How Far Is Jeddah from Makkah?
Last updated: 2026-10-12
Jeddah Airport (King Abdulaziz International, JED) is about 75 km from Makkah — roughly a 60–90 minute drive via Highway 40. The Haramain train covers the airport-to-Makkah leg in about an hour, station to station. Distances inside Makkah add a few minutes depending on your hotel's distance from Masjid al-Haram.
How long does each option take?
The road distance is the same for everyone — about 75 km. What changes is the total door-to-door time.
| Option | Travel time | Door to door? |
|---|---|---|
| Private taxi | 60–90 min drive | Yes |
| Haramain train | About 1 hr on train + taxi at both ends | No |
| Car rental | 60–90 min drive | You drive |
Late-night drives are usually the fastest, with little traffic on Highway 40. During Hajj, Ramadan and Friday prayers, allow generous extra time — the roads into Makkah get very busy.
Which route do drivers take?
The standard route is Highway 40 straight from Jeddah to Makkah — a modern multi-lane motorway. Your driver knows the checkpoints on the way: entry to Makkah (also called Mecca) is restricted to Muslims, and this is checked on the road from Jeddah.
If your hotel is far from Masjid al-Haram, the last few kilometres through city traffic can take as long as the highway stretch. Share your hotel name when booking so the driver plans the final approach.
Quick facts
- Jeddah Airport → Makkah: about 75 km.
- Drive time: typically 60–90 minutes.
- Fastest: late-night taxi, as little as 60 minutes in light traffic.
- Train: about 1 hour station-to-station, plus transfers at both ends.
- Confirm before travel in peak seasons — timetables and traffic vary.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jeddah Airport from Makkah in km?
About 75 km by road via Highway 40. That is the figure your driver, your map app and your taxi fare are all based on — the straight-line distance is shorter, but roads are what matter.
How long is the drive at night?
Often close to 60 minutes — the fastest time of day, with empty highways. Our drivers run 24 hours, so a midnight landing usually means the quickest possible transfer to your hotel.
Is the train faster than a taxi?
Station to station, yes — about an hour. Door to door, usually not: you must reach the airport station, then take a taxi from Makkah station to your hotel. For most travellers the total time is similar, and the taxi is simpler.
How far is Makkah from Jeddah city centre?
Roughly 70–85 km depending on where in Jeddah you start — the airport sits north of the city. From downtown Jeddah, allow about the same 60–90 minutes by road in normal traffic.
Does the distance change during Hajj?
The kilometres do not change, but journey times do — dramatically. Roads into Makkah clog during Hajj and Ramadan, so a 60-minute drive can double. Book early, travel off-peak if you can, and always allow a generous buffer.
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