Riyadh to Makkah & Madina to Makkah Travel Guide – Distance, Routes, Transport Options & Best Taxi Services

Posted 2025-12-03 14:14:04

Traveling to the holy city of Makkah is one of the most blessed and memorable experiences for every Muslim. Whether you are traveling from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, or from the peaceful city of Madinah Munawwarah, knowing the right routes, distances, and transportation options helps ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. With millions of people performing Umrah and moving between the major cities every year, reliable travel information has become more important than ever.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about the Riyadh to Makkah distance, the Madina to Makkah distance, the best ways to travel, key route details, travel tips, and why booking a trusted service like Umrah Taxi ensures a smooth journey anywhere in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh to Makkah Distance – A Complete Overview

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is located in the central region of the kingdom, while Makkah lies in the western part. Traveling between these two major cities is common for residents, business travelers, and pilgrims planning Umrah.

1. Exact Distance Between Riyadh and Makkah

Riyadh to Makkah distance by road: Approximately 870 – 900 km
Travel time by taxi or car: 8 to 10 hours
Travel time by bus: 10 to 12 hours
Travel time by flight: 1 hour 40 minutes (Riyadh to Jeddah/Makkah)

The distance can vary slightly depending on your route, but the journey is smooth, modern, and completely highway-based.

2. Popular Routes from Riyadh to Makkah

There are two major road routes between Riyadh and Makkah, both equally safe and well-developed:

✔ Route 40 (Main Highway Route – Fastest)

Distance: ~870 km
Road Type: Six-lane modern highway
Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours

This is the most preferred route for long-distance travelers and taxis as it provides:

Excellent road condition
Fuel stations
Food chains
Resting areas
Easy access to cities like Taif

✔ Route 30 (Alternative Desert Route)

Distance: Slightly longer
Travel Time: 9 to 10 hours

This route is used less frequently but remains a good alternative during busy periods.

3. Best Way to Travel from Riyadh to Makkah

Travelers can choose from three main transportation options:

✔ Private Taxi (Most Recommended)

A private taxi service like Umrah Taxi offers:

Comfortable, clean vehicles
Door-to-door pickup
Direct travel without stops
Family-friendly rides
Professional drivers familiar with long-distance travel

Unlike buses, a private taxi allows you to choose your own departure time, carry your luggage easily, and enjoy a peaceful journey.

✔ Domestic Flights

You can take a flight from:

Riyadh Airport (RUH) → Jeddah (KAIA)
Then take a taxi from Jeddah to Makkah (80 km).

Flights save time but require:

Airport check-in
Baggage procedures
Taxi transfer from Jeddah to Makkah

✔ Buses

Budget-friendly option but:

Longer travel time
Fixed schedules
Crowded seats

For families, elderly pilgrims, and Umrah groups, the private taxi remains the best option.

Madina to Makkah Distance – Everything You Need to Know

Travel between Madinah Munawwarah and Makkah Mukarramah is one of the most traveled religious routes in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims visiting Masjid an-Nabawi often continue their journey to Makkah to perform Umrah.

1. Exact Distance Between Madina and Makkah

Madina to Makkah distance by road: Approximately 450 km
Travel time by taxi/car: 4 to 5 hours
Travel time by bus: 6 to 7 hours
Travel time by Haramain High-Speed Train: 2 hours

The route is smooth, fully developed, and designed to handle thousands of vehicles daily.

2. Best Route from Madina to Makkah

✔ Route 15 (The Most Popular Route)

This is the main highway connecting both holy cities.

Benefits include:

Well-maintained roads
Resting spots and service stations
Fast and direct travel
Safe and suitable for families

3. Meeqat for Pilgrims Traveling from Madinah

When traveling from Madina to Makkah, pilgrims must stop at:

Masjid Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)

This is the Meeqat point where you enter Ihram before continuing your journey.
Experienced Umrah Taxi drivers know the exact Meeqat location and guide you accordingly.

Best Transport Options from Madina to Makkah

✔ Private Taxi (Most Convenient)

A private taxi is ideal because:

It offers privacy and comfort
Pickup from your hotel in Madinah
Drop-off directly at your hotel in Makkah
Luggage assistance
Air-conditioned vehicles

For long journeys, comfort is essential, especially for:

Elderly pilgrims
Families with kids
Groups

Umrah Taxi provides spacious vehicles including SUVs, sedans, and vans for larger groups.

✔ Haramain High-Speed Train

Fastest transportation method:

Only 2 hours
Modern coaches
Online booking required

But note: You still need taxi transfers to and from the stations.

✔ Bus Transport

Budget-friendly option but takes longer.

Comparing Riyadh → Makkah and Madina → Makkah Routes

Route	Distance	Travel Time (Taxi)	Best Transportation
Riyadh to Makkah	870–900 km	8–10 hours	Private taxi or flight
Madina to Makkah	450 km	4–5 hours	Taxi or high-speed train

The Madinah to Makkah journey is shorter and more common for Umrah travelers, while the Riyadh to Makkah route is used heavily by Saudi residents and visitors arriving through Riyadh airport.

Why Choose “Umrah Taxi” for Your Saudi Arabia Travel?

As one of the most trusted taxi services in Saudi Arabia, Umrah Taxi provides safe, reliable, and comfortable travel solutions specially designed for pilgrims and travelers.