Transfer from Jeddah Airport (JED) to Makkah

Full Price Comparison & The 5 Best Ways

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR. Updated: 25 Oct 2025.

Contents

• Introduction: Why planning your transfer matters
• Comparison of the 5 main transfer options (price, speed, convenience)
• Best choice for pilgrims: Private transfer
• Current 2025 prices by transport type (SAR + USD)
• Which transfer to choose for your situation (quick picker)
• Where you’ll be met: JED airport terminals
• Common mistakes pilgrims make (and how to avoid them)
• Expert tips from Ziyarago
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Introduction: Why planning your transfer matters

For pilgrims arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, the transfer to Makkah is the first—and one of the most important—steps of the journey. Travel time is usually 1.5–2 hours, and how you arrange the transfer largely determines the comfort of starting your Umrah or Hajj.

Short answer

The optimal option for pilgrims is a pre-booked private transfer: predictable timing, no transfers, and assistance with Miqat rules.

2. Comparison of the 5 main transfer options (price, speed, convenience)

See the overview below to choose the best option for your budget, time, and comfort level:

Transfer option	Best for	Travel time (approx.)	Price (SAR / USD, approx.)	Convenience
Private transfer	Families, groups, travelers with luggage	~1.5 hours	450–560 SAR ($120–$150)	Maximum, true door-to-door
Taxi App (official state taxi)	Solo travelers and couples	1.5–2 hours	300–450 SAR ($80–$120)	Licensed taxis, regulated fares, 24/7
Haramain High-Speed Train	Budget-friendly, no rush	2.5–3 hours (incl. taxis to/from station)	75–150 SAR ($20–$40)	Modern, but requires transfers
Public bus	Cheapest option	~2.5 hours	50–100 SAR ($15–$30)	Less frequent, multiple stops
Car rental	Plans to travel around the country	~1.5 hours	~112 SAR/day ($30) + fuel	Requires license, navigation, parking

3. Best choice for pilgrims: Private transfer

A private transfer is an investment in a calm start to your pilgrimage: predictable timing, no queues or transfers, and the option to pre-arrange a Miqat stop.

Advantages for Umrah and Hajj

• Comfort with Ihram: a direct route with no unnecessary stops if you’re already in ihram.
• Miqat awareness: reliable drivers know Miqat points; a stop can be pre-arranged.
• Luggage and group size: the right vehicle type and trunk volume for your case.

4. Current prices by transport type (2025)

Exchange rate for conversion: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR. Prices are indicative and vary by season (Ramadan/Hajj), time of day, and availability. Updated: 25 Oct 2025.

Category	Seats	Luggage	Meet & Greet	Travel time	Price from (SAR)	Equivalent (USD)
Sedan (Toyota Camry or similar)	1–3	2–3 suitcases	On request	~1.5 hours	450 SAR	$120
7-seater Minivan (Hyundai Staria / Kia Carnival)	4–7	4–6 suitcases	Included	~1.5 hours	550 SAR	$147
Toyota Hiace (10–12 seats)	6–10	10+ luggage spaces	Included	~1.5–2 hours	650 SAR	$173
Mercedes V-Class (Premium MPV)	1–6	4–6 suitcases	Included (meet at exit)	~1.5 hours	900 SAR	$240
GMC Yukon / Chevy Tahoe (Luxury SUV)	1–4	3–4 suitcases	Included	~1.5 hours	950 SAR	$253
Minibus (Toyota Coaster 14–20 seats)	10–20	Group luggage	Included	~1.5–2 hours	1200 SAR	$320
VIP Black Car (Mercedes S-Class with chauffeur)	1–3	2–3 suitcases	Premium service	~1.5 hours	1400 SAR	$373

Possible surcharges: night pick-up (+70–120 SAR), airport parking (+10–25 SAR), seasonal increases in Ramadan/Hajj (+20–40%). For guaranteed pick-up time and a potential Miqat stop, we recommend pre-booking.

5. Which transfer to choose for your situation

Quick picker

• Solo/couple with light luggage: Sedan (450 SAR, about $120) — economical door-to-door.
• Family of 4–6 with suitcases: Hyundai Staria / Kia Carnival (550 SAR, about $147) — spacious cabin and trunk.
• Group of 6–10: Toyota Hiace (650 SAR, about $173) — best for price/seats.
• Comfort/representative level: GMC Yukon / Tahoe (950 SAR, about $253) or Mercedes V-Class (900 SAR, about $240).
• VIP with meet-and-greet sign: Mercedes S-Class (1400 SAR, about $373).
• Large group 10–20+: Toyota Coaster minibus (1200 SAR, about $320) — best per-person value.
• In ihram and need a Miqat stop: choose options with Meet & Greet and a confirmed Miqat stop.

6. Where you’ll be met: JED airport terminals

The meeting point depends on your arrival terminal. Check it on your ticket/boarding pass and tell your provider when booking.

Northern Terminal: used by some charter and low-cost flights; taxi availability may be more limited.

Terminal 1: new and largest; most major airlines (including Saudia). Private transfer zones are best organized here.

Note on Hajj Terminal: Hajj Terminal is used strictly during Hajj season and sometimes for Umrah charters; outside the season, regular international flights usually don’t operate here.

7. Common mistakes pilgrims make (and how to avoid them)

• Missing the Miqat. If you intend to perform Umrah/Hajj, you must be in ihram before crossing Miqat. Possible points: Qarn al-Manazil, Dhul-Hulayfah, Yalamlam, Al-Juhfah.
• Underestimating luggage. A 7-seater car ≠ seven suitcases; for families choose Staria/Carnival or Hiace.
• Rush hours & delays. Friday evenings, Ramadan, and Umrah/Hajj seasons can stretch the trip to 3 hours—build in a buffer.
• Address only in English. Keep the hotel address in Arabic as well, plus a photo of the entrance and a map pin.
• Unlicensed drivers. Prefer pre-booked operators with confirmed routing and insurance.

Miqat tip

If you put on ihram after landing in JED, pre-arrange a short stop at the nearest Miqat along your route (often Yalamlam or Qarn al-Manazil).

8. Expert tips from Ziyarago

• Miqat check: if already in ihram, inform the driver and monitor the route so you don’t miss the Miqat.
• Currency exchange: exchange a small amount at the airport; do the rest in Makkah (often better rates).
• Peak times: pre-book in high-demand periods; delays up to 3 hours are possible.
• Language barrier: keep your hotel address in Arabic and save a map location; it saves time and reduces errors.

9. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much is a taxi from Jeddah to Makkah?

Usually 300–450 SAR ($80–$120) depending on season and car type. A pre-booked private transfer is about 450–560 SAR ($120–$150) and offers predictable timing and meet-at-exit.

Do I need to put on ihram at the airport?

If you travel with the intention to perform Umrah/Hajj, you must be in ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary. Many pilgrims put on ihram on the plane before landing or right after arriving at JED so as not to delay the transfer.

How often do public buses run?

Buses from JED to Makkah follow a timetable, but their frequency and convenience are lower than private options. If you’re short on time or in ihram, choose a taxi or private transfer.

What is Meet & Greet—and is it worth it?

Meet & Greet means a name-board welcome at the exit, help with luggage, and escort to the vehicle. Recommended if it’s your first time at the airport, you travel with elderly relatives, or you have a lot of luggage.

When should I book a transfer?

At least 24–48 hours in advance—and earlier for Ramadan/Hajj seasons. Early booking locks in the price and vehicle type and reduces waiting at the airport.