The road between Makkah and Madinah is about 450 km and is one of the most travelled routes of any Umrah trip. A little planning makes the journey comfortable.
How long does it take?
Allow around 4.5 to 5 hours on the highway, plus any stops for prayer, food or rest. Traffic and season can add time.
Prayer and rest stops
There are petrol stations with prayer rooms and restaurants along the way. With a private taxi you can ask your driver to stop when you need to — just tell him when he calls to confirm your booking, or during the trip.
Going from Madinah to Makkah?
If you want to enter Ihram on the way, the Dhul Hulaifah (Bir Ali) miqat is on the route out of Madinah. Tell your driver you would like to stop there.
Choosing a vehicle
- Small family: a sedan or SUV is usually enough.
- Larger families and groups: a van or minibus gives more comfort for the long ride.
- Lots of luggage: choose a bigger vehicle than the passenger count alone suggests.
Select your passengers and bags in the booking form and it shows the fare for every vehicle that fits. You pay the driver in cash after the trip.
Tips
- Travel after Fajr for a calmer road, or at night if you prefer cooler driving.
- Keep water and some snacks with you.
- One extra stop of up to 30 minutes is free; a second stop is charged at SAR 100 per hour.
See live fares on Makkah to Madinah and Madinah to Makkah.