Every year, millions of Muslims travel across Saudi Arabia to visit the two holiest cities — Makkah and Madinah. Whether you are performing Umrah or visiting for Ziyarat, knowing the exact routes, distances, and best transportation options from Riyadh to Makkah and Madinah to Makkah helps make your journey peaceful, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling.
This complete travel guide by Umrah Taxi will explain everything you need to know — including road distances, travel times, available transport services, and helpful tips for pilgrims traveling between these sacred cities.
🕋 Understanding the Importance of Traveling Between Riyadh, Madinah, and Makkah
Saudi Arabia is home to the three most important cities in the Islamic world:
- Makkah: The birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the location of the Kaaba, where every Muslim performs Hajj and Umrah.
- Madinah: The city of the Prophet ﷺ, home to Masjid an-Nabawi and his blessed resting place.
- Riyadh: The modern capital of Saudi Arabia, from where millions of residents and visitors begin their sacred journeys to Makkah.
Travel between these cities is a spiritual and emotional experience. Knowing the routes, Miqat points, and reliable travel services ensures a safe and stress-free pilgrimage.
🚘 Riyadh to Makkah Distance and Travel Guide
The distance from Riyadh to Makkah is approximately 870 kilometers (540 miles) via Route 40, one of the most well-developed highways in Saudi Arabia.
⏱️ Travel Time:
- By Car/Taxi: Around 8 to 9 hours
- By Bus: About 10 hours (depending on stops)
- By Train: Roughly 4.5 to 5 hours using the Riyadh–Makkah Haramain High-Speed Train, which connects major cities via Jeddah.
- By Flight: Only 1.5 hours of flying time, followed by a 1-hour road journey from Jeddah Airport to Makkah.
🛣️ Best Routes from Riyadh to Makkah
- Route 40 (Main Highway):
- Distance: ~870 km
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- The fastest and most popular route connecting Riyadh to Makkah. The road is wide, smooth, and well-equipped with service stations and rest areas.
 
- Route 505 (via Taif):
- Distance: ~930 km
- Duration: 9–10 hours
- Slightly longer but more scenic. Ideal for travelers who wish to visit Taif, another beautiful city in western Saudi Arabia known for its cool climate and mountainous views.
 
