So you’ve just landed at Jeddah Airport, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime to Makkah. Before starting your pilgrimage, you’ll need to figure out how to get there. In this guide, you can look closely at the transportation options available to help you go to Makkah from Jeddah Airport.
Going to Makkah from Jeddah Airport
Are you wondering how to go to Makkah from Jeddah Airport? Well, you’ve come to the right place! There are several transportation options available to help you make the trip. Plus, each has its own set of pros and cons.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to plan ahead and book your transportation in advance. Doing so can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to Makkah. But first thing first, let’s find out more about Makkah before you start your journey to the holy city.
What’s Makkah?
Imagine a city steeped in history and culture, where millions of Muslims worldwide come to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This is Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthplace and the Islamic world’s center.
Makkah is home to the grand mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Haram, where the holiest place in Islam is the Kaaba. This ancient stone structure is the focal point of Islamic worship and is visited by millions of Muslims yearly.
The city is also home to many other historical and sacred sites. These include the Prophet’s Mosque, Arafat Mountain, and Zamzam’s well.
Ready to take the next step and figure out the best transportation option for you? Keep reading to learn all about the different routes, prices, and payment methods for buses, taxis, rental cars, and trains from Jeddah Airport to Makkah!
How to Get to Makkah?
There are some options you can take.
1. By Bus
With a network of routes spanning from Riyadh to Jeddah, and of course, to Makkah, SAPTCO offers convenient and reliable public transportation services.
With buses running every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., you’ll never have to wait long for your ride. And, buying a transportation card is a breeze-you can either buy it through the driver or by visiting SAPTCO’s website.
Jeddah Airport to Makkah bus fare ranges from 25 to 50 SAR (6.66 or 13.31 USD). Plus, you can pay by credit card, online payment channel (SADAD), or cash, making it easy to plan your journey with SAPTCO.
2. By Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Jeddah Airport. Prices typically range from 150 to 200 SAR (39.93 to 53.24 USD) during low peak seasons and 300 to 400 SAR (79.86 to 106.48 USD) during the peak pilgrimage season. You can either grab a taxi from Jeddah to Makkah at the terminal or book one in advance.
The best part of sharing a taxi from Jeddah to Makkah is that you can go anywhere within the city. And with a special taxi service, you can even ask to be dropped off and picked up from your Makkah hotel!
Plus, if you’re a fan of ride-hailing services, you’ll be happy to know that Uber and Careem are also available in Makkah.
3. By Rental Car
Renting a car is a great option for travelers looking for flexibility and independence. There are many rental car companies at Jeddah Airport, and you can go in person or book online in advance. Prices vary depending on the car type and duration, but they usually start around 187.83 SAR or 50 USD per day.
4. By Train
For a smooth and fast ride to Makkah, you should consider taking the Haramain High-Speed Railway! With a station right inside Jeddah Airport, you can be in Makkah in just 54 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel in the Middle East.
The train runs from 8:05 a.m. to 10:35 p.m., and at the cost of just 69 SAR or 18.37 USD, a train from Jeddah Airport to Makkah is an affordable option. And buying a ticket is a breeze; you can either use the app or get one from the ticketing booth.
What to Do at Makkah?
There’s plenty to see and do in this ancient city, from visiting historical and sacred sites to experiencing local culture and shopping. Here are a few activities to add to your itinerary:
- Visit the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) – Free, located in the center of Makkah
- Perform the Hajj or Umrah Pilgrimage – varies depending on the package, various locations in Makkah
- Visit the Kaaba – Free, located in the Grand Mosque
- Explore the Makkah Museum – 20 SAR or 5.32 USD, located on Makkah Al Madinah Munawwarah Road, Makkah
- Visit the Well of Zamzam – Free, located inside the Grand Mosque
- Shop at the Makkah Mall – Free, located on King Abdullah Road, Makkah
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the transportation options available to help you go to Makkah from Jeddah Airport. Remember to plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey. And if you’re looking for the best hotel and flight deals, be sure to check out Airpaz for all your travel needs!
