Traveling between the holy cities of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Makkah is one of the most spiritual and memorable journeys in the life of every Muslim. Millions of pilgrims travel across Saudi Arabia every year to perform Umrah and Hajj, and two of the most common routes are from Jeddah to Makkah and Riyadh to Makkah. Understanding these routes, travel options, and the best transportation methods can make your journey comfortable, efficient, and spiritually uplifting.
In this guide by Harmain Ziarah, we’ll explore every detail about traveling from Jeddah to Makkah and Riyadh to Makkah, including distance, transportation modes, taxi services, estimated travel times, and useful tips for pilgrims visiting the sacred city of Makkah.
🌆 Jeddah to Makkah – The Most Popular Pilgrim Route
The Jeddah to Makkah route is one of the busiest and most frequently traveled roads in Saudi Arabia. Since Jeddah is home to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) — the main entry point for international pilgrims — most visitors begin their sacred journey here.
📍 Distance Between Jeddah and Makkah
The Jeddah to Makkah distance is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) by road. The travel time usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.
If you’re coming directly from the airport, the total distance from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Makkah is around 95 kilometers, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or taxi.
🛣️ Main Routes from Jeddah to Makkah
- Makkah–Jeddah Expressway (Route 40)
- Fastest and most modern highway.
- Well-maintained with rest areas and service stations.
- Ideal for taxis, private cars, and buses.
- Old Makkah Road (Route 15)
- Slightly longer but less congested.
- Offers scenic desert views and quiet surroundings.
Both routes are safe and convenient, allowing travelers to reach Makkah smoothly and comfortably.
🚖 Jeddah to Makkah Taxi Service – Comfort and Convenience for Pilgrims
For pilgrims performing Umrah or Hajj, the most convenient way to travel from Jeddah to Makkah is by private taxi. It’s fast, comfortable, and available 24/7.
✳️ Why Choose a Taxi from Jeddah to Makkah?
- Direct Transfer: Go straight from your hotel or airport to Makkah without any stops.
- Time Saving: Avoid waiting for buses or scheduled departures.
- Comfortable Rides: Modern, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers.
- Family Friendly: Ideal for families, elderly travelers, and those with luggage.
- Affordable Rates: Reasonable pricing with no hidden costs.
At Harmain Ziarah, we specialize in providing Jeddah to Makkah taxi services for pilgrims, tourists, and residents. Our drivers are trained, polite, and knowledgeable about all religious routes, ensuring a peaceful and worry-free experience.
💰 Estimated Taxi Fare from Jeddah to Makkah
| Vehicle Type | Fare (SAR) | Travel Time |
| Standard Sedan | 200 – 250 | 1 – 1.5 hrs |
| Family SUV / Van | 300 – 400 | 1.5 hrs |
| Luxury Vehicle | 450 – 600 | 1 – 1.5 hrs |
Taxi rates can vary during Hajj and Ramadan due to increased demand, so it’s best to pre-book your ride with Harmain Ziarah for confirmed prices and priority pickup.
✈️ Jeddah Airport to Makkah Transfers
Most international pilgrims land at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and immediately proceed to Makkah to perform Umrah. After a long flight, a comfortable and reliable airport transfer service is essential.
Harmain Ziarah provides airport-to-Makkah taxis that pick you up directly from the terminal and drop you at your hotel or accommodation in Makkah.
🚗 Benefits of Booking Jeddah Airport to Makkah Taxi:
- Meet and greet service at the arrival gate.
- Luggage assistance.
- Fixed rates with no meter surprises.
- Air-conditioned, clean, and comfortable vehicles.
- Available 24 hours a day, even for late-night arrivals.
🚆 Other Travel Options from Jeddah to Makkah
While taxis are the most preferred option, there are also other transportation choices available for travelers:
1. Haramain High-Speed Train
- Connects Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.
- Travel time: around 35 to 45 minutes.
- Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments available.
- Tickets range from SAR 60 to 100 depending on the class.
- You’ll need to travel to Jeddah train station, which adds extra travel time.
2. Bus Service (SAPTCO)
- Operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company.
- Cost: Around SAR 25–40 per passenger.
- Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Comfortable but less private.
If you’re traveling as a family or prefer personal space, taxis or private cars are more convenient and reliable.
🕌 Ziyarat Between Jeddah and Makkah
For pilgrims visiting Makkah from Jeddah, several sacred sites can be visited along the way. These include:
- Masjid Aisha (Taneem Mosque):
- Located 7 km from Makkah.
- The Miqat point for people inside Makkah who wish to perform another Umrah.
