If you are performing Hajj, your travel within Saudi Arabia will be restricted. However, if you are performing Umrah, you have the flexibility to choose your mode of transportation between cities.
Hajj
During Hajj, travel within Saudi Arabia is highly restricted, and the type of transportation available to you will be limited. For most, if not the entire journey, you will be required to use Mutawwif (government) buses for travel between cities and during the five days of Hajj. To board these buses, you must use the travel coupons issued to you at the airport.
Traveling from Jeddah to Madinah by plane is an option, but it is only advisable if arranged by your travel agent. Choosing an alternative mode of transport can be challenging, as you will not have possession of your passport.
Umrah
If you are performing Umrah, you will have possession of your passport and the freedom to choose your preferred mode of transportation, provided it hasn’t already been arranged by your travel agent. If transportation is not included in your package and you need to make your own arrangements, you will have several options to choose from.
Jeddah to Makkah
The distance between Jeddah and Makkah is approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles), with the journey typically taking around one hour. However, during Hajj season, travel times increase significantly, and it may take several hours before you arrive at your hotel in Makkah.
By this point, you should already be in a state of Ihram. If your original plan was to travel to Madinah first but you are required to go to Makkah instead for a valid reason, enter into Ihram immediately. No penalty will be due for crossing the Miqat without Ihram, as the change in plans was beyond your control.
For Hajj pilgrims, transportation will be provided via Mutawwif (government) buses. If you are performing Umrah outside of Hajj season, you have the option to take a taxi or book a private transport service.
Mutawwif Bus
Hajj pilgrims will be transported to Makkah using the Mutawwif (government) bus. If you are performing Hajj, please note that no other mode of transport is permitted for travel from Jeddah to Makkah. Once the bus is at full capacity and final passport checks are completed, the journey to Makkah will begin. You will need to use one of your travel coupons for this trip.
During the journey, the bus will make its first stop at the Pilgrim Grouping Centre, where the driver and group representatives will complete necessary formalities and additional security checks. Expect to wait at the center for some time. However, prayer and washing facilities are available, allowing you to refresh your wudhu and perform salah if needed. After processing, an official will board the bus with your passports, and you will be driven to the Mutawwif office in Makkah.
At the Mutawwif office, your passport will be handed in. Ensure that a representative from your group is present when this happens. Once your passport is submitted, you will be issued an ID card, for which you’ll need to provide a passport-sized photo—so keep spare photos with you. If the ID card is not available immediately, your representative may need to collect it later.
Keep this ID card safe, as it will be required to retrieve your passport upon departure and for identification purposes when exchanging money.
Additionally, you will receive a bracelet or wristband that contains essential Mutawwif office details (such as names, addresses, and phone numbers) in case you get lost. More recently, e-bracelets have been introduced, storing this information electronically.
Finally, you will be transported to your accommodation in Makkah, where you can either rest or proceed to perform Umrah.
Taxi
If you’re performing Umrah and don’t have pre-arranged transportation, the most convenient option from Jeddah Airport to Makkah is a taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the Hajj Terminal, with fares typically ranging between 200 and 300 riyals. You may be able to negotiate a lower price with the driver. If you are traveling in a group and require a larger vehicle, expect the fare to be slightly higher.
The journey to Makkah by taxi generally takes around one hour, or even less if you arrive in the evening when traffic is lighter. To ensure safety and reliability, it is best to hire a licensed taxi from the designated taxi rank rather than opting for an unlicensed driver. While licensed taxis may be slightly more expensive, they offer a safer and more secure travel experience.
Private Company
Alternatively, you can hire a private transport service, which allows you to book a driver based on your specific needs. As with taxis, it’s a good idea to negotiate the fare to secure the best possible rate.
Madinah to Makkah
The distance between Makkah and Madinah is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles).
- If you’re performing Hajj, you will travel using the mutawwif bus, which is the most common mode of transport for Hajj pilgrims. Alternatively, if your package includes a flight and you’re traveling with your group, you may fly instead.
- If you’re performing Umrah outside of Hajj season, you have more flexibility and can travel via flight, SAPTCO bus (recommended), taxi, or a private transport service.
