Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Can you get a wheelchair taxi in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, and it pays to book ahead. A wheelchair taxi in Saudi Arabia usually means one of two things. If the passenger can move from the wheelchair to a car seat and the chair folds, an ordinary sedan or MPV works, with the chair in the boot. If the passenger needs to stay in the wheelchair, you need a van with a ramp.
Our wheelchair-accessible vans are converted Toyota Hiace vans with a rear ramp and tie-downs. The passenger rides seated in their own chair, with room for up to 4 companions and about 4 suitcases. The drivers are trained in assisting elderly pilgrims and give door-to-door assistance.
Where are wheelchair-accessible vans available?
The vans run in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Taif, Riyadh and Dammam, and from Jeddah, Madinah, Taif, Riyadh and Dammam airports. Many intercity trips that start or end in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah or Taif can also be booked in a wheelchair van, such as Jeddah to Madinah or Makkah to Taif.
| Trip | Distance | Wheelchair van fare |
|---|---|---|
| City ride | Within the city | SAR 150 |
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 102 km | SAR 360 |
| Madinah Airport to central Madinah | 18 km | SAR 150 |
| Taif Airport to Taif | 25 km | SAR 150 |
| Riyadh Airport to Riyadh | 35 km | SAR 150 |
| Dammam Airport to Dammam | 40 km | SAR 150 |
| Makkah to Madinah | 450 km | SAR 1,580 |
| By the hour, 3-hour minimum | Driver waits at each stop | SAR 170 per hour |
Wheelchair van or an ordinary car: which do you need?
A Comfort MPV costs from SAR 90 for a city ride, so if the passenger can transfer to a seat, it is the lower-cost choice. Outside the six cities above we do not list wheelchair vans; ask us, and if the passenger can transfer to a seat, a Comfort MPV or family van may suit.
| Passenger's mobility | Vehicle | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot move from the wheelchair to a seat | Wheelchair-accessible van | Ramp and tie-downs; rides seated in own chair |
| Uses a powered wheelchair or scooter | Wheelchair-accessible van, after we check the size | Tell us the size and weight first so we confirm it fits |
| Can stand and step in with help; folding chair | Comfort MPV | Sliding doors and room for the folded chair |
| Walks short distances; travelling with a large family | Family van | High roof and space for up to 11 people |
How do you book a wheelchair-accessible van?
- Message us on WhatsApp as early as you can. Wheelchair vans are available on request, so earlier is better.
- Tell us whether the chair is manual or powered, its size, and for a powered chair its weight.
- Say whether the passenger can move to a seat, so we can suggest the right vehicle.
- Give the number of companions (up to 4) and suitcases (about 4). For more people or bags, we can add a second car.
- Send the exact pickup point: hotel entrance, building or gate, with a map pin.
- We confirm a fixed fare, and the driver's name and plate number arrive the day before.
Arriving by air with a wheelchair user
Airline staff provide wheelchair assistance inside the airport, from the aircraft through immigration and baggage claim. Request it when you book your flights; it is separate from your taxi. Our driver meets you at the arrivals exit. We track the flight and wait free for 60 minutes after landing, which helps when assistance takes a little longer.
If the passenger travels with their own wheelchair, ask the airline how it will be returned to you on arrival, so you can plan the walk to the van.
Visiting the Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
In Makkah, our wheelchair vans drop off at accessible gates near the Haram where access allows. Roads closest to the Haram close at peak prayer times, so plan to arrive well before the prayer. In Madinah, vehicle access around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is controlled, and drivers use your hotel's assigned entrance.
For Ziyarat in Makkah or Madinah, book the van by the hour from SAR 170 per hour; the driver waits at each site. Our post on Umrah with elderly parents covers the rest of the trip in more detail.
Hospital appointments and everyday trips
Wheelchair vans are not only for pilgrims. You can book one for a hospital appointment, a family visit or a day out, by the trip or by the hour. For regular appointments, tell us the dates and times and we plan the bookings together.
Hospitals and medical teams can also arrange patient and family transfers through our hospitals and medical transport service, with monthly invoicing for companies.