
Visit Islamic Holy Sites in Makkah
Whether you're a first-time pilgrim or a returning visitor, a Ziyarah tour offers a unique chance to experience the beauty and legacy of the holy cities.
Ziyarah (also spelled Ziyarat) means 'visit' in Arabic. In the context of Umrah or Hajj, it refers to the visitation of sacred Islamic sites, beyond the main rituals of worship. Ziyarah is not obligatory for Umrah, but it is highly recommended and spiritually rewarding.
Tours are usually offered in two main cities: Ziyarah in Madinah – Visiting sites connected to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and early Islamic history
– Visiting sites connected to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and early Islamic history Ziyarah in Makkah – Exploring landmarks related to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajj rituals, and more
A typical Madinah Ziyarah tour includes the following sacred sites:
The first mosque ever built in Islam by the Prophet ﷺ. Praying two raka'ahs here holds the reward of an Umrah.
Also known as the Mosque of Two Qiblahs, where the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.
The site of the famous Battle of Uhud. You'll see the graves of the martyrs, including Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ.
Historic battlefield area from the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq).
Located near the Prophet's Mosque, this is where the Prophet ﷺ once led Eid prayers.
These tours generally last 2 to 3 hours and are conducted in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.
Makkah Ziyarah tours take you to the historical and religious landmarks related to the Hajj and Umrah journey:
Home to the Cave of Hira, where the first revelation of the Qur'an was received by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during their migration to Madinah.
The most important site during Hajj, where the Prophet ﷺ gave his Farewell Sermon.
Important sites of the Hajj journey, including the area where pilgrims collect pebbles.
Symbolic pillars representing the rejection of evil, stoned during Hajj.
A mosque believed to be the site where a group of jinn accepted Islam after hearing the Qur'an.
These tours typically last 3 to 4 hours, and transportation is usually provided in air-conditioned private taxis or vans.
Most Ziyarah tours are offered as private or group packages, including: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel
from your hotel Licensed, multilingual guide (Arabic, English, Urdu)
(Arabic, English, Urdu) Air-conditioned vehicles
Optional stops for prayer and photography
Water and refreshments (upon request)
Tours are flexible and can be arranged any day of the week, usually outside of prayer times to avoid congestion near the mosques. City Vehicle Type Group Size Estimated Price (SAR) Madinah Sedan 1–3 people 120 – 200 SAR Madinah Van 6–10 people 200 – 300 SAR Makkah Sedan 1–3 people 150 – 250 SAR Makkah Van 6–10 people 250 – 350 SAR
Luxury cars, English-speaking guides, and extended tours may have extra charges. Morning : After Fajr or after breakfast (cooler weather and less traffic)
: After Fajr or after breakfast (cooler weather and less traffic) Evening : After Asr or Maghrib prayer
: After Asr or Maghrib prayer Avoid Midday: Especially in summer, due to extreme heat Wear comfortable footwear – some areas require walking
– some areas require walking Dress modestly – you may enter mosques or prayer areas
– you may enter mosques or prayer areas Stay hydrated – bring water, especially in hot weather
– bring water, especially in hot weather Respect local customs – avoid loud voices or photography in sacred places
– avoid loud voices or photography in sacred places Take notes or listen carefully – guides often share beautiful stories of Islamic history
A Ziyarah tour is more than just sightseeing — it's a journey through Islamic heritage. Walking the paths once taken by the Prophets, Companions, and early Muslims helps you strengthen your spiritual connection and appreciate the legacy of Islam in a deeper, more personal way.