Preparing for Ihram Before Your Journey
Before departing for Makkah, you should prepare yourself to enter the state of Ihram by:
✔ Taking a shower
✔ Trimming your nails
✔ Wearing your Ihram garments at your hotel in Madinah
However, do not make your intention to enter into the state of Ihram until you reach the Miqat at Dhul Hulayfah (also known as Abyar Ali).
Miqat at Masjid al-Shajarah
The Miqat is located at Masjid al-Shajarah in Dhul Hulayfah, about 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) outside Madinah. Here, you can:
✔ Renew your wudhu
✔ Offer two rak’ahs of Salah al-Ihram
✔ Make your niyyah (intention) and recite Talbiyah
If you haven’t already changed into Ihram attire, this is the last opportunity to do so before crossing the Miqat. Be mindful of your belongings, as there have been instances of pilgrims losing valuables while changing at the masjid.
Before Departing
✔ Use the toilet and washing facilities
✔ Eat and drink, as the journey may take over 12 hours during Hajj season
Mutawwif Bus
If you’re performing Hajj, you will travel to Makkah from Madinah using the mutawwif (government) bus. Your representative will arrange for your passport processing at the mutawwif office and inform you of your departure time and location a day or two before your scheduled departure.
During your journey to Makkah, you will:
✔ Stop at the Dhul Hulayfah Miqat to enter the state of Ihram
✔ Pass through designated checkpoints such as the Pilgrim Grouping Centre and the mutawwif office (as previously described)
✔ Use one of your travel coupons for this journey
Plane
Since there is no airport in Makkah, those traveling from Madinah to Makkah by plane must first fly to Jeddah.
For Hajj Pilgrims
If you’re performing Hajj and flying to Jeddah, ensure:
✔ You are traveling with your group
✔ Arrangements have been made for your passport to be present at Madinah Airport on the day of departure
The flight from Madinah to Jeddah takes approximately 45 minutes and typically costs between 250 and 350 riyals. On the day of departure, arrive early at Madinah Airport, complete the required procedures, and collect your boarding pass. Your identity will be verified using your passport, which should be available at the airport by then.
Upon arrival at Jeddah South (Domestic) Terminal:
- Collect your luggage
- Locate the designated office where your passport has been transferred
- Officials will arrange your transport to the Hajj Terminal, which may take some time
- At the Hajj Terminal, proceed to the area designated for pilgrims of your nationality
- You will then board a mutawwif bus to Makkah
For Umrah Pilgrims (Outside of Hajj Season)
If you’re traveling for Umrah outside of Hajj season, after landing at Jeddah’s Domestic Terminal:
✔ Collect your luggage
✔ Exit the terminal
✔ Take a taxi to Makkah
SAPTCO Bus
SAPTCO Bus Service (Saudi Public Transport Company)
SAPTCO operates bus services between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, offering a cost-effective and convenient mode of travel. This service is particularly suitable for Umrah pilgrims.
Booking Tickets
✔ Tickets can be purchased at SAPTCO bus stations
✔ Your hotel receptionist may assist in booking
✔ Reservations can be made online via the SAPTCO website
Types of SAPTCO Bus Services
SAPTCO offers two types of bus services: Regular and VIP. The VIP service is recommended as it is faster and more comfortable.
Regular Bus Service
- Basic seating with limited legroom
- No food or drinks provided – bring your own
- Ticket price: 65 riyals
- Runs every hour
- Includes stopovers along the route
- Journey duration:
- Makkah (Al-Haram Bus Station) → Madinah (Bus Station): 6 hours
- Madinah (Bus Station) → Makkah (Al-Haram Bus Station): 8 hours, including a stop at Dhul Hulayfah Miqat
VIP Bus Service
- More comfortable seating with better legroom
- Refreshments provided
- Ticket price: 110-120 riyals, depending on the day and season
- Four VIP trips daily
- Direct journey (no unnecessary stops)
- Journey time: 5 hours
- VIP tickets must be booked in advance
Important Notes
✔ Schedules and ticket prices may change, so check with the local SAPTCO office or SAPTCO website before traveling
Bus Stations
Makkah
Both regular and VIP buses arrive and depart from the SAPTCO Al-Haram bus station, which is just under a mile away from the Haram in Makkah.
Madinah
Regular buses arrive and depart from the Madinah bus station, just under a mile away from the Haram in Madinah.
