Al Madinah Province in western Saudi Arabia combines Madinah, the city of the Prophet's Mosque, with AlUla's UNESCO-listed Hegra, the Red Sea port of Yanbu, and early Islamic sites at Badr, Khaybar and Uhud. This guide covers sights, hotels, food, access rules for non-Muslims and getting around.
- Public
- Madinah city buses cover the Prophet's Mosque area, the airport (Route 400, reported 24 hours) and the Haramain station (Route 300); the Haramain high-speed train links Madinah to Jeddah and Makkah. No metro operates in Madinah.
- Taxi
- Uber, Careem and licensed taxis work citywide; app fares are shown before the ride.
- Rental
- Car rental suits day trips to Khaybar, Badr, Wadi al-Jinn, Yanbu and AlUla, but roads near the Prophet's Mosque close at prayer times and parking is scarce.
- Walking
- Hotels near the Prophet's Mosque are a 2-15 minute walk through pedestrian plazas; free shuttle buses cover the central mosque area.
Transport at a glance
- Public
- 3/5
- Taxi
- 4/5
- Rental
- 4/5
- Walking
- 4/5
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
| Option | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official airport taxi (MED to Prophet's Mosque) | About SAR 60-100 (~$16-27, estimate) | 20-35 minutes, longer at prayer times | |
| Shared transfer (MED) | About SAR 20-35 per person (~$5-9, estimate) | 30-45 minutes | |
| Bus Route 400 (MED to Prophet's Mosque) | About SAR 11.5 (~$3, per a travel guide) | About 30-45 minutes | |
| Taxi from Haramain station to the Prophet's Mosque | About SAR 60-110 (~$16-29, estimate) | 20-30 minutes |
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Overview
- App taxis show the fare before the ride and are the least stressful option; typical rides inside the city cost about SAR 10-30 (~$3-8, estimate). Street taxis should agree the fare before departing.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Madinah city is walkable around the Prophet's Mosque, with buses, app taxis and the Haramain train for longer hops. Reaching AlUla, Yanbu, Khaybar and Badr needs a rental car, private driver, intercity coach or a flight.
Airports
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Madinah
AlUla International Airport (ULH)
Yanbu Airport (YNB)
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Careem
Haramain / SAR train app
Nusuk
Tawakkalna
Experience AlUla
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book the Haramain train at sar.hhr.sa or in its app; Madinah station is at 24.4723, 39.6996.
Allow extra time around prayer times and during Ramadan, when roads near the mosque are closed.
Agree taxi fares before leaving, or use Uber or Careem to see the fare first.
Official airport taxis queue outside the Arrivals Hall; queues are long during Ramadan.
Rent a car for Khaybar, Badr and AlUla; self-driving is not allowed inside Hegra, which is reached by tour coach.
Emergency numbers: 911 (unified), 997 (Red Crescent ambulance), 999 (police).