The Jeddah Airport to Makkah is one of the routes that have the highest traffic of millions of pilgrims and visitors that come to Saudi Arabia annually. You may be going there to Umrah or Hajj or even on a business trip, to plan your trip in the most effective way, it is always good to know the distance, the routes and the options of traveling.
Five Star Tourism has come up with this comprehensive guide that includes all the details that you need to know, including the actual Jeddah Airport to Makkah distance, the best modes of transport, the travel tips as well as the frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Jeddah Airport to Makkah distance
The Makkah Airport is estimated to be 95 kilometers (about 59 miles) away. The average travel time is between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on the transportation mode and the traffic congestion.
| Route Option | Distance (Approx.) | Average Travel Time | Road Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah (North Terminal) to Makkah via Makkah–Jeddah Highway | 95 km | 1 hr – 1 hr 30 min | Expressway |
| Jeddah Airport (South Terminal) to Makkah via Al Haramain Road | 93 km | 1 hr 10 min | Highway |
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah via Haramain High-Speed Train (to Makkah Station) | ~100 km | 40–50 min | Rail Route |
Key Takeaway:
If you prefer convenience and comfort, a private taxi or luxury car from Five Star Tourism offers a smooth and direct transfer from Jeddah Airport to your Makkah hotel — without the hassle of public transport.
Why This Route Matters: A Spiritual and Strategic Journey
The Makkah to Jeddah is not simply a physical pathing it is a religious one. Jeddah is the primary international access to the Holy City Makkah to pilgrims coming in the world.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Makkah, therefore, this route serves only Muslim passengers carrying out Umrah or Hajj, which is why it is among the busiest and best-managed routes in the Kingdom.
Travel Options from Jeddah Airport to Makkah
1. Private Taxi or Chauffeur Service
A private taxi is the most convenient, comfortable, and reliable way to travel between Jeddah Airport to Makkah distance.
With services like Five Star Tourism, passengers benefit from:
- Airport pickup & drop-off directly to your hotel.
- Air-conditioned modern vehicles for a stress-free ride.
- Professional English & Arabic-speaking drivers familiar with the Umrah route.
- 24/7 availability for late-night or early-morning arrivals.
- No hidden fees, clear booking process, and online confirmation.
Private taxis are ideal for families, groups, or elderly passengers who prefer a direct and comfortable transfer.
2. Haramain High-Speed Train
For tech-savvy and time-conscious travelers, the Haramain High-Speed Train is a modern and efficient choice.
- Departure Station: Jeddah Airport Railway Station (KAIA)
- Arrival Station: Makkah Railway Station (Rusaifah District)
- Duration: Approximately 40–50 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
- Facilities: Wi-Fi, spacious seating, air conditioning, and luggage space
While the train is fast and affordable, passengers still need to arrange local transport from the Makkah Station to their hotel — which can add time and cost.
3. SAPTCO Bus Service
The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates intercity buses between Jeddah and Makkah.
- Affordable option for solo travelers
- Air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating
- Frequent departures throughout the day
However, SAPTCO buses can take longer due to multiple stops, and passengers may need additional transport from the terminal to their accommodation.
Step-by-Step: How to Travel from Jeddah Airport to Makkah
- Arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED).
The airport has dedicated terminals for domestic, international, and Hajj operations. - Clear immigration and collect your luggage.
Look for signs leading to “Ground Transportation” or “Taxi Services.” - Choose your preferred transport option:
- Book your Five Star Tourism Taxi in advance for a smooth pickup.
- Or head to the Haramain Train counter for ticket purchase.
- Begin your journey to Makkah.
The drive typically follows the Makkah–Jeddah Expressway (Route 40) — a well-maintained and safe road. - Arrive at your accommodation in Makkah.
Many hotels are located within close proximity to Masjid al-Haram, offering easy access for Umrah and prayers.
Travel Tips for a Comfortable Journey
To make your trip from Jeddah Airport to Makkah smooth and stress-free, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Book in Advance: Secure your airport transfer service before arrival to avoid waiting at the terminal.
- Keep Ihram Ready: If you’re performing Umrah, wear or prepare your Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary.
- Stay Hydrated: Saudi Arabia’s climate can be hot; always carry bottled water.
- Use Navigation Apps: Tools like Google Maps or Waze can help track your journey.
- Check Luggage Size: For group travel, ensure your taxi or van can accommodate all bags comfortably.
Comparison of Transport Modes from Jeddah Airport to Makkah
| Transport Mode | Average Travel Time | Comfort Level | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi (Five Star Tourism) | 1 – 1.5 hours | ★★★★★ | Families & Groups | Direct, door-to-door, reliable |
| Haramain Train | 40–50 mins | ★★★★☆ | Solo Travelers | Requires transfer from station |
| SAPTCO Bus | 1.5 – 2 hours | ★★★☆☆ | Budget Travelers | Slower but economical |
| Uber / Careem | 1 – 1.5 hours | ★★★★☆ | Tech-savvy users | Prices vary based on demand |
Why Choose Five Star Tourism for Your Airport Transfer
At Five Star Tourism, we specialize in Umrah and Hajj transportation services, offering reliable, professional, and luxury transfers between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.
Here’s why travelers trust us:
- Modern Fleet: Comfortable sedans, SUVs, and vans for every group size.
- Experienced Drivers: Licensed, courteous, and trained for pilgrim routes.
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock availability for airport pickups and drop-offs.
- Flexible Booking: Instant online booking confirmation with transparent pricing.
- Pilgrim-Friendly Service: Tailored to meet the needs of Umrah and Hajj travelers.
Whether you’re arriving at Jeddah Airport or Madinah Airport, Five Star Tourism ensures your sacred journey starts in comfort and peace.
Expert Insights: The Evolving Travel Experience in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s transportation infrastructure has seen massive upgrades under Vision 2030, making travel between Jeddah airport to Makkah hotel smoother and faster than ever.
- Smart highways, improved signage systems, and the Haramain Train network have revolutionized pilgrim mobility.
- With services like Five Star Tourism, visitors experience world-class hospitality while preserving the sanctity and serenity of their pilgrimage.
Conclusion
The journey to Makkah Airport is not just a transfer out of Jeddah Airport, but the initial stage to a spiritual journey. When it is scheduled, taking a private taxi, train, or bus, the trip becomes smooth.
Five star Tourism is the reliable and convenient travel agency that promises you peace of mind, reliability, and luxury in the very beginning to take you there, no matter where it is in Saudi Arabia, Umrah, Hajj, or intercity transfers.
FAQs
The normal time that it takes to make the trip between Makkah and Jeddah Airport is approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on the mode of transportation, traffic and route. The pilgrimage can be a little longer during the high seasons when pilgrims gather e.g. the period of Ramadan and Hajj.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is about 95 kilometers (59 miles) far off Makkah. It is a well-maintained road and linked the two cities directly through the Makkah to Jeddah Expressway.
A private taxi or chauffeur service is the most convenient and comfortable mode of traveling and is mostly used by families and pilgrims.
Yes, the Haramain High-Speed Train is going to make the journey between Makkah Station and Jeddah Airport (KAIA Station) within 40-50 minutes. It is a speedy and contemporary substitute, albeit the travelers will have to make separate transportation arrangements between the Makkah station and the hotel.
Yes, it is seriously advisable to book ahead. Pre-booking means that you are ready to arrive in Makkah and you already have a professional driver and a car waiting, which means that you will have a comfortable, safe and stress-free ride directly to your destination.
