Makkah To Madinah (Vice Versa)

Makkah to Madinah (and Madinah to Makkah) by Road: Complete Travel Guide

Traveling between Makkah and Madinah is a key part of the pilgrimage journey. Whether you’re performing Umrah, Hajj, or Ziyarat, here’s everything you need to know about road transport, travel time, and essential FAQs.

Transport Options

1. Private Taxi/Car

• Travel Time: 4–5 hours (depending on traffic and stops).

• Distance: ~450 km via Highway 15 (Makkah-Madinah Expressway).

• Best For: Families, groups, or those with luggage.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber/Careem)

• Availability: Limited in Madinah (better to pre-book).

• Pickup Points: Hotels or designated taxi stands (not near Haram).

SAPTCO Public Bus

• Departure Points:

  • Makkah: SAPTCO Bus Station (near Haram).

  • Madinah: SAPTCO Bus Station (close to Prophet’s Mosque).

• Travel Time: 5–6 hours (includes rest stops).

• Frequency: Every 2–3 hours (from 6 AM to midnight).

• Best For: Budget travelers, solo pilgrims.

Haramain High-Speed Railway (Recommended Alternative)

• Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours (faster than road).

• Stations:

  • Makkah: Haramain Station (near King Abdulaziz Road).

  • Madinah: Haramain Station (near Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport).

• Fare: Economy (SAR 150–200) | Business (SAR 300–400) (subject to change).

Hotel/Private Transfers

• Many hotels in Makkah & Madinah arrange private transfers (confirm when booking).

Route Details

• Main Highway: Route 15 (Makkah-Madinah Expressway) – Well-maintained, toll-free.

• Checkpoints:

  • Security checks may occur (keep IDs/passports ready).

  • No Ihram restrictions (since it’s not part of Umrah rituals).

Best Time to Travel

• Avoid Peak Times:

  • Fridays (Jumu’ah prayer) – Roads near mosques get crowded.

  • Hajj Season – Heavy traffic between cities.

• Recommended Times:

  • Early Morning (5–7 AM) – Least traffic.

  • Late Night (10 PM–12 AM) – Smooth drive.

What to Bring

• Valid ID/Iqama/Passport (for security checks).

• Prayer Essentials (Sunnah duas, Quran, prayer mat).

• Water & Snacks (limited stops on the highway).

• GPS/Offline Maps (Google Maps works reliably).