Can I drive my own car from Riyadh to Makkah instead?

Yes, if you are Muslim, but parking near the Haram is difficult and roads close at prayer times. Our Saudi road trip rules guide covers the basics of driving long distances in the Kingdom.

Can we book the return trip to Riyadh?

Yes. Makkah to Riyadh costs the same per car, from SAR 1,500. Ask for a return fare when you book; return trips are discounted.

Which vehicle is most comfortable for a long drive?

For a family, a full-size SUV is a popular choice on long desert highways, from SAR 3,080 to Makkah. For seven or more people with luggage, a family van keeps everyone together.

Can we leave Riyadh at night?

Yes. We run the route around the clock. A 20% surcharge applies to rides between 00:00 and 05:00, and the exact amount is shown in your quote.

Is the fare per person?

No. The fare is per car, however many seats you fill, so a family van for up to 11 people costs one fixed price.

Umrah from Riyadh by road: route, Miqat and overnight stops

Riyadh to Makkah by road is 880 km on Route 40 via Taif and takes about 8 h 30 min of driving, and you enter Ihram at Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sail al-Kabir) on the way. A car with driver costs from SAR 1,500 per car, or SAR 2,820 in a family van for up to 11, with rest, prayer and Miqat stops included.

Updated 29 October 2026 · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services

Is it practical to go from Riyadh to Makkah by road?

Riyadh to Makkah by road is a full day's travel across the centre of the Kingdom. It suits families who want to keep their luggage with them, people who prefer not to fly, and residents planning a longer trip that also takes in Taif or Madinah. With a driver, you rest while someone else does the long hours at the wheel.

Flying to Jeddah, Taif or Madinah and taking an airport taxi is the other main option. Airline fares and timetables change, so compare them with the airline before you decide.

The route: Route 40 west via Taif

The road runs west from Riyadh on Route 40 towards Taif, then drops towards Makkah. Long stretches are open desert highway, so rest and meal stops are planned into the trip, and the driver stops whenever a prayer time falls on the road.

Riyadh to Taif is about 788 km. From Taif, the last leg to Makkah is about 90 km by the Al Hada escarpment road, which climbs steeply with many sharp bends, or about 20 km longer by the flatter road through Al Sail. If anyone in your group gets travel sick, ask for the Al Sail road. Our post on the Makkah to Taif road describes both.

Where do you enter Ihram on the Riyadh road?

The Miqat for travellers from Riyadh and central Arabia is Qarn al-Manazil. On the usual road from Riyadh it is at As-Sail al-Kabir, on the Al Sail road. If you spend the night in Taif and take the Al Hada road the next morning, the Miqat mosque is at Wadi Muhrim; both are treated as Qarn al-Manazil.

The Miqat points on the main roads have mosques where you can wash, change and pray. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. On a drive this long, some pilgrims travel in normal clothes and change at the Miqat; others prefer to prepare earlier. Ask a scholar if you are unsure, and read our Miqat locations guide for the background.

Splitting the trip: Taif overnight or Madinah first

Taif is the natural place to break the journey. It lies outside the Miqat, so you can stay the night in normal clothes and enter Ihram the next morning on the way down to Makkah. Taif is also cooler than Makkah in summer, which makes it a comfortable stop. Tell us when you book and we quote the trip with the overnight stop.

Another plan is to go to Madinah first. Riyadh to Madinah is 850 km via Qassim, about 8 h, with rest stops at Al Majma'ah and Buraydah. You do not need Ihram for that leg; you enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah when you travel from Madinah to Makkah.

Riyadh to Makkah and Madinah fares by vehicle

Fares are per car, fixed before the trip, and include fuel, tolls, the driver and all rest, prayer and Miqat stops. A 20% night surcharge applies between 00:00 and 05:00 and is shown in your quote.

Vehicle	Passengers	Riyadh to Makkah	Riyadh to Madinah
Economy sedan	1 to 3	SAR 1,500	SAR 1,450
Standard sedan	1 to 3	SAR 1,760	SAR 1,700
Comfort MPV	4 to 6	SAR 2,200	SAR 2,130
SUV	4 to 7	SAR 3,080	SAR 2,980
Family van	7 to 11	SAR 2,820	SAR 2,720
Group bus	12 to 50	SAR 5,720	SAR 5,530

Planning the day: Nusuk, heat and timing

Book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app for a time that leaves a wide margin after you arrive. On a drive this long, small delays add up, and you will want to rest before Tawaf. Confirm the current rules in Nusuk before you set off.

In summer, leave early so that more of the drive falls in the cooler hours, and carry plenty of water. If your dates fall near Hajj, check the season's entry rules first: entry to Makkah is restricted for several weeks around Hajj. Our post on Makkah entry permit rules explains who can enter and when.

Checklist for the road

Passport or Iqama for every passenger, kept in the car, not in the boot.
Your Nusuk permit on your phone.
Ihram garments, unscented soap and toiletries in a hand bag.
Water, snacks and any medicines.
Your Makkah hotel name and location pin for the driver.
Whether you want an overnight stop in Taif or a detour to Madinah.
The driver's name and plate, sent the day before. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup.