How to book a ride in Makkah and Madinah
Information only. We are not a transport provider, agent or broker. We do not take any payment or make any booking, and we give no guarantee or warranty. You contact the driver yourself, so check the licence and agree the fare before the ride.
Ways to travel
Haramain trainBetween Makkah, Jeddah airport, Jeddah and Madinah. Book only on the official site or app. The stations are outside the Haram area, so you still need a taxi or shuttle for the last part.
Ride appsYou see the price in the app before you confirm. Follow the pickup point shown for your terminal or hotel.
Airport taxi rankUse the official rank only and agree the fare or meter before you get in.
Pre booked private transferGood for families, elders and many bags. You agree the fare in writing before the trip.
Hotel shuttle or hotel booked carAsk your hotel what it offers, the timings and who is responsible.
Where to find a driver
1
Your hotel reception
Ask if they work with drivers they know, who is responsible if something goes wrong, and ask them to write the fare for you. Best for your first ride.
Ask if they work with drivers they know, who is responsible if something goes wrong, and ask them to write the fare for you. Best for your first ride.
2
Your Umrah booking agent
If you booked a package, ask what transport is included and who the driver or contact is.
If you booked a package, ask what transport is included and who the driver or contact is.
3
Ride apps
Good for short trips in the city, because the price shows before you confirm.
Good for short trips in the city, because the price shows before you confirm.
4
Google Maps
Search for taxi services near your hotel or the Haram. Read recent reviews, look at photos and check the phone number.
Taxi near meCar with driver near me
Search for taxi services near your hotel or the Haram. Read recent reviews, look at photos and check the phone number.
Taxi near meCar with driver near me
5
Facebook and Instagram
Search "Makkah Umrah taxi" or "Madinah transport" and ask in Umrah groups of your own country.
Search Facebook pages
Search "Makkah Umrah taxi" or "Madinah transport" and ask in Umrah groups of your own country.
Search Facebook pages
Anyone can open a page, and reviews and followers can be bought. Message two or three drivers, compare their fares and answers, and use the checklist below before you decide. Taxis waiting at the hotel door or the Haram gate are fine too, but agree the fare before you get in.
Book a private ride in 6 steps
1
Know your trip
From where, to where, date, time, how many people and bags, and any wheelchair or child seat.
From where, to where, date, time, how many people and bags, and any wheelchair or child seat.
2
Choose the right vehicle
Count the passengers and bags together. A full car is slow, uncomfortable and can be refused at the gate.
Count the passengers and bags together. A full car is slow, uncomfortable and can be refused at the gate.
3
Message the driver on WhatsApp
Use the message builder below. Ask for the final fare in SAR, written in the chat.
Use the message builder below. Ask for the final fare in SAR, written in the chat.
4
Agree before you book
Ask if the fare includes waiting, tolls, parking and extra stops. Take a screenshot of the answer.
Ask if the fare includes waiting, tolls, parking and extra stops. Take a screenshot of the answer.
5
Check the driver and the car
Ask for the driver name, car number and car type. Compare them when the car arrives.
Ask for the driver name, car number and car type. Compare them when the car arrives.
6
Pay after the ride
Do not pay the full amount in advance. If an advance is needed, keep it small and keep proof.
Do not pay the full amount in advance. If an advance is needed, keep it small and keep proof.
Message builder
You type the driver number yourself. We never store it. Use only a number you got from a source you trust.
Before you accept, tick these
Red flags, walk away if you see them
- The driver will not write the fare in the chat.
- He asks for the full payment before the trip, or by a personal account you do not know.
- He refuses to give his name or the car number.
- The price changes after you arrive, or new charges appear at the end.
- You are pushed to decide quickly, or a stranger approaches you at the airport or the Haram gate.
- The car is overloaded, or the driver is not allowed to carry your bags and passengers together.
If something goes wrong
Emergency: 911. Health: 937. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: +966 920002814. Tell your hotel reception, and save the screenshots and the car number.
This page gives general advice only and may not cover every situation. Rules, routes and services change, so confirm details with the operator.