Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
What is the Jeddah Hajj Terminal?
The Jeddah Hajj Terminal is a separate terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) used for pilgrim flights. In season it handles Hajj and Umrah charter flights, while Terminal 1 handles most scheduled international and domestic flights.
Which flights use the Hajj Terminal changes from season to season. A scheduled flight on an ordinary airline ticket normally uses Terminal 1, but do not assume: your ticket, your airline or your Hajj or Umrah operator will tell you which terminal you land at and leave from.
How do you know which terminal your flight uses?
- Check your ticket or booking confirmation for the terminal.
- On a charter flight, ask your Hajj or Umrah operator or your group leader.
- Check the airline's app or website again before you travel, as terminal use can change.
- Send us the flight number, airline and terminal when you book. We confirm the meeting point for that terminal before you fly.
- If anything changes on the day, message the driver on WhatsApp.
Terminal 1 or the Hajj Terminal: what changes for you?
| Point | Terminal 1 | Hajj Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | Most scheduled international and domestic flights | Hajj and Umrah charter flights in season |
| How to confirm | Your ticket or airline | Your ticket or your operator |
| Where your driver waits | Terminal 1 arrivals hall, exit gate after customs, driver holds a name board. | Confirmed with you before you fly |
| Ground transport | Pre-booked taxi, Haramain train, bus or taxi rank | Ask your operator whether transport is included; otherwise a pre-booked car |
| Flight tracking and free waiting | Yes, 60 minutes after landing | Yes, 60 minutes after landing |
Transfers from the airport to Makkah and Madinah
Fares are per vehicle, fixed before the ride, and include fuel, tolls, driver and meet-and-greet. Rides at night (00:00–05:00) add 20%, shown in your quote. Many charter flights land at night, so check the quote for your landing time.
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive | Economy sedan | Family van | Group bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah hotels | 102 km | 1 h 25 min | SAR 180 | SAR 330 | SAR 670 |
| Madinah hotels | 402 km | 5 h | SAR 690 | SAR 1,290 | SAR 2,620 |
| Jeddah hotels | 20 km | 25 min | SAR 60 | SAR 120 | SAR 400 |
Hajj season rules that affect your transfer
During the Hajj season, entry to Makkah is limited to people with Hajj permits and others with official permission, and the Al Shumaisi checkpoint on the Jeddah road checks entry permits. Only vehicles with Hajj permits may enter Makkah and the holy sites in the season, so book a licensed Hajj transfer, not an ordinary taxi or app ride. Makkah is for Muslims only all year.
Hajj follows the Hijri calendar and moves about 11 days earlier each year. In 2027 it is expected around mid-May, subject to moon sighting. Exact dates, permits and rules come from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nusuk, so check them there before you travel. Our Hajj 2027 transport guide covers the days at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Umrah charter flights in season
Umrah groups may also arrive on charter flights that use the Hajj Terminal. If you are coming for Umrah, book your Umrah time slot on Nusuk before you fly; our Umrah permit guide explains how.
Plan your Ihram before the plane reaches the Miqat. Most scholars advise this for flights into Jeddah, and many airlines announce when the plane is near it. Ask a scholar you trust about your own case.
Which vehicle for your group?
Wheelchair-accessible vans with a rear ramp, child seats and female-driver vehicles in Jeddah and Makkah are available on request. Tell us when you book, and book a female driver at least 12 hours ahead.
| Group size | Vehicle | Suitcases | Airport to Makkah |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Economy sedan | 2 | SAR 180 |
| 4 to 6 | Comfort MPV | 5 | SAR 260 |
| 4 to 7 | SUV | 6 | SAR 360 |
| 7 to 11 | Family van | 10 | SAR 330 |
| 12 to 50 | Group bus or coaster | 40 or more | SAR 670 |
Leaving through the Hajj Terminal
Return charter flights may also use the Hajj Terminal, so confirm your departure terminal with your operator before you book the ride. After Hajj, roads around Makkah and between cities are busy, because Eid al-Adha falls during Hajj and is a national holiday.
Check your airline's check-in time, then add the drive of about 1 h 25 min from Makkah and a generous margin. Our departure day guide covers the Farewell Tawaf and how to plan the day.