How Much is Madinah Airport to Ihram Location (Miqat) Taxi?

Taking a taxi from Madinah Airport to Ihram Location (Miqat) by taxi costs 250 SAR for a standard sedan covering the 29-kilometer journey to Dhul-Hulayfah (also known as Abyar Ali or Masjid Abyar Ali), which is the designated miqat point where pilgrims coming from Madinah must enter the state of Ihram before proceeding to Makkah for Umrah or Hajj.

We specialize in transfers from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat with drivers who understand the religious significance of this journey, know the exact mosque location, and coordinate timing so you can perform Ihram rituals before continuing to Makkah for your pilgrimage.

Understanding Dhul-Hulayfah: The Madinah Miqat

What is Dhul Hulaifah? Dhul-Hulayfah (ذو الحليفة) is one of the five main miqat points designated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for pilgrims entering Ihram before Umrah or Hajj. Located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Masjid Nabawi, this is the miqat for anyone coming from Madinah or passing through Madinah on their way to Makkah.

The site is also known by several names:
– Abyar Ali (آبار علي) – Wells of Ali, named after the wells in the area
– Masjid Ash-Shajarah (مسجد الشجرة) – Mosque of the Tree
– Dhul-Hulayfah Mosque – The main mosque structure where pilgrims enter Ihram

According to Islamic scholars, crossing the miqat boundary without entering Ihram when intending to perform Umrah or Hajj requires making a penalty sacrifice. This makes stopping at Dhul-Hulayfah essential for pilgrims traveling from Madinah to Makkah.

Which Miqat is for people from Madina? Dhul-Hulayfah serves as the designated miqat for:
– Pilgrims residing in Madinah
– Those who visited Madinah first and are now traveling to Makkah
– Anyone passing through or near this boundary point on their way to perform Umrah or Hajj
– Residents of areas closer to this miqat than to other designated points

Is there a Miqat in Madinah? Yes, Dhul-Hulayfah is located just outside Madinah city limits, making it the closest miqat to Masjid Nabawi. While technically outside the city proper, it’s considered the Madinah miqat and is easily accessible from all Madinah hotels and the airport.

Can you do Ihram from Medina? Yes, pilgrims commonly enter Ihram at the Dhul-Hulayfah mosque after visiting Madinah and before traveling to Makkah. This is the Islamically prescribed boundary point. The mosque provides separate facilities for men and women to perform ablution, change into Ihram clothing, pray two rak’ahs, and make the intention (niyyah) for Umrah or Hajj before crossing the miqat boundary.

Exact Taxi Fares: Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat

Here’s what you actually pay for taxi transport from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport to the Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat mosque:

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The Madinah airport to miqat taxi fare of 250 SAR for sedans covers the complete journey from the airport terminal to Dhul-Hulayfah mosque entrance. This includes flight tracking for international arrivals, meet and greet service at the airport, and delivery to the mosque where you’ll perform Ihram rituals.

Many pilgrims also book onward transport from Dhul-Hulayfah to Makkah after entering Ihram. We offer combined packages: airport → miqat → Makkah hotel at bundled rates more economical than booking each leg separately. This ensures you have confirmed transport for the complete journey without arranging multiple taxis.

Distance and Route Details

The distance from Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat is 29 kilometers (18 miles) following the main route through Madinah city toward the southwest miqat boundary.

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The journey takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The route passes through western Madinah, by the Quba Mosque area (though not stopping there unless requested), and continues southwest to reach the Dhul-Hulayfah boundary where the miqat mosque sits.

Traffic varies by time of day. Early morning (4 AM to 7 AM) when many international flights land sees minimal traffic and the drive completes in 25 minutes. Midday and evening experience more congestion near Masjid Nabawi and the Quba area, potentially extending travel time to 35 to 40 minutes during peak Umrah seasons.

Friday afternoons see heavier traffic as local residents travel for Friday prayers and weekend activities. During Ramadan, patterns shift with increased movement after Iftar in the evening and before Suhoor early morning.

What to Expect at Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat

The Dhul-Hulayfah mosque complex has been expanded and renovated multiple times by the Saudi government to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. Current facilities include:

Separate prayer and Ihram facilities for men and women: Men’s and women’s sections each have designated areas for performing ablution (wudu), changing into Ihram garments, and praying the two rak’ahs Sunnah before making intention.

Changing rooms and restrooms: Clean, maintained facilities where you can change from regular clothes into Ihram. Men wear two white unstitched cloths (izar and rida). Women wear modest clothing that covers everything except face and hands. The mosque provides private changing areas.

Ablution areas: Modern wudu facilities with running water for performing ablution before prayers and entering Ihram.

Prayer halls: Large prayer spaces where pilgrims perform two rak’ahs (units of prayer) before making their intention for Umrah or Hajj. These prayers are Sunnah (recommended) rather than obligatory but strongly encouraged.

