Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Family van taxi or two sedans: the short answer
If you are six people, a family van taxi keeps everyone in one vehicle and costs less than two economy sedans on any trip longer than about 50 km. On short city rides the two options cost the same, because each car has a minimum fare.
There is a third option many families miss. A Comfort MPV, such as a Toyota Innova, Hyundai Staria or Kia Carnival, seats up to 6 and carries 5 suitcases. When your bags fit, it is the cheapest way to move six people together.
Price comparison on popular routes
All prices are one way, per vehicle, with fuel and tolls included. Rides at night (00:00–05:00) add 20% to every option.
| Trip | Comfort MPV | Family van | 2 economy sedans | 2 standard sedans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madinah Airport to Madinah | SAR 90 | SAR 120 | SAR 120 | SAR 140 |
| Jeddah Airport to Jeddah | SAR 90 | SAR 120 | SAR 120 | SAR 140 |
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | SAR 260 | SAR 330 | SAR 360 | SAR 420 |
| Jeddah to Makkah | SAR 240 | SAR 310 | SAR 340 | SAR 380 |
| Makkah to Taif | SAR 230 | SAR 290 | SAR 320 | SAR 360 |
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 1,130 | SAR 1,440 | SAR 1,540 | SAR 1,800 |
| Jeddah to Madinah | SAR 1,050 | SAR 1,350 | SAR 1,440 | SAR 1,680 |
| Riyadh to Dammam | SAR 1,000 | SAR 1,280 | SAR 1,360 | SAR 1,600 |
Luggage decides more than the price
Six pilgrims with one large suitcase each already need six spaces, and on the way home there may be Zamzam water as well. Two economy sedans take only 4 suitcases between them, and a Comfort MPV takes 5. The family van takes 10 under a high roof. Before you pack Zamzam, read our Zamzam water travel guide.
| Vehicle | Seats | Suitcases | Typical models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan | 1–3 | 2 | Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato |
| Standard Sedan | 1–3 | 3 | Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord |
| Comfort MPV | 4–6 | 5 | Toyota Innova, Hyundai Staria, Kia Carnival |
| Family Van | 7–11 | 10 | Hyundai H1, Toyota Hiace, GMC Savana |
| SUV | 4–7 | 6 | GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition |
What is the cost per person for six?
Divide the fare by six to compare with train or bus tickets, which are priced per person. Train and bus fares change, so check the operator's website for today's per-person price before you compare.
| Trip | Comfort MPV | Family van | 2 economy sedans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | SAR 44 | SAR 55 | SAR 60 |
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 189 | SAR 240 | SAR 257 |
| Riyadh to Dammam | SAR 167 | SAR 214 | SAR 227 |
When do two sedans make sense?
Two cars also give you flexibility: if part of the group is ready earlier, they can leave first. For a family that wants to stay together, though, one vehicle is simpler, and one driver means one set of messages to follow.
- Your group needs different drop-off points, such as two hotels in different areas.
- Some of you travel at a different time.
- You travel light and prefer sedan comfort on a long trip.
- You want the same car to wait for part of the group while the rest go elsewhere.
Other options for six: SUV, female driver and accessible van
A full-size SUV such as a GMC Yukon seats up to 7 with about 6 suitcases and captain seats. It costs more than a van, SAR 340 from Jeddah to Makkah against SAR 310, and suits families who want a smoother, quieter ride on long highways. Our SUV vs family van comparison goes into detail.
A female-driver vehicle seats up to 6 with 4 suitcases, at SAR 250 from Jeddah to Makkah, so a family of six can travel together with a female driver in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh or Dammam. A wheelchair-accessible van carries a wheelchair user and up to 4 companions, so a family of six with a wheelchair user needs a second car.
How to book a family van
- Tell us the number of adults and children, the children's ages and the number of suitcases.
- Ask for child seats when you book.
- Give each hotel name. If you need two drop-offs, say so when you book so the quote covers both.
- Our family vans are permitted for the Makkah central area.
- Book your Umrah legs together: airport to Makkah, Makkah to Madinah and Madinah back to the airport can go in one Umrah transport package.