Taif sits in the mountains above Makkah, and the drive between the two cities is one of the most popular short intercity trips in the region. Whether you are finishing a stay in Taif before Umrah or heading down to Makkah for the day, this guide covers what to expect on the road, how to choose a vehicle and what to prepare before you travel.
Taif to Makkah at a Glance
- Distance: approximately 90 km
- Travel time: approximately 1.5 hours — allow up to around 2 hours depending on traffic, pickup location and road conditions
- Route: via the Al-Hada mountain road
- Vehicles: Sedan (4 seats), Hyundai Staria (7 seats), GMC Yukon (7 seats, VIP)
- Booking: available 24/7 on WhatsApp
The Drive: What to Expect
The trip runs from Taif down to Makkah via Al-Hada, a scenic mountain road, so you travel from the mountain city to the Holy City. The mountain section is scenic but can take a little longer than a flat highway. Leave a time buffer for traffic and changing road conditions, especially if you have a fixed appointment, a hotel check-in time or a prayer you want to reach.
If you plan to leave early in the morning or late at night, a private taxi lets you set your own departure time instead of following a timetable.
Choosing a Vehicle
- Sedan (4 seats): suits individuals, couples and small families, with space for about 2 large bags.
- Hyundai Staria (7 seats): suits families and groups, with a large luggage space (5+ bags).
- GMC Yukon (7 seats, VIP): our premium option for travelers who want extra comfort.
Count your passengers and bags before you book. If your group is close to the limit, choose the larger vehicle.
Combining Taif With Umrah: Ihram and the Miqat
If you are travelling from Taif to perform Umrah, the recognised miqat for pilgrims coming from the Taif direction is Qarn al-Manazil (also known as As-Sayl Al-Kabir), which lies on the Taif–Makkah road. Pilgrims intending Umrah enter the state of Ihram at or before the miqat, so keep your Ihram clothing within easy reach during the journey.
If you need to stop at the miqat, tell us when you book so we can confirm whether it can be arranged. If you are unsure which miqat applies to you — for example, because of where you travelled from before Taif — ask your Umrah group leader or a qualified scholar before you set off. Please note that Makkah is open to Muslims only. For more on preparing for Umrah, see our Umrah Travel Guide.
Hajj Season and Busy Periods
During Hajj, heavy traffic and official crowd-control and access rules can change routes and journey times, so do not rely on the usual 1.5 hours. Check the current official requirements before you travel and book early — we recommend at least 24 hours in advance during Hajj. Our Hajj Transport FAQ answers the most common questions.
Luggage and Family Travel
- Tell us how many bags you have when you book, including any large or unusual items.
- Use the special requests field in the booking form for any extra details.
- Keep essentials — water, documents, Ihram clothing and medication — within reach rather than in the boot.
Pickup and Drop-off
Pickup is possible from hotels and addresses in Taif, and drop-off can be at your Makkah hotel or near the Haram. Access close to the Haram can be limited and busy around prayer times, so share your hotel name and allow extra time for the final stretch. See our Makkah taxi service and Taif taxi service pages for the areas we cover.
Travelling the Other Way, or via Jeddah
Returning to Taif? See Makkah to Taif taxi. If you are flying into Jeddah, the drive between Jeddah and Taif is about 100 km and roughly 1.5 hours — see Taif to Jeddah and Jeddah to Taif. For getting around once you are in Makkah, read our Makkah Transport Guide.
How to Book
- Send your pickup, destination, date, time and number of passengers on WhatsApp or through the booking form.
- Choose your vehicle: Sedan, Hyundai Staria or GMC Yukon.
- Contact Saudi Cabs GMC on WhatsApp for the current fare and confirm your booking.
For route details, see the Taif to Makkah taxi page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Taif to Makkah?
About 1.5 hours. Allow up to around 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
How far is it?
Approximately 90 km.
Which road does the taxi take?
The Al-Hada mountain road.
How much does it cost?
The fare depends on the vehicle, pickup location and trip details. Contact Saudi Cabs GMC on WhatsApp for the current fare.
Can I book during Hajj?
Yes. We recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead, and journey times can vary significantly during Hajj.
Can non-Muslims travel to Makkah?
No. Makkah is open to Muslims only. Taif is open to all visitors.