- Jabal al-Noor:
- The mountain that holds the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation.
- Jabal al-Thawr:
- The cave where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during migration to Madinah.
- Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah:
- Key locations of Hajj rituals, often visited for Ziyarat during Umrah trips.
Harmain Ziarah offers special Ziyarat taxi packages so travelers can visit all these blessed places comfortably.
🏙️ Riyadh to Makkah – Long-Distance Travel Made Easy
Traveling from Riyadh to Makkah is another major route within Saudi Arabia, often used by residents, business travelers, and pilgrims performing Umrah. Since Riyadh is the capital city and located in the central region of the Kingdom, the journey is longer but well-connected by road, air, and train.
📍 Riyadh to Makkah Distance
The Riyadh to Makkah distance is approximately 870 kilometers (540 miles). The travel time depends on your mode of transport:
| Mode of Travel | Time Taken |
| By Car | 8 to 9 hours |
| By Train | 5 to 6 hours |
| By Flight | 1.5 hours (plus airport transfer time) |
🚖 Riyadh to Makkah Taxi Services
For travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility, hiring a taxi from Riyadh to Makkah is a great option. Although the journey is long, it offers scenic views, rest stops, and complete control over your schedule.
✳️ Benefits of Taking a Taxi from Riyadh to Makkah
- Door-to-Door Service: Direct pickup from home, hotel, or airport.
- Flexible Stops: You can rest, pray, or refresh at your convenience.
- Comfortable Long Rides: Modern vehicles with air-conditioning and reclining seats.
- Experienced Drivers: Trained to handle long-distance routes safely.
- No Transfers or Delays: Travel straight to your destination without waiting for connections.
💰 Estimated Fare for Riyadh to Makkah Taxi
| Vehicle Type | Fare (SAR) | Travel Time |
| Standard Sedan | 900 – 1,200 | 8 – 9 hrs |
| Family SUV / Van | 1,300 – 1,700 | 8 – 9 hrs |
| Luxury Car | 1,800 – 2,500 | 8 hrs |
If you’re traveling with family or elderly pilgrims, booking a private taxi through Harmain Ziarah ensures comfort, privacy, and convenience throughout your journey.
✈️ Traveling from Riyadh to Makkah by Air
For those who want to save time, flights are the quickest option from Riyadh to Makkah.
- Direct flights operate from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.
- The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours.
- From Jeddah Airport, you can book a Harmain Ziarah taxi to reach Makkah within 1 to 1.5 hours.
This combination of flight plus taxi transfer is the most efficient way to travel between Riyadh and Makkah.
🚆 Riyadh to Makkah by Train
The Haramain High-Speed Train also connects Riyadh to Makkah via Jeddah and Madinah. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours and is one of the most comfortable and scenic routes in the Kingdom.
The train offers:
- Reclining seats and clean restrooms.
- Onboard dining and Wi-Fi.
- Easy booking via online portals or mobile apps.
However, if you want privacy or plan to make stops for Ziyarat along the way, a private taxi remains the best option.
🕌 Ziyarat Sites to Visit from Riyadh to Makkah
If you’re driving or taking a taxi from Riyadh to Makkah, you can explore many historic and spiritual sites on your way, such as:
- Qarn al-Manazil (Miqat point): Pilgrims from Riyadh must assume Ihram here before entering Makkah.
- Taif City: Known for its cool weather, gardens, and the famous Al-Shafa Mountains.
- Arafat and Mina: Sacred places for Hajj rituals near Makkah.
Harmain Ziarah provides guided Ziyarat packages for travelers wishing to explore these holy places with complete comfort and spiritual guidance.
🧭 Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- Book Early: Especially during Hajj and Ramadan seasons.
- Keep Ihram Ready: Wear Ihram before crossing Miqat.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water and light snacks.
- Carry Identification: Keep your visa, passport, and hotel booking details accessible.
- Use Trusted Services: Always choose licensed and reputable transport providers like Harmain Ziarah.
🚘 Why Choose Harmain Ziarah
Harmain Ziarah is one of the most trusted names in Saudi Arabia for pilgrim transportation and Ziyarat services. We offer private taxis, airport transfers, and guided tours between Jeddah, Riyadh, Makkah, and Madinah.
Our Services Include:
- Private and family taxis.
- Airport pickups and drop-offs.
- City-to-city transfers.
- Ziyarat and Umrah tours.
- 24/7 support and online booking.
- English and Urdu-speaking drivers.
Whether you’re traveling from Jeddah to Makkah or Riyadh to Makkah, our mission is to make your spiritual journey comfortable, safe, and peaceful.
