Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How far is Makkah from Dammam and Al Khobar?
A Dammam to Makkah taxi crosses the whole width of the Kingdom, from the Gulf coast to the Hijaz. It is a very long road trip, so it needs more planning than a normal intercity ride. Here are the main distances from the Eastern Province.
| Route | Distance | Time on the road | Economy sedan | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dammam to Makkah | 1276 km | 14 h 25 min | SAR 2,170 | SAR 4,090 |
| Al Khobar to Makkah | 1290 km | 14 h 30 min | SAR 2,200 | SAR 4,130 |
| Dammam to Madinah | 1235 km | 12 h 30 min | SAR 2,100 | SAR 3,960 |
| Al Khobar to Madinah | 1249 km | 12 h 40 min | SAR 2,130 | SAR 4,000 |
The route: west via Riyadh and Taif
The first part of the trip is Highway 40 from Dammam to Riyadh, 400 km, with a rest stop at the Al Hofuf junction or Judah. Expect heavy truck traffic on this stretch. Our post on Riyadh to Dammam by road covers it in detail.
From Riyadh the road continues west on Route 40 via Taif to Makkah, 880 km. Our post on Umrah from Riyadh by road describes that part, including the two roads down from Taif. To Madinah instead, the road goes via Riyadh and Al Majma'ah.
Splitting the trip over two days
The whole trip is a lot for one day, especially with children or elderly parents. Riyadh, roughly a third of the way, is the natural overnight stop: a short first day, then the long run to Makkah after a night's sleep.
If you book the two days as separate rides, each is a fixed fare. Times are driving estimates and change with traffic and stops.
| Day | Leg | Distance | Driving time | Economy sedan | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dammam to Riyadh | 400 km | 4 h | SAR 680 | SAR 1,280 |
| Day 2 | Riyadh to Makkah | 880 km | 8 h 30 min | SAR 1,500 | SAR 2,820 |
Where do you enter Ihram?
On the road from the Eastern Province to Makkah, the Miqat is Qarn al-Manazil at As-Sail al-Kabir, near Taif. The driver stops there on request at no extra charge; allow 30 to 45 minutes to wash, change and pray. If you stay a night in Taif and take the Al Hada road down, the Miqat mosque is at Wadi Muhrim.
If you go to Madinah first, you do not need Ihram for that leg. You enter Ihram at Dhul Hulayfah when you later travel from Madinah to Makkah. Ask a scholar you trust if you have questions about your own case.
Mixing road, rail and air
You do not have to do the whole trip by car. Train and airline fares and timetables change, so check the operator before you compare.
| Plan | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Car all the way | One driver from your door in Dammam or Al Khobar to your Makkah hotel | Families with luggage, elderly travellers |
| Train, then car | SAR East Line from Dammam to Riyadh, then a taxi from Riyadh to Makkah | Adults with light bags who like the train |
| Fly, then taxi | Fly from Dammam to Jeddah or Madinah, then an airport taxi | Short trips and travellers short of time |
Fares from Dammam to Makkah by vehicle
Fares are per car and fixed before you travel, including fuel, tolls, the driver and rest, meal, prayer and Miqat stops. A 20% night surcharge applies between 00:00 and 05:00 and is shown in your quote.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Suitcases | Dammam to Makkah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan | 1 to 3 | 2 | SAR 2,170 |
| Standard sedan | 1 to 3 | 3 | SAR 2,560 |
| Comfort MPV | 4 to 6 | 5 | SAR 3,190 |
| SUV | 4 to 7 | 6 | SAR 4,470 |
| Family van | 7 to 11 | 10 | SAR 4,090 |
| Group bus | 12 to 50 | 40 or more | SAR 8,300 |
Before you set off
- Book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app for a time well after you expect to arrive.
- Check the season's entry rules if your dates fall near Hajj, when entry to Makkah is restricted.
- Carry a passport or Iqama for every passenger in the car, not in the boot.
- Pack Ihram garments and unscented toiletries in a hand bag.
- Bring water, snacks and medicines; tell the driver whenever you need a stop.
- Tell us if you want a night in Riyadh or Taif, or Madinah first.
- Save our number, +966 57 951 9804, on every adult's phone.