🚖 Why Choose Umrah Taxi for Your Riyadh to Makkah Journey
For pilgrims traveling long distances such as Riyadh to Makkah, comfort and reliability are essential. Umrah Taxi is one of the most trusted taxi services in Saudi Arabia, offering safe and convenient transportation for pilgrims and tourists.
✅ Benefits of Using Umrah Taxi:
- Comfortable and Spacious Vehicles
 We provide clean, air-conditioned cars and vans equipped for long-distance travel. Our vehicles are perfect for individuals, families, and groups.
- Experienced and Polite Drivers
 Our professional drivers are familiar with all routes from Riyadh to Makkah, ensuring your journey is smooth and safe.
- 24/7 Availability
 Whether you need an early morning ride or a midnight transfer, Umrah Taxi operates round the clock to serve you whenever you need.
- Fixed Pricing with No Hidden Costs
 You will know the full cost before starting your trip — no surprises or extra charges.
- Door-to-Door Service
 We pick you up directly from your hotel or residence in Riyadh and drop you off at your Makkah hotel or Masjid al-Haram area conveniently.
- Stop at Miqat Point
 For travelers from Riyadh, the Miqat (point to wear Ihram) is As-Sail al-Kabeer (Qarn al-Manazil) near Taif. Our drivers will ensure a comfortable stop for Ihram, ablution, and prayer before proceeding to Makkah.
🌆 Things to Expect on the Riyadh to Makkah Journey
The long drive from Riyadh to Makkah offers a glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography — from desert plains to mountain ranges. Along the way, you’ll find rest stops, restaurants, fuel stations, and mosques every 80–100 kilometers.
Pro Tip: If you are traveling during Ramadan or Hajj season, book your Umrah Taxi early to ensure availability and avoid long waiting times.
🕌 Madinah to Makkah Distance and Travel Guide
The distance from Madina to Makkah is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) via the Haramain Highway (Route 15) — a modern and well-connected road linking the two holy cities.
⏱️ Travel Time:
- By Car/Taxi: 4 to 5 hours
- By Bus: 6 to 7 hours
- By Train (Haramain Express): Only 2 to 2.5 hours
- By Flight: 1-hour flight + 1-hour road trip from Jeddah to Makkah
The road from Madinah to Makkah is smooth and surrounded by desert beauty, with rest areas and fuel stations available throughout.
📍 Miqat Point for Madinah to Makkah Travelers
If you are traveling from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, you must stop at Masjid Dhul Hulaifah (Bir Ali) to enter the state of Ihram. It’s one of the most visited mosques by pilgrims and located just 9 kilometers from Masjid an-Nabawi.
🚖 Travel Comfortably from Madinah to Makkah with Umrah Taxi
Umrah Taxi offers a private, safe, and direct ride between Madinah and Makkah, making your sacred journey peaceful and stress-free.
🌙 Features of Umrah Taxi for Madinah to Makkah Trips:
- Private Transport Only for You
 No need to share space with strangers. Our taxis are booked exclusively for your group.
- Clean and Comfortable Vehicles
 Every vehicle is air-conditioned, sanitized, and equipped for long travel.
- Knowledgeable Drivers
 All our drivers are experienced, speak English and Urdu, and know the best rest stops along the route.
- Stop at Miqat (Bir Ali)
 We allow enough time for you to perform Ihram comfortably at Masjid Dhul Hulaifah before resuming your journey.
- Flexible Booking
 You can schedule your pickup from Madinah Airport, Masjid an-Nabawi area, or your hotel at any time that suits you.
- Transparent Rates
 Our fares are fixed and budget-friendly, making Umrah Taxi one of the most cost-effective options for pilgrims.
🕋 Exploring the Holy Cities – Makkah and Madinah
When traveling with Umrah Taxi, you can also plan Ziyarat tours in both Madinah and Makkah. These visits not only enrich your spiritual experience but also help you understand the history of Islam more deeply.
🕌 Ziyarat Places in Makkah:
- Masjid al-Haram (Kaaba) – Center of the Islamic world
- Jabal al-Noor – Cave of Hira, where the first revelation was received
- Jannat al-Mu’alla – Burial site of the Prophet’s family and companions
- Masjid Aisha (Masjid at-Tan’eem) – Miqat for renewing Ihram within Makkah
- Jabal Thawr – The cave where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during Hijrah
🕌 Ziyarat Places in Madinah:
- Masjid an-Nabawi – The Prophet’s Mosque
- Jannat al-Baqi – Cemetery where many of the Prophet’s family members and companions are buried
- Quba Mosque – The first mosque in Islam
- Uhud Mountain & Martyrs of Uhud – Site of the famous battle of Uhud
- Masjid Qiblatain – Where the Qiblah direction changed toward the Kaaba
By booking Umrah Taxi, you can visit all these locations easily in one comfortable trip, guided by professional and respectful drivers who understand the religious importance of each site.
🚆 High-Speed Train vs. Umrah Taxi – Which is Better?
While the Haramain High-Speed Train offers a fast way to travel between cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, and Makkah, it comes with certain limitations:
| Feature | Haramain Train | Umrah Taxi | 
| Travel Flexibility | Fixed schedule | 24/7 availability | 
| Miqat Stop | Not allowed | Yes, included | 
| Luggage Space | Limited | Large trunk space | 
| Privacy | Shared with passengers | Fully private | 
| Pickup/Drop-off | Station only | Door-to-door service | 
For families, elderly passengers, or those traveling with children, Umrah Taxi provides greater comfort and peace of mind.
🌙 Why Choose Umrah Taxi for Your Pilgrimage
Whether your journey starts from Riyadh to Makkah or Madinah to Makkah, Umrah Taxi ensures a safe, convenient, and spiritually peaceful travel experience.
💼 Our Promise:
- Clean, modern vehicles
- On-time pickup and drop-off
- Professional, respectful drivers
- Transparent and affordable fares
- 24/7 booking support
- English, Arabic, and Urdu communication
Our goal is to serve pilgrims with sincerity, helping them travel between the holy cities of Saudi Arabia in complete comfort and peace.
 
								 
								 
								 
								 
								