Know before you go
Saudi Transport & Taxi Guide
How pilgrims get around Saudi Arabia for Umrah — from agency transfers to taxis, trains, buses, and walking near the Haram.
Getting around Saudi Arabia for Umrah is generally straightforward, with several reliable options covering everything from airport transfers to short hops near the Haram. Here’s a practical overview of what’s available — general guidance rather than a booking service, so always check current pricing and schedules with the relevant app, counter, or your travel agency closer to your trip.
Agency-arranged transport
If you’re travelling on a package, airport transfers and the inter-city legs — Jeddah or Madinah airport to your hotel, and Makkah to Madinah or back — are usually already arranged by your travel agency as part of the package. This is generally the easiest option for most pilgrims, since it means one less thing to book yourself. Check your itinerary or ask your agency’s coordinator exactly which transfers are included before you rely on any of the options below.
Ride-hailing apps (Uber & Careem)
Uber and Careem both operate widely across Saudi Arabia, including in Makkah and Madinah, and are commonly used by pilgrims for shorter trips — to a nearby mall, a restaurant, or between your hotel and the edge of the pedestrian zone around the Haram. They’re generally straightforward to use with an international phone number and a card, and fares are shown upfront in the app before you confirm a ride. As with most ride-hailing services, pricing can rise during busy periods, so check the fare shown in-app before booking.
Official taxis
Official taxis are also widely available, typically found at hotels, taxi stands, and near major landmarks. They’re a reasonable option if you’d rather flag a ride in person instead of using an app, though as with taxis anywhere, it’s worth confirming the fare — or that the meter is running — before you set off. Ride-hailing and official taxis are generally a pricier way to cover a given route than the train or bus, so they’re best suited to shorter, convenience-driven trips rather than the long Makkah–Madinah leg.
Haramain High Speed Rail
The Haramain High Speed Rail is a modern train line connecting Makkah, Jeddah (including King Abdulaziz International Airport), and Madinah, and it’s a fast, comfortable way to cover the inter-city distance without the fatigue of a long road trip. It’s a popular choice among pilgrims for the Makkah–Madinah journey in particular. Schedules and current ticket pricing are best checked directly through the official Haramain rail channels or your travel agency closer to your travel dates, since these can change.
SAPTCO buses
SAPTCO is Saudi Arabia’s national public bus operator and also runs routes that serve pilgrims travelling between cities. Bus travel is generally the most budget-friendly of the inter-city options, though journeys naturally take longer than the train. It’s a reasonable fallback if rail tickets for your preferred time aren’t available — check current routes, timings and fares at a SAPTCO counter or through your agency.
Walking near the Haram
Once you’re in the immediate vicinity of either Haram, much of the core area around it is pedestrian-only, so walking is often the most practical way to get around for that last stretch — between your hotel, the Haram, and nearby shops or restaurants. Wear comfortable, well-worn footwear, and budget extra time for the walk during peak crowd periods, since these zones can get very busy, especially around prayer times.
Planning the rest of your trip? Check our travel tips & etiquette guide and budget calculator to get everything else in order before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to arrange my own transport for Umrah?
Usually not, if you're travelling on a package — airport transfers and the Makkah-Madinah leg are typically already included and arranged by your agency. Confirm exactly what's covered in your itinerary, and use the options on this page for anything extra, like a short trip to a restaurant or mall.
Is it safe to use Uber or Careem in Makkah and Madinah?
Yes, both apps are widely used by pilgrims and locals alike and operate normally in both cities. As with any ride-hailing app, check the driver and vehicle details shown in-app match the car that arrives, and confirm the fare shown before you confirm the trip.
What's the best way to get from Makkah to Madinah?
For most pilgrims, this leg is already arranged by their agency. If you're arranging it yourself, the Haramain High Speed Rail is generally the fastest and most comfortable option, with SAPTCO buses as a more budget-friendly alternative and taxis or ride-hailing typically the priciest way to cover the same distance. Check current schedules and fares closer to your travel dates.
Can I walk everywhere once I'm near the Haram?
For short distances within the immediate area, yes — much of the core zone around both Haramain is pedestrian-only, so walking is often the simplest way to get between your hotel and the mosque. For anything further, such as a different neighbourhood or between cities, you'll want a taxi, ride-hailing app, bus, or train instead.
More Islamic tools
This tool and its guidance are presented in general terms and are not affiliated with, or speaking on behalf of, any particular school of thought, sect, or organization. For a ruling specific to your own situation, please consult your Maulavi or a qualified religious scholar you trust.