Madinah Transport Guide

Madinah Transport Guide: Save Money & Avoid Hassle

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Madinah Transport Guide: Save Money & Avoid Hassle

Navigating transport in Madinah doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are a pilgrim landing at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) and heading straight to Makkah, or a visitor exploring the holy city, having accurate prices, locations, and timing makes all the difference. This Madinah Transport Guide is fully rectified with realistic 2024 costs, exact place names, distances, and travel times, based on how transport actually works on the ground.

1. From Madinah Airport (MED) to Makkah

After arrival at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), you have two practical transport options.

1.1 SAPTCO Public Bus (Budget Option)

Best for: Solo pilgrims and budget travelers

Step-by-step:

  • Airport → SAPTCO Station (Madinah):
  • SAPTCO buses do NOT depart from inside the airport.
  • Take a local taxi from MED arrivals to SAPTCO Madinah Central Bus Station (محطة سابتكو – المدينة المنورة).
  • Distance: ~7 km
  • Time: 10–15 minutes
  • Taxi Cost: 15–25 SAR
  • SAPTCO Bus → Makkah:
  • Fare: 80–85 SAR per person
  • Travel Time: 5–6 hours (depending on traffic)
  • Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours (daytime & night)
  • Miqat Stop (Mandatory for Pilgrims):
  • Stop at Masjid Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)
  • Stop Duration: 15–20 minutes
  • Pilgrims change into Ihram here
  • Arrival in Makkah:
  • SAPTCO Makkah Station – Al Hassan Ibn Al Haytham Street
  • Taxi to Haram: 5–10 minutes
  • Taxi Cost: 10–20 SAR

Family Cost Example:

  • 4 adults × 85 SAR = 340 SAR (excluding airport taxi)

1.2 Private Taxi / Careem / Uber (Most Convenient)

Best for: Families, elderly travelers, those with luggage

  • Pickup: Directly from MED arrivals
  • Vehicle Pricing: Charged per car, not per person

Average Prices:

  • Sedan (2–3 passengers): 350–450 SAR
  • Large car / SUV (4–6 passengers): 450–650 SAR

Travel Time: 4.5–5.5 hours

Miqat:

  • Inform the driver clearly: “Miqat Abyar Ali”
  • Stop included (no extra charge usually)

Apps Recommended:

  • Careem (most reliable)
  • Uber (availability varies)

When this is cheaper:

  • A family of 4 often pays almost the same as the bus, but with door-to-door comfort

1.3. Shared Vans from Masjid an‑Nabawi to Makkah (Group Option)

A very common local pilgrim option for those wanting direct travel at a lower cost than private taxis.

  • Pickup: Around hotels & taxi points near Al‑Masjid an‑Nabawi
  • Vehicle: 7–14 seat shared vans
  • Typical price (2026): ~50 SAR per person
  • Travel time: 5–6 hours
  • Miqat: Stops at Abyar Ali on request

Notes:

  • Usually cash payment
  • Always confirm price before boarding
  • Drop‑off near Makkah Haram hotels

2. Transport Within Madinah City

2.1 Madinah Public Transport Buses (النقل الترددي)

Best hidden budget option

Madinah City Bus

Madinah Bus is the official government-operated public bus system and one of the most reliable and affordable ways to move around the city, including Al‑Masjid an‑Nabawi, Quba, Uhud, and major districts.Read about the new routes of madinah city bus in our detailed article .

Latest Prices (2026):

  • Standard city fare: 3.45 SAR per ride
  • Long / special routes (e.g. Airport Route 400): 11.50 SAR per ride
  • Pass options (via Madinah Bus card/app):
    • Daily bundle (multiple rides): ~10 SAR
    • Weekly pass: ~60 SAR
    • Monthly pass: ~240 SAR

Operating Hours:

  • Most routes: 06:00 – 12:00 midnight
  • Selected routes (including airport): 24 hours

Main Coverage:

  • Prophet’s Mosque perimeter
  • Quba Mosque & Quba Walk
  • Qiblatain Mosque
  • Uhud area & residential neighborhoods

How to Use:

  • Google Maps → Public transport
  • Or search: “Madinah Bus” / “محطات حافلات المدينة”

2.2 Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps

Most used by visitors

Typical City Fares (2024):

  • Short trip near Haram: 10–20 SAR
  • Medium trip (5–7 km): 30–50 SAR

Real Example:

  • Safia Hotel (near Haram) → Quba Walk:
  • Distance: ~6.5 km
  • Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Cost: 50 SAR (reasonable & normal)

Tip: Always agree on price before entering street taxis.

2.3 Walking

  • Haram area is extremely walkable
  • Haram → Quba Mosque walking path: ~3.5 km
  • Spiritually rewarding and safe (daytime & evening)

Quba Golf Carts Electric Carts

Electric golf‑style carts operate around Quba Walk and nearby streets for those who don’t want to walk the full distance.

Typical Prices:

  • Short ride: ~10 SAR per person
  • Longer negotiated ride: 15–20 SAR

Where to Find Them:

  • Near Haram gates (commonly Gate 310 / Al‑Ghamama side)
  • Along Quba Walk in the evenings

Tip: Prices are informal — always confirm before boarding.

Travel Checklis

  • □ Careem & Uber installed
  • □ Small cash (10–50 SAR notes)
  • □ Ihram ready before Miqat
  • □ Google Maps offline saved
  • □ Hotel location pinned

By following this Madinah Transport Guide, you avoid overpaying, reduce stress, and move confidently through Madinah and beyond—allowing you to focus on worship and reflection rather than logistics.