The Truth About Traveling from Makkah to Madinah: VIP Bus or Private Car?

The Truth About Traveling from Makkah to Madinah: VIP Bus or Private Car? (2025)

Published: December 16, 2025

The journey between the two Holy Cities (approx 450km) is a time for reflection, Dhikr, and rest.

But nothing ruins that spiritual mood faster than a cramped bus, a crying baby in the seat behind you, or a reckless taxi driver.

Pilgrims usually choose between two main options for road travel: The VIP Bus (SAPTCO/Dallah) or a Private Car/GMC.

Here is the honest truth about which one you should choose.

Option 1: The VIP Bus (The "Economy" Choice)

Price: ~SAR 100-130 per person

The Promise: Large leather seats, WiFi, and a meal. The Reality:

• Rigid Schedule: You must leave at a specific time. If you are late, the bus leaves without you.
• Station Hassle: You have to take a taxi to the bus station in Makkah (often far from Haram) and another taxi from the bus station in Madinah to your hotel.
• The "Rest Stop" Trap: The bus stops at a designated rest area for 30-45 minutes. You cannot choose when or where. The bathrooms are often crowded.
• Time: 5 - 6 Hours (including stops and station transit).

Verdict: Good for solo travelers or couples on a budget who don't mind extra taxi rides at both ends.

Option 2: Private Car / GMC (The "Comfort" Choice)

Price: SAR 450 (Sedan) / SAR 800 (GMC Yukon) - Total for the car

The Promise: Door-to-Door luxury service on your schedule. The Reality:

• Your Schedule: Want to leave after Ishraq? Late night? It's up to you.
• Door-to-Door: The driver picks you up from your Makkah hotel lobby and drops you at your Madinah hotel entrance. No stations.
• VIP Stops: Ask the driver to stop at a clean, premium rest stop whenever you want. Get coffee, pray comfortably, and stretch your legs.
• Ziarat En Route: You can even ask to visit sites along the Hijrah road.
• Time: 4 - 4.5 Hours.

The Math for Families: If you have 5 people:

• VIP Bus: 5 x SAR 130 = SAR 650 + Taxis (SAR 100) = SAR 750
• Private GMC: Flat rate = SAR 800 (approx)

For almost the same price, you get a private luxury car instead of a public bus.

The Secret "Third Option": The Haramain Train

The train is fast (2.5 hours station-to-station). But remember the "Station Struggle." Getting from the Makkah Haram to the Rusaifa train station can take 20-30 mins, and getting from Madinah station to the Markazia can take another 20 mins. For families with luggage, a door-to-door car is often less stressful than dragging suitcases through 3 different vehicles (Taxi -> Train -> Taxi).

Recommendation

• Solo / Couple: The VIP Bus or Train is efficient and cheap.
• Family (3+ People): Do not hesitate. Book a private GMC. The comfort of personal space, AC control, and door-to-door service is worth every Riyal.

Ready for a smooth journey between the Holy Cities? 👉 Book Your Private Makkah-Madinah Transfer