For most pilgrims, the journey of Umrah or Hajj takes place across three cities: Jeddah, where you land; Makkah, where you perform your rites; and Madinah, the city of the Prophet ﷺ. Knowing how to move between them, and what to see in each, helps you spend less time worrying about transport and more time in worship.

This guide covers each city, the main routes between them, the holy sites worth visiting, and practical tips from our years of driving pilgrims across the Kingdom.

Jeddah: Your Gateway to the Holy Cities

Most international pilgrims arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah. Depending on your airline and season, you may land at Terminal 1, the North Terminal or the Hajj Terminal, so check your ticket before you travel and share your flight number with your driver.

Arriving in ihram: If you’re flying straight to Makkah for Umrah, you must enter ihram before your plane passes the Meeqat. Most pilgrims change at home or during their layover, and airlines usually announce when the Meeqat is approaching.

Places to Visit in Jeddah

• Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with traditional coral-stone houses and old markets
• Jeddah Corniche: A long seafront promenade, lovely in the evening
• King Fahd’s Fountain: One of the tallest fountains in the world, best seen after sunset
• Al-Rahmah Mosque: Often called the Floating Mosque, built over the Red Sea

Popular Taxi Routes from Jeddah

Makkah: The Heart of Your Pilgrimage

Makkah is home to Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, the direction of every Muslim’s prayer. Most hotels are close to the Haram, but traffic around it can be heavy, especially near prayer times, on Fridays, and during Ramadan and Hajj.

Makkah Ziyarat: Holy Sites to Visit

• Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira: Where the first revelation of the Quran came to the Prophet ﷺ
• Jabal Thawr: The mountain cave where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) sheltered during the Hijrah
• Mina: The valley of tents where pilgrims stay during Hajj
• Arafat and Jabal al-Rahmah: The site of the most important day of Hajj
• Muzdalifah: Where pilgrims spend the night after Arafat
• Jannat al-Mu’alla: The historic cemetery where Sayyida Khadijah (RA), the Prophet’s ﷺ first wife, is buried

A Makkah Ziyarat tour by private taxi covers these sites in a few hours, with your driver waiting at each stop.

Meeqat for Extra Umrah

Many pilgrims perform more than one Umrah during their stay. To do so from Makkah, you must go outside the Haram boundary to enter ihram. The two most popular places are:

• Masjid Aisha (Taneem): The closest Meeqat to the Haram, about 15 to 20 minutes by car
• Masjid al-Ji’ranah: A little further away, where the Prophet ﷺ entered ihram after the Battle of Hunayn

Popular Taxi Routes from Makkah

The Journey from Makkah to Madinah

The road between the two holy cities is about 450 km and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours by car. With a private taxi, you travel directly from your hotel door in Makkah to your hotel door in Madinah, with time to stop for prayer, food and rest.

Visit Badr on the way: Badr is where the first major battle in Islamic history took place. Our Makkah to Madinah via Badr route lets you visit the battlefield and the graves of the martyrs of Badr as part of your journey.

Travelling from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah? You must enter ihram at the Meeqat of Dhul Hulayfah (Masjid ash-Shajarah), just outside Madinah. Your driver will stop there so you can change, pray two rak’ahs and make your intention.

Madinah: The City of the Prophet ﷺ

Madinah is calmer than Makkah, and many pilgrims describe it as the most peaceful part of their journey. Masjid an-Nabawi is at the heart of the city, with the resting place of the Prophet ﷺ and the Rawdah inside. Visiting the Rawdah requires a permit booked through the Nusuk app, so book it as soon as you arrive.

Madinah has its own airport, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, about 30 minutes from the Haram. Some pilgrims fly directly into Madinah and finish their trip in Makkah.

Madinah Ziyarat: Holy Sites to Visit

• Masjid Quba: The first mosque built in Islam. Praying two rak’ahs here carries the reward of an Umrah, according to hadith
• Masjid al-Qiblatain: Where the direction of prayer changed from Jerusalem to Makkah
• Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ Cemetery: Where Hamzah (RA) and the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud are buried
• Masjid al-Jumu’ah: Where the Prophet ﷺ led the first Friday prayer
• The Seven Mosques (Sab’ah Masajid): Near the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq)
• Jannat al-Baqi: The cemetery beside Masjid an-Nabawi where many companions and family members of the Prophet ﷺ are buried
• Wadi al-Baida (Wadi e Jinn): A valley outside Madinah famous for the unusual effect where cars appear to roll uphill

Popular Taxi Routes from Madinah

Choosing the Right Vehicle

All prices are per vehicle, not per person, so larger groups often pay less per head.

• Toyota Camry / Hyundai Sonata: Up to 4 passengers and 3 bags. Ideal for couples and small families
• Hyundai H1 / Staria: Up to 7 passengers and 10 bags. Perfect for families with plenty of luggage
• GMC Yukon XL / Chevrolet Suburban: Up to 7 passengers and 8 bags. Premium comfort for families and groups

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

1. Share your flight details in advance. We track your flight, so your driver is waiting even if you’re delayed.
2. Plan around prayer times. Roads near both Harams get very busy before and after each prayer, so leave extra time.
3. Carry your passport on intercity trips. There are checkpoints on the highways between the cities.
4. Pack Zamzam carefully. Keep bottles sealed and upright. A private taxi makes carrying Zamzam home much easier.
5. Book early for peak seasons. Ramadan, school holidays and the weeks around Hajj are the busiest times of the year.
6. Travelling with elderly parents? Tell us in advance and we’ll send a vehicle with extra space for a wheelchair or walker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Jeddah Airport from Makkah?
About 100 km, which takes 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi depending on traffic.

How long is the drive from Makkah to Madinah?
Around 4.5 to 5 hours for the roughly 450 km journey.

Can I book a taxi for Ziyarat in both Makkah and Madinah?
Yes. We offer Ziyarat tours in both cities, starting from 200 SR per vehicle.

Do you operate at night?
Yes. Rawahel Al Safwa operates 24/7, including late-night airport pickups.

Do you serve Hajj pilgrims?
Yes. We provide airport transfers, Makkah to Madinah trips and Ziyarat tours for Hajj pilgrims before and after the Hajj days.

Travel Between the Holy Cities with Rawahel Al Safwa

From your arrival in Jeddah to your final prayer in Madinah, Rawahel Al Safwa takes care of your transport with fixed prices, professional drivers and clean, comfortable vehicles, so you can focus on your worship.

Book your taxi on WhatsApp: +966 59 543 3891