Parking and waiting areas: Space for taxis and buses to park while passengers enter the mosque, change into Ihram, pray, and return to continue their journey to Makkah.

Shopping facilities: Small shops near the mosque sell Ihram garments, prayer items, and basic necessities in case pilgrims arrive unprepared. Prices are reasonable though slightly higher than shops in central Madinah.

Most pilgrims spend 30 to 60 minutes at Dhul-Hulayfah – time to park, enter the mosque, perform wudu, change clothes, pray two rak’ahs, make intention, and return to the vehicle. Drivers familiar with this routine coordinate timing and wait in the parking area.

Common Journey Patterns for Pilgrims

Pilgrims traveling from Madinah Airport to the miqat typically follow one of these patterns:

Pattern 1: Direct Airport → Miqat → Makkah

Land at Madinah Airport → Taxi to Dhul-Hulayfah → Enter Ihram → Continue directly to Makkah hotel → Perform Umrah at Masjid al-Haram.

This works for pilgrims whose primary purpose is Umrah and who are using Madinah as the entry point to Saudi Arabia rather than visiting Masjid Nabawi first. The journey from airport to miqat to Makkah takes about 5 to 6 hours total including the Ihram stop.

Pattern 2: Airport → Madinah Hotel → Later to Miqat → Makkah

Land at Airport → Taxi to Madinah hotel → Spend 2-4 days visiting Masjid Nabawi and Madinah Ziyarat sites → Later travel to Dhul-Hulayfah for Ihram → Continue to Makkah.

This is the most common pattern. Pilgrims visit Madinah first, pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, complete Madinah Ziyarat, then make the journey to Makkah stopping at the miqat to enter Ihram. Our Madinah Ziyarat service covers all the historic Islamic sites including Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud, and the Seven Mosques.

Pattern 3: Madinah Visit → Miqat → Makkah → Return through Madinah

Some pilgrims enter Saudi Arabia through Jeddah, visit Makkah first for Umrah, then travel to Madinah. After their Madinah stay, they return to Jeddah for departure flights. If they want to perform another Umrah (allowed after the first), they stop at Dhul-Hulayfah on the journey from Madinah back to Makkah to enter Ihram again.

For the direct Madinah to Makkah journey (which must pass through or near the miqat), our Madinah to Makkah taxi service coordinates the miqat stop as part of the intercity transfer.

Preparing for Ihram at the Miqat

What should you bring and know before arriving at Dhul-Hulayfah?

Ihram garments: Men need two white unstitched cloths. Women need modest clothing covering the body except face and hands. If you forgot to purchase Ihram in your home country or at the airport, shops near the miqat mosque sell these items. However, buying before arrival saves time and potential stress.

Basic toiletries: Unscented soap for washing before Ihram. Once you enter the state of Ihram, applying perfume or scented products is prohibited. Complete any grooming (trimming nails, removing unwanted hair) before reaching the miqat.

Small bag for regular clothes: You’ll change out of normal clothes into Ihram. Bring a bag to store your clothes during the journey to Makkah and your stay there. Most people keep regular clothes for wearing after completing Umrah.

Knowledge of Ihram rules: Understand the prohibitions of Ihram (no perfume, no cutting hair or nails, no sexual relations, specific rules for men about covering the head and wearing stitched garments). Many pilgrims read guides or watch videos beforehand so they know what to expect.

Intention clarity: Know whether you’re performing Umrah only, Hajj only (if during Hajj season), or one of the combined forms (Tamattu, Qiran, Ifrad). The intention you make at the miqat depends on which ritual you’re performing.

Prayer and supplication: After performing the two rak’ahs Sunnah prayer at the miqat, you’ll make your intention and begin reciting the Talbiyah (“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”). Many pilgrims prepare emotionally for this significant moment in their spiritual journey.

Patience and time: The miqat mosque can be crowded during peak Umrah seasons (Ramadan, school holidays, Hajj months). Budget extra time if traveling during these periods. Your driver will coordinate waiting in the parking area while you complete the Ihram process inside.

Booking Your Miqat Transfer

Reserving taxi transport from Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat works through our standard booking process:

Contact us with flight details: Message via WhatsApp at +966 537672872 or use our online booking form. Provide your flight number, arrival date and time, airline, number of passengers, and whether you need onward transport to Makkah after the miqat stop.

We track your arrival: International flights encounter delays. We monitor your specific flight using real-time airport data and adjust driver timing automatically. You don’t pay extra for waiting time on international arrivals.

Meet at airport: After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, exit to the arrivals hall where your driver waits with a name sign. He helps with bags and guides you to the vehicle.

Journey to miqat: The 25 to 30 minute drive takes you directly to Dhul-Hulayfah mosque. The driver knows the exact location, best parking spots, and typical timing for Ihram rituals.

