Umrah by Rental Car from Riyadh or Taif: Route, Miqat and Parking

Many families in Riyadh and Taif prefer to make Umrah by car. It lets you travel on your own schedule, carry everything the family needs and visit Taif on the way. Here is a practical plan for the trip.

Before you set off

• Book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app for the date you plan to arrive.
• Book the car early, especially for Ramadan, the school holidays and long weekends. See car rental for Ramadan and Eid.
• Pack ihram clothes where you can reach them, so you can change at the miqat without unpacking the car.

The route from Riyadh

The usual route is the highway west to Taif and then down to Makkah, around 870 km in total. Most families split it into two days, with a night in Taif. Start from a west Riyadh branch to avoid crossing the city: Tuwaiq or Wadi Laban. For stops and fuel along the way, read Riyadh to Jeddah and Makkah by car.

From Taif: the shortest start

Makkah is only about 90 km from Taif. You can rent from the Sajil branch in Taif, make Umrah and be back the same day, which makes Taif a popular base in summer.

Where to enter ihram

Pilgrims coming from Riyadh and Taif enter ihram at the miqat of Qarn Al-Manazil:

• As-Sail Al-Kabir, on the As-Sail road from Taif to Makkah, has a large mosque with parking and washrooms.
• Wadi Mahram, on the Al-Hada road, is the upper point of the same miqat.

Parking in Makkah

Driving close to the Haram is difficult and the central car parks fill quickly. The easiest option is to leave the car at one of the large car parks at the city's entrances and take the bus or a taxi to the Haram. Keep a photo of where you parked.

Which car suits an Umrah trip?

• A family of four or five: the Hyundai Elantra or Geely Coolray, comfortable with room for bags.
• Grandparents with you: the Kia Carnival, with sliding doors and easy entry. See comfortable rental cars for seniors.
• A large family: the 7-seat Geely Okavango or the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Sajil branch in Makkah?

Not yet. Rent from Riyadh or Taif and return the car to a Sajil branch. Read our Makkah guide for the nearest branches.

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 Umrah outside those weeks.

Daily or weekly rental for Umrah?

For a trip of five days or more, weekly rental usually costs less than paying day by day.