1 Airport to City Transport
Airport Taxi
Official airport taxis available 24/7
JED to Mecca: ~120-180 SAR
Time: 1-1.5 hours
SAPTCO Bus
Government bus service
JED to Mecca: ~35 SAR
Time: 2 hours
Ride-Sharing
Uber/Careem available
JED to Mecca: ~100-150 SAR
Time: 1-1.5 hours
2 Local Transportation in Mecca
Walking
Best option near Haram
Free
Use pedestrian tunnels and bridges
Taxis
Available throughout city
Short trips: 10-30 SAR
Use meter or agree price first
Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels offer free shuttles
Free for guests
Check schedule with hotel
Mecca to Medina Route
Distance: Approximately 450 km
Travel Time: 4-5 hours by road
Transport Options:
- SAPTCO Bus: ~80-120 SAR, comfortable coaches
- Private Taxi: ~400-600 SAR, door-to-door
- Rental Car: ~150-300 SAR per day plus fuel
- Domestic Flight: ~300-500 SAR, 1 hour flight
3 Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber
Widely available
Cash/Card payments
Careem
Popular in Middle East
Multiple vehicle options
SAPTCO App
Official bus service
Schedule and booking
4 Car Rental Options
- International Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget
- Local Companies: Often better prices
- Requirements: International Driving Permit + home license
- Average Cost: 150-400 SAR per day
- Insurance: Essential - check coverage carefully
5 Tips for Transportation
- Download apps before travel
- Have local currency (Saudi Riyals) for taxis
- Save important locations in maps (hotel, Haram)
- Learn basic Arabic phrases for directions
- Keep hotel address card in Arabic
- Use hotel concierge for taxi arrangements
- Consider group transportation for cost savings
6 Special Considerations
- During Peak Times: Allow extra travel time
- Prayer Times: Some transport may be limited
- Friday Prayer: Plan ahead for transportation
- Elderly/Disabled: Pre-book accessible transport
- Family Travel: Ensure child seats if needed