Whether you choose to explore the battlefields of Uhud, pray at Masjid Quba, or climb the Cave of Hira, every step becomes a memory of worship and reflection.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS

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Private, Safe & Affordable Travel
If you're planning a spiritual journey from Medina to Makkah, whether for Umrah or general travel, finding reliable transportation is a top priority. One of the most preferred and efficient ways to make this sacred trip is by taxi. Why? Because taxis offer flexibility, privacy, and comfort—especially important after a long flight or emotional experience in the holy city. Distance and Travel TimeHow far is Makkah from Medina? The distance between Medina and Makkah is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles). The journey stretches across the heart of Saudi Arabia's desert highways, offering scenic views of the arid landscape. Average travel time by taxi By taxi, the trip takes around 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on: Traffic conditions Stopovers Time of day Why Choose a Taxi for This Journey?Convenience and privacy When you book a private taxi, you don't need to adjust your schedule. Leave when you want, stop when you want, and travel in the comfort of your own space. Door-to-door service Taxis can pick you up directly from your hotel, airport, or mosque and drop you at your exact destination in Makkah—whether it's a hotel, Haram gate, or residential area. No waiting at stations Forget long queues at bus terminals or train stations. Your taxi is ready when you are. Types of Taxi Services AvailableEconomy taxis These are budget-friendly options for solo travelers or couples. They usually include basic vehicles like a Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra. Family/SUV taxis Ideal for families or groups of 4-6 people. These include spacious SUVs like a GMC Yukon, Toyota Fortuner, or Honda Pilot. Luxury taxis Travel in style with Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz sedans. Perfect for VIPs or those seeking premium comfort. Shared taxis vs. Private taxis Shared taxis: Lower cost but less privacy. Private taxis: Higher cost, but exclusive ride, more control, and better safety. Cost of Taxi from Medina to MakkahAverage pricing breakdown Prices vary but generally fall between SAR 400 to SAR 700 depending on the type of vehicle and season. Factors affecting the cost Number of passengers Time of booking Type of vehicle Peak seasons (Ramadan, Hajj, Umrah months) Tips to get the best deal Book early during peak times Ask hotels for recommendations Use trusted platforms for online bookings Booking Your TaxiOnline taxi apps and platforms Careem Uber Hujjaj Umrah Taxi website Other local platforms Hotel concierge or local taxi companies Many hotels in Medina partner with trusted taxi drivers and can arrange a ride instantly. Booking in advance vs. last-minute Booking in advance not only saves money but guarantees a better vehicle and driver availability—especially important during Ramadan or Eid. What to Expect During the JourneyRoute overview The most common route is via Route 15 or the Haramain Express Highway, which is fast, smooth, and has minimal checkpoints. Rest stops and breaks Expect at least one or two stops for: Prayer Refreshments Washroom breaks Safety tips Always wear seatbelts Avoid overspeeding Confirm fare before journey starts Important Things to Keep in MindID and documentation Always carry: National ID or Iqama Passport if you're a tourist Umrah permit if applicable Luggage limitations Most sedans can hold up to 2-3 medium suitcases. SUVs are ideal for families with more luggage. Traveling with kids or elderly Choose an SUV for comfort, request extra stops if needed, and bring snacks and water. Taxis for Umrah PilgrimsSpecial arrangements during peak Umrah season Many taxi companies provide Ihram kits, Miqat reminders, and even stops at designated Miqat stations like Dhul Hulaifah. How taxi drivers help with Ihram and Miqat Experienced drivers know when and where to stop so you can enter into Ihram and say your Niyyah correctly. Female Travelers and FamiliesSafety measures Choose family taxis Ask for drivers with verified identity Use apps that offer live tracking Hiring family-friendly taxi drivers Services like Hujjaj Umrah Taxi specialize in family-focused rides with well-trained, polite, and religious drivers. Comparing Taxi with Other Transport OptionsBus services Cheap but crowded and less flexible. Train between Medina and Makkah Very fast and efficient (Haramain High-Speed Railway), but tickets sell out quickly and travel to/from stations may require extra transport. Private car rentals Good for road trip lovers but not practical for short-term visitors due to documentation and navigation complexity. Local Taxi Companies Worth ConsideringHujjaj Umrah Taxi Highly rated for: Affordable packages Professional drivers English-speaking support Other reputed services Medina-Makkah Express Ride Al Haramain Transport RideMe Saudi Customer Reviews and Testimonials 'Our taxi from Medina to Makkah was smooth and spiritual. The driver even helped us with Miqat instructions.' – Ahmed, UK 'We booked a family SUV via Hujjaj Umrah Taxi. Clean, timely, and totally stress-free.' – Fatima, Pakistan Tips to Enhance Your JourneyChoosing the best time to travel Early morning = smoother traffic Night = cooler temperature but higher risks What to pack for a smooth ride Water, dates, light snacks Ihram garments Prayer mat Power bank and charger Environmental ConsiderationEco-friendly options Opt for hybrid or electric cars when available. Carpooling benefits Share rides with fellow pilgrims to reduce costs and emissions. Conclusion Traveling from Medina to Makkah by taxi is not just a journey—it's a sacred passage. Whether you're performing Umrah or simply moving between two of Islam's holiest cities, taxis offer a blend of comfort, safety, and flexibility. By choosing a reliable service, preparing well, and keeping the spirit of the journey in your heart, your ride can be a peaceful extension of your pilgrimage. FAQs Can I book a taxi for a round trip from Medina to Makkah? Yes, many companies offer round-trip packages at discounted rates. Is it safe to travel by taxi at night? Generally, yes. Just ensure the driver is verified, and share your ride details with someone. Are taxis available 24/7 between Medina and Makkah? Yes, though availability may vary slightly during prayer times and late nights. Do taxi drivers speak English? Some do, especially those serving international pilgrims. It's best to confirm during booking. Can I stop for Ziyarah on the way? 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