# Jeddah Airport to Makkah: Transfer, Train or Taxi

Source: https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/jeddah-airport-to-makkah/

Category: Travel Tips. Published 2026-10-22, updated 2026-10-22.

How to get from Jeddah airport to Makkah by private transfer, Haramain train or taxi, with journey times and tips on Ihram and arriving tired.

**Quick answer:** You can get from Jeddah airport to Makkah by pre-booked transfer, by the Haramain high-speed train from the airport station, or by taxi. By road the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to your hotel. For most UK pilgrims, especially families and anyone arriving tired in Ihram, a pre-booked door-to-door transfer is the simplest choice.

## How far is Jeddah airport from Makkah?

King Abdulaziz International Airport sits on the northern edge of Jeddah, and Makkah lies inland to the east. By road the journey to central Makkah usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic, the time of day and how close your hotel is to the Haram.

Your total time from landing to checking in is usually longer than the drive itself. Allow time for immigration, collecting your bags and finding your driver or the train. On a busy evening, two to three hours from touchdown to your hotel room is a realistic expectation.

Flights from London to Jeddah take about 6 to 6.5 hours direct, so many pilgrims arrive after a long day. Our [flights to Jeddah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/flights-to-jeddah/) page shows the usual routes from UK airports. Planning the last leg in advance makes a big difference to how you feel when you start your Umrah.

## Is a pre-booked transfer the best option?

For most people, yes. A driver meets you after arrivals, loads your luggage and takes you straight to your hotel door. There is no need to carry bags through stations, negotiate fares or work out directions in a language you may not speak.

- **Families:** children, pushchairs and suitcases all go in one vehicle.
- **Elderly pilgrims:** no stairs, platforms or long walks with luggage.
- **Late arrivals:** a driver is waiting whatever time you land, even if your flight is delayed.
- **Groups:** larger vehicles and coaches keep everyone together.

You can book a [private transfer from Jeddah to Makkah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/transfer-jeddah-to-makkah/) on its own, or as part of a package. Before you fly, check where the driver will meet you, which phone number to call if you cannot find them, and whether the vehicle has space for all your bags.

## Can you take the Haramain train from Jeddah airport?

Yes. The Haramain high-speed railway has a station at King Abdulaziz International Airport, linked to Terminal 1. Trains run to Makkah in one direction and to Madinah in the other, and the ride itself is fast and comfortable.

There are some practical points to weigh up before choosing the train:

- **Terminal:** check which terminal your flight uses. If you land at a different terminal, you will need to get across to the station first.
- **Tickets:** book in advance on the official Haramain website or app, as busy trains sell out, especially around weekends and Ramadan.
- **Luggage:** there are limits on bag size and number, so check the current allowance before you travel.
- **The last mile:** Makkah station is not next to the Haram. You will still need a taxi or bus from the station to your hotel, which adds time.

The train suits confident travellers with light luggage. For first-timers with large suitcases, the change at Makkah station can feel like hard work after a long flight.

## What about taxis and ride-hailing apps?

Licensed taxis wait outside arrivals, and ride-hailing apps also operate in Jeddah. They are useful if you arrive without anything booked, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

- Use the official taxi rank, not drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
- Agree the fare before you set off, or check that the meter is running.
- Have your hotel name written down in English and, ideally, Arabic.
- Make sure your phone has data on arrival if you plan to use an app.
- Larger families may need two cars, which can cost more than one transfer vehicle.

Prices change with demand, and late at night or in Ramadan you may wait longer. If you would rather not deal with this, a booked transfer removes the uncertainty.

## Comparing your options

OptionBest forThings to consider
Pre-booked transferFamilies, elderly pilgrims, late arrivals, first-timersBook in advance and confirm the meeting point
Haramain trainLight travellers who want a fast, comfortable rideTerminal, ticket availability, luggage limits, taxi from Makkah station
Taxi or appFlexible travellers arriving without a bookingAgreeing fares, waiting times, space for luggage

Transfers also cover the other legs of a typical trip, such as Madinah back to Jeddah for your flight home. You can see every route on our [Umrah transfers page](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/umrah-transfers/).

