked travel via WhatsApp or their website.
SIM Cards and Currency: Better buy a local SIM Card and enjoy smooth communication with your driver, just make sure you have some Saudi Riyals in cash (just in case).
Language and Communication: Make sure you have confirmed fare and vehicle type and hotel address with the driver beforehand. A written confirmation or screenshot helps avoiding any misunderstanding.
Luggage and Comfort: Make sure you taxi can accommodate your luggage, that’s why we suggest an SUV or Van for families or group travel.
Booking your taxi beforehand, and through a verified channel is far safer as compared to negotiation on the spot, especially if you travel during Ramadan Nights or Hajj Season, when travel and demand peaks. Confirming the fare upfront covers protects you against surcharge, this also keeps you from haggling at Haram gates and dealing with unlicensed drivers.
Don’t miss out any detail when booking, including hotel name, pick up and drop off time and location, number of passengers and luggage requirements. Also, plan your prayer stops or breaks beforehand, especially when traveling in group or with elderly. If you are traveling in peak times, book 1-2 weeks in advance during Ramadan, and Hajj.
Month | Event | Travel Consideration |
February 2026 | First Half of Ramadan | Rising Demand, Early Bookings Recommended |
March 2026 | Second Half of Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr | Night-time surcharges, longer travel times and limited availability |
May 2026 | Hajj and Eid | Peak International Traffic, so book early |
Please note that travel time may be 30-60 minutes more during the way (Ramadan), and peak timings because of traffic, please allow for this, especially after Taraweeh prayers. So, tell your cab company and driver if you plan to make any pit stops or rest trips.
Final Thoughts
Travelling from Makkah to Madinah in 2026 is bit difficult, especially in Ramadan, Eid or Hajj. It needs preparation, knowledge, and selecting a nice taxi. So:
- Pre-booking through a licensed taxi service like Harmain Cabs or UmrahCabs4U.
- Get the proper size of taxi vehicle or type based on the number of group members, your budget, and comfort
- Be prepared in advance for your prayer breaks, luggage, and rush of traffic.
- Refrain from being over charged Cost by seasonal time and view fares
Here are some tips for foreign and local pilgrims/travelers to have a safe, comfortable, and economical trip which will allow you to maximize the potential of your Hajj or Umrah.
FAQ's
Umrahcabs4U: For 1-4 pax by private sedan taxi the rates are quite competitive, SAR 550-700 off-peak time and SAR 650-850 during popular periods such as Ramadan, Eid or Hajj.
Yes, you can book from verified services in advance and confirm fare to avoid any hidden and overcharges and language barriers.
Yes, an Umrahcabs4U taxi is air-conditioned and driven by an experienced driver.
In normal circumstances, the journey time is 4-5 hours; however, it could be 5-6 hours during peak period (Hajj, Umrah, Eid, and Ramadan) as prayer stops and congestion may cause delays.
Not really, reputable services have set fares so you will not be cheated as a foreign traveler.
