Transport – From A to B in Saudi Arabia

 

A Note for Seamless Travel Planning

To ensure your journey runs smoothly, we recommend arranging and booking your transfers between destinations at the time of your travel reservation.

The classic routes are:

Jeddah Airport – Makkah (approx. 100 km)

Makkah – Madinah (approx. 430 km)

Madinah – Jeddah Airport (approx. 380 km)

Arrival and Onward Travel from Jeddah Airport

For travellers wishing to proceed directly from the airport to Makkah, the following options are available:

Private Taxi / Limousine - This service can be conveniently booked in advance via the Umrah Smart platform together with your travel arrangements. If not pre-booked, you may reserve and pay directly at the official airport counters upon arrival:

• North Terminal: Arrival area
• Terminal 1: Lower Arrival Level (bottom of the aquarium)

North West Bus - In Terminal 1, a ticket counter is located in the lower arrival area. The bus operates 24/7 on an hourly basis and offers a comfortable, reliable and cost-effective transfer option. A counter is also available in the arrival area of the North Terminal.

Haramain High-Speed Train - The high-speed train can be booked in advance together with your trip via the Umrah Smart platform. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on site. Please note: The train does not operate during night. Service runs daily between 7:35 AM and 8:00 PM and departs exclusively from Terminal 1.

Car Rental - Rental cars can be pre-booked via the Umrah Smart platform together with your travel package. If not arranged in advance, vehicles are also available for short-notice rental at the airport (lower arrival level). Please note: An international driving license is required.

Tip: A rental car is an excellent and convenient option for travellers seeking flexibility within Saudi Arabia. The road infrastructure is modern and well-developed, with signage in both Arabic and English. Traffic regulations are comparable to those in Germany and across Europe. For destinations such as AlUla, renting a car is particularly recommended. Vehicles can be easily collected and returned directly at the airport.
Reservations can be made comfortably via the platform or quickly online through external providers.

Recommendation for the Routes: Makkah – Madinah / Madinah – Jeddah

• For these routes, we recommend the Haramain High-Speed Train, which can be booked easily and directly through the Umrah Smart platform together with your travel arrangements.
• Important: Regardless of airline baggage policies, train and bus services allow a maximum luggage weight of 25 kg per person. Excess baggage is subject to additional charges.

 

Recommendations for Jeddah and Surroundings

For travellers who have not arranged transportation in advance and plan to remain in Jeddah or the surrounding area, please consider the following guidance:

Avoid Unauthorized Taxi Offers - At the airport arrival areas, travellers may be approached by unauthorized taxi providers. For safety and pricing reasons, such offers should not be accepted.

Recommended Transfer Options to the City / Hotel:

• Hotel Transfer Service - We recommend arranging an airport transfer directly through your hotel for maximum convenience and reliability.

• Public Taxis (“Green Taxis”) - These can be booked upon arrival at the official taxi counters inside the terminal (lower arrival level – at the bottom of the aquarium).
  Please note: Counters offering private limousine services are typically more expensive.
  Public taxis operate with taximeters. A journey to Jeddah city centre usually costs approximately 150–250 SAR. Note: Drivers generally have limited English proficiency, and communicating your destination may occasionally be challenging.

  Tip: It is advisable to show the exact address via Google Maps to avoid misunderstandings.

• Uber - is a widely used and convenient transportation option in Jeddah. The Uber App is required to book a ride. Please ensure that you only use the vehicle assigned and booked through the App. In some cases, drivers may cancel rides to initiate private fare negotiations. We strongly advise against accepting such arrangements.