## When should you put on Ihram if you fly into Jeddah?

This is the question we are asked most. Jeddah is inside the Miqat boundary, and flights from the UK cross the Miqat in the air before landing. That means you must be in Ihram _before_ you land in Jeddah if you are going straight to Makkah for Umrah. Arriving at the airport and then putting on Ihram is a common mistake.

Most UK pilgrims do the following:

- Take a bath or shower at home or at the UK airport.
- Men put on the two white Ihram sheets before boarding, or change on the plane well before the Miqat. Women wear their usual modest clothing.
- Make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah when the crew announce that the Miqat is approaching, and begin the Talbiyah: _Labbayk Allahumma labbayk_.

Changing in a cramped aeroplane toilet is not easy, so many men wear Ihram from the start of the journey and make the intention later. Our [guide to Ihram rules for men and women](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/ihram-rules-men-and-women/) explains what is and is not allowed once you are in Ihram.

If you fly into Madinah instead, you do not need Ihram on the flight. You enter Ihram later at Dhul Hulayfah on the way to Makkah.

## What if you arrive tired?

Many pilgrims land in the evening after a full day of travel, and feel they must go to the Haram straight away. There is no rule that you must perform Umrah the moment you arrive. You can rest at your hotel first while staying in Ihram, as long as you avoid the things Ihram forbids.

- Check in, eat something light and drink plenty of water.
- Sleep for a few hours if you need to. Tawaf and Sa'i involve several kilometres of walking.
- Go to the Haram when you feel fresh. After Fajr or late at night is often calmer.
- Keep your hotel card and phone with you, and agree a meeting point with your group.

Performing your first Umrah rested, rather than exhausted and rushed, usually means better focus in your worship. If you are unsure of the steps, read our [step-by-step guide to performing Umrah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/how-to-perform-umrah-step-by-step/) on the flight.

## Tips for a smooth arrival at Jeddah

- Keep your passport, visa, hotel details and transfer confirmation in your hand luggage.
- Download your documents to your phone, and carry printed copies as a backup.
- Allow for immigration queues, which can be long when several flights land together.
- Carry a small amount of Saudi riyals for snacks or tips.
- Elderly or less mobile travellers can request wheelchair assistance through the airline before departure.

Leaving Makkah for Madinah later in your trip? You can also book a [transfer from Makkah to Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/transfer-makkah-to-madinah/), which takes about 4.5 to 5 hours by road.

If you would like flights, hotels and transfers arranged together, have a look at our [Umrah packages](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/umrah/), or simply ask our team and we will help you plan the journey from the moment you land.

**Related guides:** [Umrah Shopping Guide: What to Buy in Makkah and Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-shopping-gift-guide/) · [Ziyarat Places in Makkah and Madinah: A Guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/ziyarat-places-makkah-madinah/) · [How to Choose Umrah Hotels in Makkah and Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/choosing-umrah-hotels-makkah-madinah/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does it take from Jeddah airport to Makkah?

By road it usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to central Makkah. Add time for immigration, baggage and traffic, so expect two to three hours from landing to your hotel on a busy day.

### Is there a train from Jeddah airport to Makkah?

Yes, the Haramain high-speed railway has a station at the airport linked to Terminal 1. You will still need a taxi or bus from Makkah station to your hotel near the Haram.

### Do I need to wear Ihram before landing in Jeddah?

Yes, if you are travelling straight to Makkah for Umrah. Flights from the UK cross the Miqat before reaching Jeddah, so enter Ihram and make your intention on the plane.

### Can I rest before performing Umrah?

Yes. You can rest at your hotel while staying in Ihram, then perform Umrah when you are refreshed. Just avoid the actions that are not allowed in Ihram.

### Is a taxi from Jeddah airport to Makkah safe?

Licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Use the official taxi rank, agree the fare first and have your hotel name written down.

## Contact Umrah Gateway

- Phone: 0207 112 8522
- WhatsApp: +44 20 7112 8522
- Email: info@umrahgateway.co.uk
- Office: 9 Station Road, West Drayton UB7 7BT
- Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm