Transportation Guide

Part 1: From Jeddah Airport (JED) to Mecca

Budget-Friendly Options

• Northwest Bus (SAPTCO): This is the most economical option.
  
  • Cost: Approximately SAR 40–60 per person.
  • Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Pros: Very cheap; buses run hourly from the airport to the Jarwal Bus Station in Makkah.
  • Cons: Drops you at a central bus station, requiring an additional short taxi or walk (around 10 minutes, potentially uphill) to your hotel near the Haram. May be crowded during peak seasons.

Convenient Options

• Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR): A modern, efficient, and reliable option.
  
  • Cost: Approximately SAR 90–120 per person.
  • Duration: The train journey takes about 54 minutes to the Makkah station.
  • Pros: Very fast and comfortable.
  • Cons: You will need a short taxi ride from the airport terminal to the King Abdulaziz Airport train station, and another short taxi from the Makkah station to your hotel.
• Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber/Careem) or Taxi: Direct door-to-door service is ideal, especially if traveling with family or heavy luggage.
  
  • Cost: Taxis range from SAR 200–300. Ride-hailing apps are often in the SAR 150–260 range.
  • Duration: 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Pros: Door-to-door service, easy to book via apps or airport ranks.
  • Cons: Prices can fluctuate with demand and traffic; negotiating a fare might be required with a standard taxi driver.
• Pre-Booked Transfers
  
  • Reserve guaranteed transportation in advance with verified drivers and vehicles.
  • Cost: Approximately SAR 180-300 depending on vehicle type
    (sedan, SUV, or van options available)
  • Duration: 60-90 minutes direct to your hotel in Makkah
  • Pros: Book before arrival with instant confirmation; fixed
    pricing with no negotiation needed; English-speaking drivers;
    meet and greet service at airport arrivals; vehicle options
    for families and groups; 24/7 customer support; luggage
    assistance included; no surge pricing during peak times
  • Cons: Must book at least 24-48 hours in advance; less
    flexible than on-demand ride apps if plans change;
    cancellation policies vary by provider
  • Book Airport Transfer
  • Book Airport Transfer Option 2

Part 2: From Mecca to Madinah

The distance between the two cities is approximately 435 km. The train is highly recommended for this leg of the journey

Budget-Friendly Options

Northwest Bus (SAPTCO): The cheapest way to travel between the cities overland.

• Cost: Approximately SAR 110–180 per person.
• Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
• Pros: Very cost-effective.
• Cons: Significantly longer travel time; less comfortable than the train

Convenient Options

• Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR): This is generally considered the best and most comfortable option.

  • Cost: Approximately SAR 130–330 per person, depending on how far in advance you book and the class of ticket.

  • Duration: The train journey itself is about 2.5 hours.

  • Pros: Fastest option (total travel time is about 3.5 hours including transfers to/from stations); comfortable and modern.

  • Cons: Requires separate taxi transfers from your Makkah hotel to the Makkah station, and from the Madinah station to your Madinah hotel.

• Private Taxi/Car Service: Direct, personalized transport.

  • Cost: Approximately SAR 500–700 for the vehicle (not per person).

  • Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours.

  • Pros: Door-to-door service, ideal for families or large groups with luggage, drivers may stop for prayer breaks.

  • Cons: Most expensive option; safety can be a concern if drivers speed (as reported in 2025)

  • Book Private Tansfer