Jeddah Airport to Makkah: Taxi vs. Train vs. Bus (2025 Price Guide)

Jeddah Airport to Makkah: Taxi vs. Train vs. Bus (2025 Price Guide)

Published: December 15, 2025

"How do I get from Jeddah Airport (JED) to Makkah?"

It's the most common question first-time pilgrims ask. And the answer depends on who you are traveling with.

If you are a solo backpacker, the answer is different than if you are traveling with your elderly mother or three young children.

In this honest 2025 guide, we compare the Haramain High-Speed Train, Public Buses, and Private Taxis to help you decide.

At a Glance: The 2025 Comparison

| Feature | Private GMC/Taxi | Haramain Train | SAPTCO Bus | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cost (4 People) | SAR 300 (Total) | SAR 600+ (Tickets + Taxis) | SAR 100 | | Travel Time | 1h 15m (Door-to-Door) | 2h 30m (Station-to-Station) | 2h - 3h | | Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) | ⭐ (Low) | | Luggage | Unlimited | Restricted | Limited | | Best For | Families, Elderly, Groups | Solo Travelers | Solo Budget |

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Option 1: The Haramain High-Speed Train (The "Fastest" Option?)

Price: ~SAR 40-80 per person (Economy) / SAR 100+ (Business)

The Truth: Yes, the train itself is fast (300 km/h!). The actual ride takes only 55 minutes.

BUT... that's not the whole story.

You have to consider the "Total Journey Time":

1. Walk from Arrivals to Train Station (15-20 min)
2. Wait for departure (30-60 min check-in buffer)
3. Train Ride (55 min)
4. Arrive at Rusaifa Station (outside Makkah Haram zone)
5. Wait for Taxi/Bus to Hotel (20-30 min)
6. Traffic to Hotel (20-30 min)

Total Time: 2.5 - 3 Hours.

Verdict: Great for solo travelers with light backpacks. Complete headache for families with 4 suitcases, a stroller, and a wheelchair.

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Option 2: The SAPTCO Bus (The Budget Option)

Price: ~SAR 25-35 per person

The Truth: It is cheap. That is the only benefit.

The bus station at Jeddah Airport can be chaotic. You wait for the bus to fill up. Once you arrive at the Jarwal station in Makkah, you are still far from many hotels and will need a taxi.

Verdict: only take this if you are young, male, solo, and on a strict budget.

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Option 3: Private Taxi / GMC (The Family Option)

Price: Fixed SAR 300-350 (Sedan) / SAR 550 (GMC) - Per Car, Not Per Person

The Truth: While a private car moves slower than a train (100 km/h vs 300 km/h), it wins on consistency.

• Door-to-Door: You walk out of the terminal, get in the car, and get out at your hotel lobby.
• No Luggage Issues: 5 suitcases? No problem.
• Elderly Friendly: No walking through massive train stations.
• Fixed Price: When you book online, you avoid the "Shark" taxis at the airport who scream "SAR 500!" at you.

The Family Math: If you are a family of 4:

• Train: 4 tickets + Taxi to station + Taxi to hotel = SAR 400 - 500+
• Private GMC: Flat rate = SAR 300 - 450

Checkmate. A private taxi is often cheaper than the train for groups.

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Summary: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the Train IF: You are solo, have 1 bag, and your hotel provides a shuttle from Rusaifa Station.
• Choose the Bus IF: You are a student or solo traveler saving every Riyal.
• Choose a Private Taxi IF: You are a family, have elderly parents, have kids/strollers, or have more than 2 suitcases.

Traveling with family? Don't risk the stress. Book a reliable, fixed-price GMC with UmrahTransit. Our driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign.

👉 Check Prices & Book Your Ride Here