Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
- Public
- Public buses (SAPTCO) are available but routes can be confusing for visitors; Haramain Railway is excellent for Jeddah-Makkah travel
- Taxi
- Uber and Careem are highly reliable, competitively priced, and the preferred option for most travelers
- Rental
- Car rental is excellent value for exploring Taif, Yanbu, and areas outside city centers
- Walking
- Al-Balad in Jeddah is very walkable; Jeddah Corniche is ideal for walking; Makkah city center is pedestrian-friendly
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- SAR 120-180 ($32-48), 30-45 min to Jeddah city center
- Taxi Info
- Licensed airport taxis have fixed zones; confirm rate before departure; avoid unlicensed drivers
- Shuttle
- SAR 20 ($5.35), SAPTCO public bus to city center
- Shuttle Info
- Bus routes 12 and 17 connect airport to downtown Jeddah; runs 6AM-midnight
- Bus
- SAR 20 ($5.35), SAPTCO route
- Bus Info
- Most affordable option; add SAR 5 for luggage; journey time ~45 minutes depending on traffic
- Private
- SAR 100-200 ($26.70-53.35), pre-booked private car via Uber or Careem app
- Private Info
- Book Uber Black/Careem Business for luggage-friendly vehicles; meet driver at arrivals
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
SAPTCO city buses cover Jeddah; SAR 4-6 ($1.07-1.60) per ride; limited English signage
Alternatives
Uber and Careem ride-hailing apps are the most practical option throughout the province
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- SAR 10 base fare + SAR 2.50-3/km; higher rates at night and public holidays
- Apps
- Uber, Careem
- App Names
- Uber, Careem
- Typical Fare
- SAR 20-60 ($5.35-16) for an average city ride in Jeddah; SAR 400 ($106.70) fixed rate for shared minibus Jeddah to Makkah
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
SAPTCO intercity buses from SAR 30-85 ($8-22.70) to cities across the province
Shared
Shared Toyota Hiace minibuses (12 passengers) on Jeddah-Makkah route; SAR 400 total or SAR 35/person shared
Flights
Domestic flights to Taif from Riyadh from SAR 150 ($40)
Private
Private car hire from SAR 300/day ($80) plus driver
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Makkah Province is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah — the main gateway for international visitors — and Taif Regional Airport (TIF). The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah, Makkah city, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah. Within cities, Uber and Careem ride-hailing apps are the most convenient transport option.
Airports
King Abdulaziz International Airport
Taif Regional Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Careem
Middle East's leading ride-hailing app — more widely used than Uber in Saudi Arabia
Uber
Available in Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif with multiple vehicle categories
SAPTCO App
Saudi public transport app for booking intercity bus tickets
Google Maps
Works well for navigation in Saudi Arabia; includes transit directions
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Uber and Careem apps before arriving — they are essential for getting around
Haramain High-Speed Railway (25 min, SAR 65-80) is far faster than driving Jeddah-Makkah
Non-Muslims must not attempt to enter Makkah by any transport — checkpoints on all roads
In Makkah city, Haramain Railway and shuttle buses serve pilgrims between sites
Jeddah traffic is heaviest Thursday-Friday evenings (Saudi weekend) and prayer times
Parking is free at most malls but can be scarce at popular sites on weekends
Taif is 90km from Makkah on a scenic mountain highway — the drive is part of the experience
For airport transfers, book Uber or Careem in advance to avoid being approached by unlicensed drivers