Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare Guide: Routes, Timings & Best Booking Options
The Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare varies by vehicle, timing, and season. Daytime, pre-booked taxis offer the most reliable rates (400–500 SAR for a sedan), while night rides and peak seasons can drive up costs.
Introduction to Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare
Travelers often ask: Whats the Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare? Whether for pilgrimage or tourism, understanding time?dependent pricing, the daytime impact on fares, and safe booking methods is essential. Heres a complete guide that dives into typical fare rates by time and how travel timing influences pricing.
Makkah to Madinah Route & Distance
The distance between Makkah and Madinah is approximately 415450?km, taking roughly 4.55?hours depending on traffic and route choice . Most drivers take the Haramain Highway (Route?15), with announced stops at rest areas in Rabigh, Qudayd, and Al?Suqya .
Typical Taxi Fare Ranges
Standard Sedan (Camry/Sonata)
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400500?SAR for a basic sedan like Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata .
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Example: Umrah Taxi Online lists 500?SAR for a 4?seat Camry plus luggage .
Minivan & SUV Options
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Camry H1 (7 seats): ~550600?SAR.
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Toyota Hiace (11 seats): ~700750?SAR .
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GMC Yukon XL/Suburban (7 seats): ~1,1001,200?SAR .
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Coaster bus (15 seats): ~1,200?SAR .
LSI keywords included: vehicle type pricing, group travel options, luggage inclusion.
How Travel Timing Influences Fare
Daytime vs. Nighttime Pricing
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While most providers maintain flat daytime rates (05:0024:00), they may apply night surcharges or holiday premiums, particularly during Ramadan or Hajj season .
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Private companies may still charge up to 3 normal rates during peak seasons
Time?Dependent Pricing Explained
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Fares can rise significantly outside regular daytime hours due to time-dependent pricing impacting base fare and per?km rates.
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Advance booking during daytime helps avoid peak surcharges and ensures better availability.
Daytime Impact on Fares
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Standard daytime trips (6?AM6?PM) are cheaper and more predictable, with sedans around 400500?SAR.
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Late?night or pre?dawn rides may trigger higher rates, especially with local taxi companies.
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Furthermore, traffic flows faster in daytime, potentially reducing total fare due to less meter wait time.
Popular Booking Options
1. Local Taxi Companies (Private Transfers)
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Websites like Umrah Taxi Online, Hujjaj Umrah Taxi, VIP Umrah Taxi, and ChaCha Taxi offer:
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Transparent rates: e.g., 500?SAR for Camry sedan, 600?SAR for H1, 1,200?SAR for Coaster
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Online booking via WhatsApp or website. You can often lock in a fixed daytime rate.
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2. Ride?Hailing Apps (Uber / Careem)
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Apps quote significantly lower fares locally4055?SAR to reach Haramain train station in Makkah or Madinah
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But for full MakkahMadinah, app rides are rare and may cancel due to long trips .
3. Haramain High-Speed Rail
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The high-speed train covers MakkahMadinah in 90120?mins at about 86?SAR one-way economy, plus local taxi fares to/from stations.
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An efficient combo: daytime train ticket + short taxi rides (~50?SAR each end).
Timing Tips for Best Rates
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Daytime departures (6?AM4?PM) avoid surcharges and benefit from steady day rates.
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Book at least a day ahead to secure vehicle type and daytime pricing.
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Use experienced services to avoid holiday/seasonal spikes.
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If comfortable negotiating, compare app and local taxi prices, then haggle if needed .
Sample Fare Comparison Table
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Fare | Peak Season? | Daytime Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry (4 seats) | 400500?SAR | +2050% | Minimal |
| H1 Minivan (7 seats) | 550650?SAR | +2050% | Moderate |
| Hiace (11 seats) | 700800?SAR | +2050% | Moderate |
| GMC/Suburban (78 pax) | 1,1001,200?SAR | +2050% | Higher impact |
| Coaster Bus (15 pax) | ~1,200?SAR | +2050% | Higher impact |
Best Booking Recommendations
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Daytime travel (6?AM6?PM) avoids inflated rates.
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Pre-book online with a reputable local taxi provider for transparency.
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Check app quotes (Uber/Careem) for station rides and negotiate with local taxis.
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Combine train + taxi: Haramain train economy ticket + taxis at ~50?SAR per end = ~200?SAR total plus ride comfort
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Avoid peak holiday daysprices can escalate 23.
FAQs
How long is the taxi ride?
Typically 4.55?hours, depending on traffic and stops .
Do taxi fares vary by time of day?
Yes. Daytime rides are more stable and cheaper; late-night rides may include surcharges.
Is it cheaper to go via train?
Yes train + short taxi legs cost around 200?SAR total vs. 400500?SAR taxi alone .
Can I use Uber/Careem for the full route?
Rarely. Use apps for station transfers only and rely on booked taxis for long intercity travel.
Are fares higher during Hajj/Ramadan?
Yes expect up to 3 surge pricing unless booked well in advance .
Which vehicle should I choose?
Solo/couple ? Sedan; Small group ? H1 or Hiace; Large group ? Mini?bus/SUV for comfort.
Conclusion
The Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare varies by vehicle, timing, and season. Daytime, pre-booked taxis offer the most reliable rates (400500?SAR for a sedan), while night rides and peak seasons can drive up costs. For optimal comfort and value, consider mixing the Haramain high-speed train with short taxi tripsit often beats a straight taxi both on cost and travel time.