Transport
Taxis and trains in Makkah and Madinah
Getting between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah is straightforward once you know your options. Here is how travellers usually arrange transport, what to expect, and where to book in advance.
Book your taxi in advance
These two services are used widely by UK pilgrims for airport pick-ups, intercity transfers and ziyarah trips. Both are independent of Simple Umrah — you book and pay them directly.
Umrah Taxi Online
Online booking for Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah transfers, ziyarah tours and intercity journeys, with fixed prices and a choice of vehicle size.
umrahtaxionline.comTaxi service on Facebook
A driver page where you can message directly, share your flight details and agree a price before you travel. Handy if you prefer to speak to the driver yourself.
Open the Facebook pageYour transport options
Pre-booked private transfer
Booked before you fly, with a driver meeting you in arrivals holding your name. The calmest option after a long flight, especially with family, elders or lots of luggage.
Airport taxi ranks
Official ranks sit outside arrivals at Jeddah and Madinah airports. Agree the fare before you set off and make sure the driver knows your hotel name and district.
Ride-hailing apps
Uber and Careem both work well in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. The price is fixed in the app, so there is no haggling — download and set them up before you travel.
Street taxis
Widely available and cheap for short hops around the Haram. Always agree the price first, as most street taxis do not use the meter.
Common journeys
Approximate travel times. Traffic around the Haram, prayer times and peak Umrah seasons can make journeys considerably longer.
Jeddah Airport → Makkah hotel
Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes
Makkah → Madinah
Roughly 4 to 5 hours by road
Madinah Airport → Madinah hotel
Roughly 25 to 35 minutes
Makkah → Ziyarah sites
Half day, driver waits between stops
Madinah → Ziyarah sites
Half day including Quba and Uhud
Hotel → Haramain train station
15 to 25 minutes in either city
Haramain High Speed Railway
The fastest and most comfortable way between the two holy cities. Trains run at up to 300 km/h and take roughly 2 hours 20 minutes between Makkah and Madinah, calling at Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and KAEC along the way. Tickets are cheaper than a private car and far less tiring, so many pilgrims travel one way by train.
How to book
- 1Open the official Haramain booking portal at sar.hhr.sa, or download the "SAR" app (iOS and Android). Both let you pay by UK card.
- 2Choose Haramain High Speed Railway, then your route — Makkah to Madinah or Madinah to Makkah — with your travel date and number of passengers.
- 3Pick a departure time. Trains run through the day; the first leave around Fajr and the last in the late evening.
- 4Select Economy or Business class and, if you wish, a specific seat.
- 5Enter each traveller's full name exactly as printed in the passport, along with the passport number.
- 6Pay by card and save the e-ticket QR code that arrives by email and in the app.
Book only through sar.hhr.sa or the official SAR app. Resellers add fees and can issue tickets in the wrong name.
Stations and timings
- Makkah station sits in Rusaifah, about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from the Haram.
- Madinah station is in the Knowledge Economic City area, roughly 15 to 20 minutes from the Haram.
- Jeddah has two stops: Sulaimaniyah in the city and King Abdulaziz Airport terminal 1.
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure; boarding closes 10 minutes prior.
Good to know
- Fares vary by class and how early you book — reserve ahead in Ramadan and school holidays.
- You can travel in ihram; there are prayer areas at the stations.
- Each passenger may usually take two suitcases plus hand luggage.
- You still need a taxi at each end, so factor that into your timings.
Travel smart
- Agree the full fare, in Saudi Riyals, before you get in — including any waiting time.
- Save your hotel name and address in Arabic on your phone to show the driver.
- Carry small notes; not every driver can change a large note or take a card.
- During peak Umrah seasons and after Fajr and Isha, prices rise and cars are scarce — book ahead.
- For families, ask for a GMC, Hiace or larger vehicle so luggage and children travel comfortably.
- Screenshot your booking confirmation in case mobile data drops at the airport.
Taxi companies and drivers listed here are independent third parties. Simple Umrah does not operate transport in Saudi Arabia and is not responsible for bookings you make with them. Transfers included within one of our packages are arranged through our own trusted suppliers.
Want transfers included in your package?
Most of our packages already include airport transfers and ziyarah transport. Tell us your dates and we will confirm exactly what is covered.