Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid travel in Saudi Arabia peaks around Eid al-Fitr, which falls on 1 Shawwal, the day after Ramadan ends. In 2027 (1448 AH) it is expected around early March, and in 2028 around late February, subject to moon sighting. Islamic dates move about 11 days earlier each year.
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, and the first day of Eid is confirmed only when the new moon is sighted. Plan your first-day travel with a day's margin either way, and check the official announcement on the last evenings of Ramadan.
Why book Eid rides early?
Eid al-Fitr ends Ramadan with family visits and holidays across the Kingdom, so intercity roads and airports get busy. Booking early with us carries little risk:
- Your fare is fixed when you book, and there is no surge pricing at Eid.
- Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup.
- Changes to time or vehicle are free whenever possible, which helps when the Eid date moves by a day.
- Booking early gives you the widest choice of vans and SUVs.
Fares on the main intercity routes
Fares are per car and include fuel, tolls and the driver. Rest, prayer and meal stops are included on long routes. Return trips are discounted when you book both legs together.
| Route | Distance | Time | Economy sedan | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh to Dammam | 400 km | 4 h | SAR 680 | SAR 1,280 |
| Riyadh to Buraydah | 330 km | 3 h 30 min | SAR 570 | SAR 1,060 |
| Jeddah to Makkah | 95 km | 1 h 15 min | SAR 170 | SAR 310 |
| Makkah to Madinah | 450 km | 4 h 30 min | SAR 770 | SAR 1,440 |
| Jeddah to Taif | 170 km | 2 h | SAR 290 | SAR 550 |
| Dammam to Al Ahsa | 150 km | 1 h 30 min | SAR 260 | SAR 480 |
Eid in Makkah and Madinah
The last ten nights of Ramadan bring the largest crowds of the year to Makkah and Madinah, and the Eid prayer at the two Holy Mosques draws large crowds early on Eid morning. Roads across the central areas close at busy times, so drivers use the nearest open drop point.
Do not plan a hotel check-out or an airport run for the hours around the Eid prayer. Book it for later in the day, and leave extra time for the drive. Our guides to Ramadan transport in Makkah and Makkah Haram drop-off points explain how the closures work.
Airport rides around Eid
Airport demand peaks on the days after Eid. Book your airport ride when you book your flight, and check your airline's advice on check-in times. For arrivals, we track the flight and the driver waits free for 60 minutes after landing.
- Makkah hotel to Jeddah Airport: about 1 h 25 min, from SAR 180 per car.
- Madinah Airport to Madinah: about 25 min, from SAR 60 per car.
- Riyadh Airport to central Riyadh: about 40 min, from SAR 60 per car.
- Dammam Airport to Al Khobar: about 40 min, from SAR 110 per car.
Choosing a vehicle for family travel
Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in the quote. If you plan to drive at night, our guide to night driving on Saudi roads covers what to expect.
- Economy or standard sedan: up to 3 passengers with 2 or 3 suitcases.
- Comfort MPV: 4 to 6 passengers and 5 suitcases, with sliding doors.
- SUV: up to 7 passengers and 6 suitcases, with captain seats for long highways.
- Family van: up to 11 passengers and 10 suitcases; one price for the whole van.
- Group bus: 12 to 50 seats for an extended family or a group.
- Child seats are available on request; tell us the children's ages when you book.
How to book your Eid ride
Message us on WhatsApp or call +966 57 951 9804.
- Send the pickup and drop-off, the expected date and time, and the number of passengers and bags on WhatsApp.
- Say if your date depends on the moon sighting, so we can move the booking by a day.
- We reply with a fixed fare for the whole car.
- We send the driver's name and plate the day before.
- Pay in cash (SAR) or by card in the car, or by bank transfer or the STC Bank app before the ride.