Almost every Umrah journey begins the same way: you land at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, collect your bags and need to reach your hotel in Makkah. This guide explains what a private taxi costs on that route, what affects the price and how to pick the right vehicle so you do not overpay.
Taxi fare from Jeddah airport to Makkah
At BestWay Transport the private taxi from Jeddah airport to a Makkah hotel starts from SAR 200 for a sedan. The price depends on the vehicle you choose, because bigger vehicles carry more passengers and more luggage.
Our fixed prices for this route are:
- Sedan (Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata), up to 3 passengers and 2 bags: SAR 200
- Hyundai Staria, up to 7 passengers and 7 bags: SAR 230
- Toyota Hiace, up to 10 passengers and 10 bags: SAR 300
- GMC Yukon XL, up to 5 passengers and 5 bags: SAR 400
- Toyota Coaster, up to 18 passengers and 19 bags: SAR 450
The price is per vehicle, not per person
This is the most important thing to understand when comparing fares. A private taxi is charged per vehicle, so the more people share it, the less each person pays.
A family of seven in a Hyundai Staria pays SAR 230 in total, which is roughly SAR 33 each. Ten people sharing a Toyota Hiace pay SAR 300, or about SAR 30 each. A full Toyota Coaster of 18 pilgrims works out at around SAR 25 each. For a couple, the sedan is the sensible choice. For a group, a larger vehicle is usually cheaper per head than booking two cars.
How long does the journey take?
The distance from Jeddah airport to Makkah is around 90 to 100 kilometres, and the drive normally takes between one hour and an hour and a half. Traffic around Jeddah and on the approach to Makkah can add time, especially on Fridays, in Ramadan and during school holidays.
Remember that the road is only part of your arrival. Immigration, baggage claim and customs at a busy airport can take anywhere from one to three hours. Share your flight number with the driver so he can follow your landing time and be waiting when you are ready.
What affects the price
Several things decide what you pay for an airport transfer:
- Vehicle size. A sedan costs less than a van, a van costs less than a coaster.
- Extra stops. A stop at the Miqat, a prayer stop or a detour changes the route and can change the price. Tell the driver beforehand.
- Season. Ramadan, Hajj season and school holidays are the busiest periods, and last-minute bookings can be harder to arrange.
- How you book. A fixed price agreed in advance protects you from bargaining at the airport arrivals hall.
Private taxi compared with other options
Travellers usually weigh a private taxi against shared transport. A shared bus can be cheaper per person, but it leaves on its own schedule, may stop at several hotels and is harder with heavy luggage, children or elderly parents. The Haramain high-speed train also connects the cities, but the stations are outside the centres, so you still need a car to reach your hotel.
A private taxi leaves when you are ready, takes you to your hotel door or as close as vehicle access allows, and lets you handle ihram and prayers without hurrying. For most families and first-time pilgrims that convenience is worth the small difference in price.
Choosing the right vehicle
Count your passengers and your bags before you book. If you are travelling with large suitcases, prams or wheelchairs, go one size up so the bags fit without squeezing anyone. Families with children and elderly parents usually prefer the Hyundai Staria for its sliding doors and spacious cabin. Pilgrims who want a premium ride choose the GMC Yukon XL. Large groups and travel agents book the Hiace or the Coaster.
How to book and what to send
Booking is simple. Message us on WhatsApp with your flight number and arrival time, your hotel name in Makkah, the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. We confirm the vehicle and the fixed price and send you the driver details before you travel, so you know exactly who is meeting you.
Tips for a smooth airport pickup
Save the driver's name and number before you land. Keep your hotel booking confirmation handy in case the hotel is hard to find. If you plan to put on your ihram clothing before reaching Makkah, tell the driver so he can plan for it. Finally, leave extra time on the way back to the airport, which is covered in our Makkah to Jeddah airport transfer page.