SAPTCO Bus Jeddah Airport to Makkah: 2026 Schedule, Prices & Reality Check

SAPTCO Bus Jeddah Airport to Makkah: 2026 Schedule, Prices & Reality Check

Published: December 12, 2025

Is the SAPTCO bus the best way to get from Jeddah Airport (KAIA) to Makkah for your 2026 Umrah? It's certainly the cheapest option on paper, but is it worth the hassle? This guide reveals the official 2026 schedule, ticket prices, and the honest truth about wait times compared to our private taxi service.

Quick Facts: SAPTCO Bus 2026

• Ticket Price: SAR 20 - SAR 35 per person
• Pick-up Point: KAIA Airport (Terminal 1)
• Drop-off Point: Jarwal Bus Station, Makkah (Not your hotel)
• Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours (including waiting)

2026 Bus Schedule (Jeddah Airport to Makkah)

The buses run 24/7, but they don't leave "every hour" as advertised. They leave when they are full.

| Time Slot | Frequency | Status | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 06:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Every 2 Hours | Crowded | | 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM | Every 90 Mins | Very Crowded | | 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Every 60 Mins | Extremely Crowded | | 12:00 AM - 06:00 AM | Irregular | Least Crowded |

Note: During Ramadan and Hajj season, schedules are suspended and replaced with a "load and go" system.

The Hidden Costs of Taking the Bus

While the specific ticket price is low (SAR 25 average), the total cost is higher than you think.

1. The "Final Mile" Taxi

The bus drops you at Jarwal Station, which is 1.5 - 2 km away from the Haram and most hotels. You cannot walk this with luggage.

• Taxi from bus station to hotel: SAR 30 - 50 (Drivers overcharge exhausted pilgrims)
• Total Cost for family of 4: SAR 100 (Bus) + SAR 50 (Taxi) = SAR 150

2. The Time Cost

• Waiting for bus to fill: 45 mins
• Drive time: 2 hours
• Unloading luggage/Finding Taxi: 45 mins
• Total Journey: 3.5 - 4 Hours

Bus vs. Private Taxi: The Real Calculation

If you are a solo traveler, the bus saves money. If you are a family of 3 or more, a private taxi is actually cheaper or same price.

| Feature | SAPTCO Bus (Family of 4) | UmrahTransit Private Taxi | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ticket Cost | SAR 100 (4 x 25) | SAR 250 (Total) | | Extra Taxi Cost | SAR 50 | SAR 0 (Door-to-Door) | | Total Price | SAR 150 | SAR 250 | | Travel Time | 4 Hours | 1 Hour 15 Mins | | Comfort | Low (Crowded) | High (Private AC) | | Luggage Help | None (Do it yourself) | Driver assists |

Verdict: For an extra SAR 100, you save 3 hours of exhaustion. Is your time and energy for Umrah worth less than SAR 25 per hour?

✅ Skip the Bus Struggle - Book a Private Taxi for SAR 250 →

Step-by-Step: How to Take the Bus (If You Must)

1. Arrival: Exit Terminal 1 Arrivals and follow signs for "Public Transport".
2. Ticket: Buy tickets at the SAPTCO counter (Credit Card only usually).
3. Wait: Queue outside in the heat/humidity until the bus arrives.
4. Load: Drag your own luggage into the bus hold.
5. Journey: Sit in assigned seat (families separated sometimes).
6. Arrival: Arrive at Jarwal Station.
7. Hazzle: Haggle with local taxi drivers to get to your hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the bus go to my hotel?

No. SAPTCO buses strictly go from Airport Terminal to the generic Bus Station. They do not do hotel drop-offs.

Can I take the bus in Ihram?

Yes, but be careful. The seats are tight, and if the bus is crowded, keeping your Ihram clean and secure can be difficult.

Is there a VIP bus?

There are "VIP Express" buses, but they are rare from the airport route. They cost SAR 50+ and still only go to the station.