The Incredibly Cheap Medina Airport Bus

Stop Overpaying! The Medina Airport Bus is Your Answer

Let’s be brutally honest: navigating transportation in a holy city should be peaceful, not a negotiation nightmare. If you’re leaving the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina headed to the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) or the Haramin High-Speed Railway Station, you have a choice. You can haggle with taxi drivers or pay a fixed, shockingly low fare.

The Medina Airport Bus, part of the city’s public transport network, is the secret weapon for savvy travelers and pilgrims. For a mere 11.5 Saudi Riyals (approximately $3), you get a reliable, comfortable, and direct ride. During a recent trip in December 2025, I used it myself and can confirm: it’s the most cost-effective and straightforward transfer option available. This guide will give you the exact, step-by-step details so you can travel with confidence and avoid being overcharged.

Where to Find the Medina Airport Bus (Exact Location)

The most critical step is finding the correct pickup point. The Medina Airport Bus departs from a specific area on the northern side of the Prophet’s Mosque complex (opposite the Qibla direction).

Here are the precise landmarks:

• Stand with the mosque behind you, facing north.
• Look for the iconic clock with “Bada’ah” written on it.
• You will be near hotels like the former Ajnahat Al Taybah (now Makarim), the Hilton, and the Sofitel.
• The bus stop is directly in this area, close to the internal King Fahd Gate (Bab Malik Fahd) near doors 333, 334, and 335.

This spot is also a popular photo area for the mosque’s minarets. Once you’re there, you’ll see the designated bus bays.

The Scam to Avoid: Green Taxis vs. The Bus

Before you even reach the bus, you might be approached by drivers of the green taxis. To put it plainly: be prepared to overpay if you take one.

During my visit, I conducted a quick experiment. I asked a green taxi driver for the fare to the airport for one person. His immediate quote was 60 Riyals. He might even ask for 70 or 100 Riyals if he thinks you don’t know better. Some may quote 30 Riyals for the train station, which is still nearly triple the bus fare.

The math is undeniable:

• Green Taxi: 60+ Riyals (per vehicle, subject to haggling).
• Medina Airport Bus: 11.5 Riyals (per person, fixed price).

The choice for a budget-conscious and smart traveler is clear. The Medina Airport Bus isn’t just cheaper; it’s a fixed-cost service, eliminating stress and uncertainty.

My Step-by-Step Journey on the Medina Airport Bus

On Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, I took the bus from the mosque to the airport. Here’s exactly what happened, so you know what to expect.

1. Finding the Right Bus: At the stop, I saw a bus with “Train Station” displayed. Since both the airport and train station buses use the same pickup area, I waited. Shortly after, a bus clearly marked “Airport” (and some with “AIRPORT” on the windshield) arrived. The display is clear in both Arabic and English.
2. Boarding and Payment: I boarded and asked the driver, “To the airport, please.” The process is simple:
   • Fare: 11.5 SAR per person.
   • Payment: You cannot pay with cash directly to the driver. You must pay by card (debit/credit) or Mada at the payment device inside the bus. The driver will guide you. Have your card ready.
3. Schedule and Timing: The driver informed me the bus departs every 20 minutes. I boarded at 11:10 AM, and the scheduled departure was 11:20 AM. We left precisely on time.
4. The Journey: The ride was smooth and took approximately 25 minutes. We arrived at the airport’s Departures area at 11:48 AM, perfectly aligning with the estimated travel time.

Key Benefits & What to Expect Onboard

Why choose the bus beyond just price? The experience is genuinely designed for modern travelers.

• Free Wi-Fi: This is a fantastic perk. The bus offers stable, complimentary Wi-Fi. I was able to browse, check emails, and even stream video smoothly during the trip, as shown in my vlog. It’s a great way to pass the time or notify family of your transit.
• Punctuality: The service is remarkably punctual, running on a reliable 20-minute schedule.
• Comfort & Views: The buses are air-conditioned, clean, and offer large windows. You get beautiful parting views of the Prophet’s Mosque and, later on, glimpses of the beloved Mount Uhud in the distance.
• Direct Service: It’s a non-stop service from the city center to the airport terminal.

Arrival at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport

The Medina Airport Bus terminates at a very convenient spot.

• You will be dropped off (and can board for the return journey) at Door Number 5 in the Domestic Arrivals section.
• The stop is well-organized and is directly adjacent to the taxi and passenger pickup zones.
• A large, beautiful mosque is also located at the airport near this area, perfect for offering prayers before your flight.

The arrival process is seamless, dropping you right at the terminal entrance without the need for additional shuttle buses.

Final Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Have a Payment Card Ready: Ensure you have a working debit/credit or Mada card for the fare. No cash is accepted onboard.
2. Verify the Destination Display: Double-check the bus’s electronic sign says “Airport” or “AIRPORT” before boarding.
3. Allow Ample Time: While the ride is only 25 minutes, factor in the 20-minute waiting interval. Give yourself at least 60-75 minutes total from the bus stop to airport check-in for peace of mind.
4. Return Journey: The same service operates from the airport (Door 5) back to the Prophet’s Mosque. Simply look for the buses in the designated lane.
5. Explore More Medina Guides: For more insider tips on navigating Medina’s holy sites and services, explore our guide to ethical and local travel practices in Saudi Arabia.

In conclusion, the Medina Airport Bus is a testament to the city’s improved infrastructure for pilgrims and visitors. It’s efficient, affordable, and removes the hassle of transportation negotiation. By following this guide, you can save a significant amount of money, enjoy a comfortable ride with amenities, and focus on what truly matters: the spiritual significance of your journey. Share this guide with fellow travelers and travel with the confidence of a local.

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