Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How far is Makkah to Abha by road?
Makkah to Abha is 678 km by road, about 8 h 20 min of driving before stops. The route climbs from Makkah to Taif, follows the mountains south to Al Bahah, and continues to Abha, the cool highland capital of Asir. With rest and meal stops it fills a day.
This route starts in Makkah, and only Muslims may enter Makkah. Travellers who are not Muslim can join the same mountain road at Taif (Taif to Abha is 533 km), or take the coast road from Jeddah; see Jeddah to Abha by road.
The route, stage by stage
Each leg is its own route on our site, so the leg figures do not add up exactly to the through trip. The driver stops for rest or prayer near Taif and Al Bahah whenever you ask.
- Makkah to Taif: 90 km on the Al Hada escarpment road, about 1 h 30 min. The road climbs steeply with many sharp bends, and drivers take it steady. A flatter road via Al Sail is about 20 km longer.
- Taif to Al Bahah: 220 km on Route 15 south, about 3 h, a scenic Sarawat mountain road with forest stops.
- Al Bahah to Abha: 319 km, about 5 h 10 min, on the main highway. Services are spread out, so the driver fuels up before leaving and carries water.
- Abha: drop-off at your hotel or address, or on to Khamis Mushait, 30 km away.
Where to stop for the night
Al Bahah is the natural overnight stop. Makkah to Al Bahah is 301 km, about 3 h 45 min, so the first day is short and leaves time to look around. Raghadan Forest Park has juniper forest and viewpoints on the edge of the escarpment, cool and misty in summer. Dhee Ain Marble Village, south of the city, is a village of white stone houses on a marble outcrop; the road down to it is steep, so drivers take it steady.
If you leave Makkah in the afternoon, Taif is an alternative first stop. It is only 1 h 30 min away and about 10 °C cooler than Makkah in summer. Tell us where you want to stay and we quote the whole trip before you book.
Makkah to Abha fares
Fares are per car and include fuel, the driver, and rest and meal stops. Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in your quote.
| Vehicle | Seats | Makkah to Abha | Makkah to Al Bahah | Makkah to Taif |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 1,160 | SAR 520 | SAR 160 |
| Standard Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 1,360 | SAR 610 | SAR 180 |
| Comfort MPV | 4–6 | SAR 1,700 | SAR 760 | SAR 230 |
| SUV | 4–7 | SAR 2,380 | SAR 1,060 | SAR 320 |
| Family Van | 7–11 | SAR 2,170 | SAR 970 | SAR 290 |
| Luxury / VIP | 1–4 | SAR 4,070 | SAR 1,810 | SAR 540 |
Coming back: Abha to Makkah and the Miqat
On the way back, the road from Abha passes Al Bahah and Taif. If you are travelling to Makkah to perform Umrah, you enter Ihram at Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabir) on this road, and the driver stops there on request. If you are unsure which Miqat applies to you, ask your scholar or group leader, and see our guide to Miqat locations.
During Hajj season, non-Saudi residents need a Makkah entry permit. Check the current rules on the Nusuk app or with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel. Our drivers are permitted to enter Makkah year-round. The return trip has its own Abha to Makkah page and fare.
Mountain road or coast road?
There are two ways south. Our Makkah route takes the mountains, through Taif and Al Bahah, with cooler stops in summer and forest viewpoints. From Jeddah, the usual road is the coast: 687 km via Al Lith and Al Qunfudhah, about 8 h 20 min.
If anyone in your group gets car-sick, the mountain road has bends, especially on the Al Hada climb out of Makkah. Ask for the Al Sail road for that first stretch, and tell the driver so the pace stays gentle.
Arriving in Abha
Abha is a summer tourism base, and summer, from June to September, is its peak season, so book early. Popular trips from the city go to Al Soudah, a misty highland area with a cable car, the stone tower houses of Rijal Alma, and Habala, the hanging village reached by cable car.
To get around, book a driver by the hour from SAR 80 per hour, with a 3-hour minimum. Khamis Mushait is next door, with a flat fare between the twin cities. If you plan to fly home, Abha International Airport (AHB) is about 25 km from the city.