Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Madinah airport guide: one terminal, a short drive
This Madinah airport guide covers Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), the airport for the city of the Prophet ﷺ. It has a single terminal for international and domestic flights, so there is no terminal to choose. The airport is about 18 km from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
Many pilgrims fly into Madinah and out of Jeddah, or the other way round. Starting in Madinah lets you spend your first days at the Prophet's Mosque before entering Ihram on the road to Makkah.
Arriving at Madinah Airport, step by step
- Immigration: have your passport and visa ready.
- Baggage claim: collect your bags and a trolley.
- Customs: follow the signs through to the arrivals hall.
- Meeting point: your driver waits at the arrivals hall exit, opposite the SIM card kiosks, holding a name board.
- Message the driver on WhatsApp if you are held up in the queues.
- The driver helps with your luggage and walks you to the car.
Do you need Ihram on a flight to Madinah?
No. If you fly to Madinah first, you do not need Ihram on the plane. You enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah, also called Abyar Ali, when you travel from Madinah to Makkah. Dhul Hulayfah is about 12 km from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and your driver stops there at no extra charge; allow 30 to 45 minutes. Our Miqat guide covers the other routes.
Taxi fares and times from Madinah Airport
Fares are per car and fixed before the ride, including fuel, driver and meet-and-greet. The Makkah fare includes the Miqat stop and a rest stop, usually at Al Faqih or Badr, roughly halfway.
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive | Economy sedan | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Madinah hotels | 18 km | 25 min | SAR 60 | SAR 120 |
| Makkah hotels | 460 km | 5 h 25 min | SAR 790 | SAR 1,480 |
| AlUla | 350 km | 5 h 30 min | SAR 600 | SAR 1,120 |
| Yanbu | 255 km | 3 h 5 min | SAR 440 | SAR 820 |
| Badr | 169 km | 2 h 5 min | SAR 290 | SAR 550 |
| Jeddah | 420 km | 5 h 5 min | SAR 720 | SAR 1,350 |
Taxi or train from Madinah Airport?
There is no train station at Madinah Airport. Madinah Haramain Station is about 15 km from the airport, so to take the train to Makkah you first need a taxi to the station, then another taxi from Makkah's Rusayfah station to your hotel. Train fares and times change; check Haramain High-Speed Railway for today's details.
For families, a taxi straight from the airport or hotel to Makkah is often simpler: one vehicle, all bags, and the Miqat stop on the way. Our Makkah to Madinah taxi and train comparison sets out both options.
Hotel drop-off in central Madinah
The central area around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi has controlled vehicle access. Your driver drops you at your hotel's assigned entrance and helps with luggage. Hotels outside the central area have easy car access and drop-off at the door. Our Madinah hotel areas guide explains the difference.
- Family van: up to 11 passengers and 10 suitcases, from SAR 120 to central Madinah.
- 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.
Flying out of Madinah
Airlines set their own check-in times, so check yours and add the 25 min drive plus a margin for traffic around prayer times. Book the hotel pickup away from a prayer time if you can.
If you are taking Zamzam water home, check your airline's rules first. Many airlines accept one sealed 5-litre container per passenger, sometimes bought at the airport, but some do not allow it in checked bags.
If you fly home from Jeddah instead, the road from Madinah to Jeddah Airport is 402 km, about 5 h, with a rest stop at Rabigh or Badr. It costs from SAR 690 per car, so leave Madinah with a wide margin before your check-in time.