VIP buses arrive and depart at the Crown Plaza Hotel, close to the Haram.
Taxi
A taxi is an option for traveling between Madinah and Makkah, but it comes with safety concerns, as many drivers tend to speed on the motorway.
- Cost: 400 to 500 riyals
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Booking: Can usually be arranged through your hotel receptionist
Advantages of Taking a Taxi
✔ Direct hotel-to-hotel service – convenient and hassle-free
✔ No fixed schedules – travel at your preferred time
However, due to potential safety risks, consider other transport options, such as the SAPTCO VIP bus for a more comfortable and secure journey.
Jeddah to Madinah
The distance between Jeddah and Madinah is about 443 kilometres (275 miles).
If you’re performing Hajj, you will use the mutawwif bus (which most Hajj pilgrims use) or take a flight, if it has been included in your package and you’re travelling with your group. If you’re performing Umrah out of Hajj season, you can take a flight, travel via a SAPTCO bus, a taxi or use a private company.
Mutawwif Bus
Hajj pilgrims traveling from Jeddah to Madinah will be transported via the mutawwif (government) bus. If you are performing Hajj, no other form of transport is permitted except for a plane.
Once the bus reaches full capacity and final passport checks are completed, it will depart for Madinah. You will need to use one of your travel coupons for this journey. Depending on traffic and other factors, the journey can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, or even longer during Hajj season.
Important Tips for the Journey:
- Carry enough food and water as the trip is long.
- There will be stops along the way for food, rest, and salah.
- The bus driver may take short breaks to rest.
Arrival in Madinah:
- Before reaching Madinah, your passport will be handed into the designated office.
- Unlike the Jeddah-to-Makkah journey, you will not receive an ID card at this stage. Instead, you may be issued a temporary card, with the official ID card being provided later in Makkah.
- The card should contain details of your mutawwif office (name, address, and contact information) and indicate where your passport is being kept. If you don’t receive these details, make sure to ask for them.
- Finally, you will be taken to your hotel in Madinah.
Plane
If you’re performing Hajj and traveling by plane, ensure you stay with your group and confirm that your group leader has made the necessary arrangements in advance.
Flight Details:
- The flight from Jeddah to Madinah takes approximately 45 minutes and costs between 250 and 350 riyals.
- To travel by plane, visit the Saudia Airlines counter at the Hajj Terminal after completing airport procedures in Jeddah.
- If your ticket was pre-arranged, you should already have it and will only need to obtain your boarding pass.
- During peak Hajj season, expect long queues at the counter.
Arrival in Madinah:
- After receiving your boarding pass, depart from the domestic departures lounge.
- Upon arrival in Madinah, you may need to go through immigration and customs again at the Hajj Terminal.
- A mutawwif official will collect your passport and provide you with a card containing the contact details of the mutawwif office where your passport will be kept. Keep this card safe.
- If you are part of an organized group of 40–50 pilgrims, a coach will be arranged to take you to your hotel in Madinah.
- Taxis or private vehicles cannot be used for transport if you’re performing Hajj.
Travel Time Considerations:
While the flight itself is short, the pre- and post-flight formalities—especially during Hajj—can make the total journey time comparable to, or even longer than, ground transportation like taxis or buses. For Umrah pilgrims outside of Hajj season, the process is typically much quicker.
SAPTCO Bus
There are no SAPTCO bus stations at Jeddah airport so you will need to take a taxi to downtown Jeddah.
Regular Bus Service
If you’re taking a regular bus, you will need to take a taxi to the Jeddah SAPTCO bus station which is about 24 kilometres (15 miles) away from the airport. Buses run every hour and it costs 65 riyals for a ticket. The duration of the journey is 6 hours.
VIP Bus Service
If you’re traveling by VIP bus, you’ll first need to take a taxi to the Jeddah VIP bus station, which is located near Avail Hotel, approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the airport.
- There are four VIP buses operating daily.
- The ticket price is 120 riyals per person.
- The journey takes around 5 hours.
Schedules and pricing may vary, so it’s recommended to check with the local SAPTCO ticket office or visit the SAPTCO website before you travel.
Taxi
You can take a taxi from Jeddah to Madinah for a fare of 400 to 500 riyals, with the journey typically lasting 3.5 to 4 hours.
