Compare Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare Services: Prices, Apps & Travel Tips
Planning a journey between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah? One of the top concerns for travelers is understanding the Makkah to Madinah taxi fare and how to choose the most cost-effective
Introduction: Why Comparing Taxi Fare Services Matters
Planning a journey between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah? One of the top concerns for travelers is understanding the Makkah to Madinah taxi fare and how to choose the most cost-effective, comfortable, and safe option. With fluctuating rates, time-dependent pricing, and multiple service providers, a comprehensive fare comparison can save you both time and money.
This guide compares fare services, explores the daytime impact on fares, provides insights on fare rates by time, and offers expert travel timing influence tipshelping you book smarter.
Distance & Travel Duration
The route from Makkah to Madinah spans about 450 kilometers, with average travel time ranging from 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops. Most taxi drivers use Highway 15 (Haramain Highway), offering a direct and safe connection.
Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare Overview
The typical taxi fare ranges from 400 to 1,200 SAR, based on:
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Vehicle type (Sedan, Van, SUV, Coaster)
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Time of booking (day or night)
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Season (Regular, Ramadan, Hajj)
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Booking platform (local taxi, app, hotel, or airport)
Fare rates by time can differ significantly. Booking in advance during the daytime often yields more stable and affordable prices.
Taxi Fare by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Capacity | Fare Range (SAR) | Daytime Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan (Camry) | 34 persons | 400500 | Low |
| Minivan (Toyota H1) | 67 persons | 550650 | Medium |
| SUV (GMC Yukon/Suburban) | 67 persons | 1,1001,200 | High |
| Coaster Bus | 1215 persons | 1,2001,300 | High |
Daytime Impact on Fares
Fares are lower during daytime (6?AM 6?PM) and increase during night due to:
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Driver availability
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Reduced demand in off-peak hours
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Safety and traffic conditions
Daytime impact on fares is particularly evident in private taxi services and app-based bookings, which use algorithms that reflect real-time demand.
Understanding Time-Dependent Pricing
Taxi fare services often adjust prices based on:
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Time of day
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Day of the week
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Public holidays or religious seasons
This time-dependent pricing strategy is especially common during Ramadan and Hajj, where demand peaks and prices can double or triple.
Top Taxi Booking Apps for Makkah to Madinah
1. Uber Saudi Arabia
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Often limited to intra-city trips.
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May not allow full MakkahMadinah journey.
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Good for connecting to Haramain Train stations.
2. Careem
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Similar to Uber but may allow longer routes depending on availability.
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Offers booking to Haramain train stations for ~50 SAR.
3. Local Booking Platforms
Examples: Umrah Taxi Online, VIP Umrah Taxi, Harmain Ziarah
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Flat rates: e.g., Camry ~500 SAR, H1 ~600 SAR, Coaster ~1,200 SAR
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WhatsApp and online booking available
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Multilingual drivers and Umrah/Hajj packages included
Travel Timing Influence: Best Times to Travel
Morning Departures (6 AM 10 AM)
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Least traffic
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Lowest fare variations
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Cooler weather
Midday to Evening (11 AM 6 PM)
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Higher road congestion
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Moderate pricing
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Best time for pre-booked rides
Nighttime (7 PM 5 AM)
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Surge pricing likely
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Lower driver availability
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Higher safety risks
Travel timing influence is key in avoiding surge pricing and long wait times.
Train + Taxi Combo: An Economical Alternative
One smart travel hack involves using the Haramain High-Speed Train:
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Train fare: ~86 SAR (Economy)
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Taxi from/to train stations: ~50 SAR each side
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Total: ~180200 SAR for faster, more comfortable travel
This combo often beats direct taxi fares, especially for solo travelers or couples.
Local vs. App-Based Services: A Comparison
| Feature | Local Taxi | Apps (Uber/Careem) | Train + Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 5001,200 SAR | Varies; often unavailable | ~200 SAR total |
| Booking Flexibility | Pre-booking needed | App-based, real-time | Book in advance |
| Ride Comfort | Moderate to High | Depends on driver | High (train) |
| Surge Pricing Risk | Medium | High | None |
Tips for Saving on Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare
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Travel during the daytime to avoid surge pricing.
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Book in advance via a trusted local taxi website.
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Avoid travel during peak religious seasons, if possible.
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Use Haramain train if budget is limited.
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Group travel? Split fare with others to lower per-person cost.
FAQs
Is the fare from Makkah to Madinah fixed?
No. It varies based on the vehicle, time, and booking source.
How much is a private taxi from Makkah to Madinah?
On average, 500600 SAR for a sedan. SUVs and vans cost more.
Do Uber and Careem operate between Makkah and Madinah?
Not reliably. Theyre better for short local trips or connecting to train stations.
How do I avoid high fares?
Book during the daytime and avoid peak dates like the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Can I travel at night safely?
Yes, but be prepared for higher fares and fewer drivers.
Is the Haramain Train a good option?
Absolutely. Its fast, affordable, and avoids traffic stress.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer app convenience or trusted local providers, comparing Makkah to Madinah taxi fare services based on timing, fare structure, and travel goals is vital. Remember: daytime travel saves money, and pre-booking eliminates stress. With options ranging from private sedans to high-speed trains, theres a travel solution for every budget and comfort level.
Let this guide help you make informed decisions and enjoy a smooth journey between Islams two holiest cities.
