by If you’re planning to perform Umrah as a family and are wondering about the best way to travel within the cities of Makkah and Madinah, transportation logistics will play a big role in your overall experience. During our April 2025 Umrah trip—traveling as a family of four (my wife Mouzima, our two children Mariam (12) and Zaid (16), and myself, Anjum)—we found that Uber offered the most convenient and family-friendly way to move between sites within each city.
Why Uber Worked Best for Us
Using the Uber app in Makkah and Madinah proved both time-saving and budget-conscious. Ride fares were competitive, vehicles were reliable, and most importantly, it removed the need to negotiate fares or explain directions in Arabic—an often time-consuming and stressful process when using street taxis.
A major benefit of the app is its ability to plan multi-stop routes. On one day, for example, we scheduled visits to Masjid Jinn, Masjid Ayesha, and Ghaar-e-Hira, before heading back to our apartment. By using Uber’s “Plan Your Ride” feature (tap the plus icon to add multiple stops), we were able to structure our day around the weather—saving Ghaar-e-Hira for the cooler evening—and reduce overall travel costs. The entire day’s transportation cost us just 45 SAR, compared to an estimated 70 SAR with a traditional taxi, even after negotiation.
Remember that all these prices are indicative and probably the lowest it could be as our Umrah trip was just after Ramadhan when the pilgrims start reducing as they start planning for Haj.
Tips for Budgeting and Planning
Another helpful feature of Uber is the fare estimator, which allowed us to plan our daily transportation budget in advance. This transparency helped ensure we weren’t overcharged, and the comfort level of the cars made intra-city travel more pleasant for our family of four.
That said, we did run into one issue on arrival. On April 5, when we landed at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, we couldn’t access Uber immediately because we hadn’t yet purchased a local SIM card for data (more on that in a future post). We had to rely on a traditional taxi, which cost 220 SAR after haggling—a cramped ride with luggage on our laps. In hindsight, booking an Uber XL, which typically costs around 180 SAR and accommodates six passengers, would have been more affordable and comfortable.
Other Transport Options: Pros and Cons
For comparison, we explored additional options for our longer travel segments. SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Company) runs bus service from Jeddah Airport to Makkah for 44 SAR per person. However, the schedule wasn’t clearly posted, and with two children and multiple suitcases, waiting wasn’t a practical option for us.
On our return from Madinah to Makkah, we opted for a local driver, Iftesham (+966 59 033 7208), who provided a Hyundai Sonata and even included stops at several historical sites in Badr. He charged 450 SAR, and we found his number by chatting with him during a previous Uber ride—many drivers are open to direct bookings for longer journeys.
Important Notes About Taxis Near the Haram in Makkah
If you’re traveling to or from the Haram in Makkah, it’s important to only use official taxis—vehicles clearly marked with “TAXI” signage. These are allowed closer to the Haram, past the police barricades that restrict entry for most private or unmarked vehicles. Even Uber cars may be required to stop farther away, leading to a longer walk in the heat and crowds.
Summary: What Worked Best
– Use Uber for city travel in Makkah and Madinah. It’s easy to book, card payment is accepted, and it’s ideal for families navigating unfamiliar streets.
– For long-distance travel (e.g., Makkah to Madinah), consider private taxis. While they can be more expensive, they offer more flexibility with luggage and stops along the way.
– Avoid relying on buses unless you’re traveling solo or with minimal luggage, as schedules can be unpredictable.
– Buy a local SIM card at the airport if possible, so you can use Uber or WhatsApp for ride coordination as soon as you land.
We hope this guide streamlines your Umrah transportation planning. If you have any experiences or insights that you would like to share, please feel free to add your comments below.
