Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Jeddah airport guide: which terminal will you use?
This Jeddah airport guide covers King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), the main arrival airport for Umrah pilgrims. Terminal 1 handles most scheduled international and domestic flights. The Hajj Terminal handles pilgrim charter flights.
Terminal use can change, so check your ticket or airline app before you fly and send us your flight number. We meet you at the right terminal.
Arriving at Jeddah Airport, step by step
- Before landing: if you are coming for Umrah, enter Ihram before the plane reaches the Miqat. Our Miqat guide explains why.
- Immigration: have your passport and visa ready. Queues vary with the number of flights landing.
- Baggage claim: collect your bags and a trolley if you need one.
- Customs: follow the signs through to the arrivals hall.
- Meeting point: in Terminal 1, your driver waits in the arrivals hall at the exit gate after customs, holding a name board.
- SIM and money: SIM card and currency counters are usually in or near the arrivals area, and our meet-and-greet service can help with both.
- To the car: the driver helps with your luggage and walks you to the vehicle.
Taxi fares and times from Jeddah Airport
Fares are per car, fixed before the ride, and include fuel, tolls, driver and meet-and-greet. The economy sedan takes up to 3 passengers with 2 suitcases; the family van takes up to 11 passengers with 10 suitcases. On the Makkah road, Thursday and Friday evenings can add 20 to 30 minutes.
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive | Economy sedan | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah hotels | 102 km | 1 h 25 min | SAR 180 | SAR 330 |
| Madinah hotels | 402 km | 5 h | SAR 690 | SAR 1,290 |
| Central Jeddah | 20 km | 25 min | SAR 60 | SAR 120 |
| Taif | 184 km | 2 h 30 min | SAR 320 | SAR 590 |
Taxi, train or bus from Jeddah Airport?
The Haramain High-Speed Railway has a station at the airport, King Abdulaziz Airport Station at Terminal 1, with trains towards Makkah, Jeddah city, King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah. Makkah's station is in Rusayfah, about 6 km from the Haram, so you still need a taxi for the last leg.
Buses are usually the cheapest option per person but run station to station on a schedule. Train and bus fares and timetables change, so check the operator's website for today's prices. Our Jeddah to Makkah taxi and train comparison goes into more detail.
| Option | Door to door | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked taxi | Yes, airport to your hotel | Families, heavy luggage, Zamzam, night arrivals, Miqat or rest stops |
| Haramain train | No, station to station plus a taxi | Solo travellers or couples with light bags whose timing matches the train |
| Bus | No, station to station | Solo travellers on a tight budget who are flexible on time |
Delays, waiting time and night arrivals
We track every flight. Your driver adjusts to the actual landing time and waits free for 60 minutes after landing, with no charge for airline delays. You receive the driver's name and plate number the day before. Pickups between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in your fixed quote.
If immigration or baggage is slow, message the driver on WhatsApp so they know you are on the way.
Leaving from Jeddah Airport
Airlines set their own check-in times, so check yours first. Then work back: the drive from a Makkah hotel to the airport takes about 1 h 25 min, plus time for traffic and for road closures around the Haram at prayer times. Book the pickup for a time away from a prayer if you can.
If you are taking Zamzam water home, check your airline's rules before you leave the hotel. Many airlines accept one sealed 5-litre container per passenger, but rules differ. Our Zamzam water guide covers the details.
Families, elderly pilgrims and heavy luggage
- Family van: up to 11 passengers and 10 suitcases, from SAR 330 to Makkah.
- SUV: up to 7 passengers and 6 suitcases, from SAR 360 to Makkah.
- Wheelchair-accessible van: a rear ramp, so the user rides seated in their own chair.
- Child seats on request; tell us the children's ages when you book.
- Cargo van: for excess baggage that travels separately, 20 suitcases or more.