Makkah to Madinah by Car: Distance, Miqat and Tips for Pilgrims

Many pilgrims visit both holy cities on one journey: Umrah in Makkah and a visit to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. With a rental car you can travel at your own pace, stop when you need to and move around each city freely.

The route

• Distance: about 450 km.
• Time: about 4.5 to 5 hours on the Hijrah road.
• The road is a modern highway with service stations along the way.

Car or train?

The Haramain high-speed railway links Makkah and Madinah in a few hours, and it is a good choice for one or two people with light luggage. A car is often better when:

• you travel as a family with children or elderly parents;
• you carry a lot of luggage or a wheelchair;
• you want to visit sites around each city, such as Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud in Madinah;
• you plan to continue the trip to Taif or back to Riyadh.

Entering ihram

• Going from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah: the miqat is Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali), at the edge of Madinah on the road to Makkah, with a large mosque and parking.
• Coming from Riyadh or Taif to Makkah: the miqat is Qarn Al-Manazil. Read Umrah by rental car from Riyadh or Taif.

Parking in the holy cities

In both cities, driving close to the Haram is difficult at busy times. Use the car parks around the central areas or further out, and take a taxi or bus for the last part. In Madinah there are underground car parks around the central area. Read the Makkah guide and the Madinah guide.

Where to rent and return

Sajil does not have branches in Makkah or Madinah yet. The nearest branch is in Taif, about 90 km from Makkah. A popular plan is:

1. Rent in Taif and make Umrah in Makkah.
2. Drive to Madinah for your visit.
3. Return through Makkah to the Taif branch.

Coming from Riyadh, you can also read Riyadh to Madinah by car.

Which car?

• Families with elderly parents: the Kia Carnival for easy entry and room to rest.
• Large families: the Geely Okavango or Chevrolet Tahoe.
• Couples: the Hyundai Elantra, quiet and economical.

A trip that includes both cities usually takes a week, so weekly rental is often the best value.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive to Makkah during the Hajj season?

During the Hajj season entry to Makkah is limited to people with Hajj or work permits. Plan your trip outside those weeks.

Do I need an Umrah permit?

Yes, book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app before you travel.

Is the Hijrah road safe at night?

It is a good highway, but long night drives are tiring. Take breaks and avoid driving when sleepy.