Planning a trip from Makkah to King Abdulaziz International makkah to jeddah airport distance? Whether you’re completing your pilgrimage, heading home, or traveling for business, knowing the distance, travel time, and best transport options can make things much easier. This guide breaks down everything — from how far Makkah is from the airport to what transport choices you have, approximate fares, and tips to avoid delays.
How Far is Makkah from Jeddah Airport — Distance & Driving Time
The road distance between Makkah and Jeddah Airport depends slightly on which route you take — but most reliable sources and transport providers agree on a range:
- According to Mehar Transport, the average distance by taxi is between 85 and 95 kilometers, depending on route taken. (mehartransport.com)
- Other travel-info sources list the distance as roughly 90 to 96 kilometers (~56–60 miles) from city center to airport. (jeddahairport.net)
- Under normal driving conditions, the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. (jeddahairport.net)
Here’s a quick summary table for clarity:
| Route / Source | Approx. Distance | Usual Driving Time* |
| Via Mehar Transport (standard) | 85 – 95 km | ~1 to 1.5 hours (mehartransport.com) |
| Most common road route | ~90 – 96 km | ~1 to 1.5 hours (jeddahairport.net) |
| Taxi / driving fastest route | ~94 – 95 km | ~1 hour if traffic is light (Rome2Rio) |
* Time depends heavily on traffic, road conditions, time of day, and whether it’s Hajj or Umrah season.
So when you plan your transfer, expect somewhere around 90–95 km and roughly 1–1.5 hours — but always leave a buffer, especially during busy times.
Common Transport Options from Makkah to Jeddah Airport
Travelers have a few viable options to cover the Makkah → Jeddah Airport route. The best choice depends on your budget, comfort preferences, luggage, group size, and how soon you need to get to the airport.
Taxi or Private Car
Taxi or private car transfer remains the most convenient and widely used option — especially for pilgrims or travelers with luggage. According to Mehar Transport, you can choose from different routes: the fast expressway, a slower old-road route, or scenic coastal roads (though the coastal route adds distance/time) (mehartransport.com).
Taxi fares generally start from about 200 Saudi Riyal (SAR) for a sedan. Vans (for families or larger groups) cost more. (taximakkah-sa.com)
Advantages: Door-to-door pickup, flexibility in timing (especially useful for early flights), comfort, and convenience for families or groups.
Things to watch: During Hajj, Ramadan, or other busy seasons, traffic spikes and prices may increase. Always confirm fare before starting the ride.
Alternate Transport: Train, Buses, Shared Vans
If you prefer a budget-friendly or more predictable route — or want to avoid road traffic — there are alternatives:
- The Haramain High Speed Railway connects Makkah to Jeddah (near airport). On some travel-planning tools this is listed as about 90.9 km from Makkah to the airport if you combine train + last-mile transfer. (Rome2Rio)
- For solo travelers or those comfortable with public transport, combining train + a short taxi ride from the train station to the airport can often be the cheapest and quickest during heavy traffic periods. (Rome2Rio)
Buses or shared Umrah Taxi Service may also exist — but availability and time can depend heavily on season, number of passengers, and prior booking.
What Influences Travel Time & What to Plan For
Because Makkah → Jeddah Airport is one of the busiest routes — especially during pilgrimage seasons, holidays, or weekends — several factors can affect how long your trip will take:
- Seasonal pilgrim traffic (Hajj, Umrah, Ramadan): Long queues, congested highways, and increased demand for taxis raise travel time and fares.
- Time of day & rush hours: Morning or evening peaks (local commute times) plus departure deadlines can slow down the journey significantly.
- Luggage & group size: More people or heavy luggage might need bigger vehicles, which may move slower or take longer to load/unload.
- Route choices: The expressway usually offers the fastest travel. Alternates — e.g. older roads or coastal paths — may be scenic but slower. (mehartransport.com)
Pro-tips:
- Always leave extra time (30–60 minutes) for unexpected delays if you have a flight to catch.
- Book your taxi or train early — especially in busy seasons.
- If you travel in a group or with heavy luggage, a van or shared ride might be more cost-effective.
Typical Taxi Fare and What to Expect
Based on current 2025 data across various taxi services operating between Makkah and Jeddah Airport, here are typical fare ranges:
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Fare (One Way) |
| Standard Sedan (1–4 passengers) | 200 – 250 SAR (taximakkah-sa.com) |
| SUV / Family Van (5–7 passengers) | 300 – 400 SAR + depending on luggage (taximakkah-sa.com) |
| Larger Van / Hiace / Van for bigger groups | 400 – 500 SAR (or more) depending on luggage and group size (umrahtaxivip.com) |
Note: Prices might fluctuate during high demand periods (Hajj, Ramadan), or night travel. Always confirm with the driver before starting the ride.
Best Routes: Expressway vs Scenic / Alternate Roads
The journey between Makkah and Jeddah Airport offers several possible routes:
- Main Expressway (Makkah–Jeddah Expressway / Route 40): This is the fastest and safest route — wide, well-maintained highway, minimal traffic light stops, and efficient signs. Most taxi services use this route. (Haramain Lines)
- Old Makkah Road / Local Roads: Sometimes used to avoid highway traffic or during maintenance periods. These roads can be slower, may pass through towns or older neighborhoods, and travel time may extend to around 1.5 hours. (mehartransport.com)
- Scenic or Coastal Roads (less common): Rarely used for airport transfers because they are longer (up to ~105 km) and significantly slower (sometimes 1.5–2 hours), but might be chosen by travelers who want a scenic drive. (mehartransport.com)
For convenience, speed, and predictability — the expressway remains the most recommended route.
Recommended Travel Tips & Planning Advice
To make your trip smooth and stress-free, follow these recommendations:
- Book transport in advance, especially during Hajj, Ramadan or peak travel seasons — taxis and vans fill up quickly.
- Allow extra time — aim to depart at least 2–3 hours before your flight if it’s international. Traffic or delays could add 30–60 minutes.
- Agree on fare and route before starting — confirm vehicle type, luggage allowance, and fixed price to avoid surprises.
- For small groups / solo travelers — consider train + taxi option: train may be cheaper and faster than road during traffic jams.
- For families / heavy luggage — choose a van or private car for convenience and comfort, even if slightly costlier.
- Keep local currency on hand (SAR) — not all taxis accept cards; some may try to overcharge if foreign currency used.
- Check weather and road conditions — occasional rain or construction may slow down highway traffic.
Conclusion — Smart Travel Means Smooth Journey
Going from Makkah to Jeddah Airport usually means travelling around 90–95 kilometers, and — under normal conditions — it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Whether you choose a private taxi, shared van, or train + taxi, understanding the distance and travel options helps you plan properly.
Especially during busy seasons like Hajj or Ramadan, it’s wise to leave extra time, pre-book your ride, and travel with flexibility. Choosing the expressway route offers the fastest and most reliable journey.
If you follow these tips — book in advance, pick the right transport for your needs, and plan ahead — your ride from Makkah to Jeddah Airport will be smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.
May your journey be safe and blessed.