Wait during Ihram: While you enter the mosque, change into Ihram, pray, and make intention, the driver waits in the parking area. Most pilgrims complete this process in 30 to 60 minutes depending on crowd levels.

Continue to Makkah (if booked): After exiting the mosque in Ihram, the driver continues the journey to your Makkah hotel. The remaining distance from Dhul-Hulayfah to Makkah is approximately 420 kilometers taking 4 to 5 hours via the Haramain Expressway.

Payment flexibility: We accept cash (Saudi Riyals), credit cards, debit cards, or online payment before arrival. Choose whatever method works for your situation.

Understanding the Five Main Miqat Points

For context, Dhul-Hulayfah is one of five primary miqat boundaries designated for pilgrims based on their direction of approach to Makkah:

1. Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): For pilgrims from Madinah or those coming from the north. This is the furthest miqat from Makkah at approximately 420 kilometers distance.

2. Al-Juhfah (near Rabigh): For pilgrims coming from Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and the north-west. Located about 180 kilometers from Makkah.

3. Qarn al-Manazil (Al-Sayl Al-Kabir): For pilgrims from Najd (central Saudi Arabia) and the east. Approximately 90 kilometers from Makkah.

4. Yalamlam: For pilgrims from Yemen and the south. About 50 kilometers from Makkah.

5. Dhat Irq: For pilgrims from Iraq and the northeast. Roughly 90 kilometers from Makkah.

Modern pilgrims flying into Saudi Arabia through Jeddah who haven’t visited Madinah first typically enter Ihram at Al-Juhfah or the designated point for air travelers. Those who visit Madinah first (either by choice or because they landed there) must use Dhul-Hulayfah as their miqat boundary.

The principle is simple: you enter Ihram before crossing the miqat boundary closest to your approach direction. Crossing without Ihram when intending Umrah or Hajj requires a compensatory sacrifice (dam) according to Islamic law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about taxi transfers from Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat:

How much is a taxi from Madinah Airport to the miqat? A taxi from Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat costs 250 SAR for a standard sedan carrying up to 4 passengers. Larger vehicles cost 340 SAR for 7-seater Staria vans, 360 SAR for GMC Yukon SUVs, and 400 SAR for 10-seater Hiace minibuses. The journey covers 29 kilometers (18 miles) in about 25 to 30 minutes. What is Dhul-Hulayfah? Dhul-Hulayfah is the miqat (boundary point) designated for pilgrims coming from Madinah or passing through Madinah on their way to Makkah for Umrah or Hajj. Also known as Abyar Ali or Masjid Ash-Shajarah, it is located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Masjid Nabawi where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. Which miqat is for people from Madinah? Dhul-Hulayfah (also called Abyar Ali) is the designated miqat for people from Madinah and anyone approaching Makkah from the north through or near Madinah. This is the furthest miqat from Makkah at approximately 420 kilometers distance, reflecting that pilgrims from Madinah have the longest journey remaining after entering Ihram. Is there a miqat in Madinah? Yes, Dhul-Hulayfah miqat is located just outside Madinah city limits approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Masjid Nabawi. While technically outside the city proper, it serves as the Madinah miqat and is easily accessible from all Madinah hotels, the Haram area, and Prince Mohammad Airport. Can you do Ihram from Medina? Yes, pilgrims enter Ihram at Dhul-Hulayfah after visiting Madinah and before traveling to Makkah. This is the Islamically prescribed boundary point. The mosque provides facilities for men and women to perform ablution, change into Ihram garments, pray two rak’ahs, and make intention for Umrah or Hajj before crossing the miqat boundary toward Makkah. How far is the miqat from Madinah Airport? The distance from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat is 29 kilometers (18 miles) via the main route through Madinah. This takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Early morning journeys may complete in 25 minutes while peak traffic can extend to 35 to 40 minutes.

How long should I plan to spend at the miqat? Most pilgrims spend 30 to 60 minutes at Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat. This includes time to enter the mosque, perform ablution, change into Ihram garments, pray two rak’ahs Sunnah, make intention for Umrah or Hajj, and return to the vehicle. During peak seasons when the mosque is crowded, budget up to 75 to 90 minutes. Can I buy Ihram clothes at the miqat? Yes, small shops near Dhul-Hulayfah mosque sell Ihram garments for men (white unstitched cloths) and modest clothing options for women. Prices are reasonable though slightly higher than shops in central Madinah or at the airport. Buying Ihram before arrival saves time at the miqat, but emergency purchases are possible if you forget. Do you offer combined airport-miqat-Makkah transfers? Yes, we offer bundled packages covering the complete journey from Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat to your Makkah hotel in one booking at discounted total rates. This ensures confirmed transport for the entire journey (about 5 to 6 hours total) without arranging multiple separate taxis. Contact us for package pricing. What if my flight is delayed? We track your flight arrival in real-time using live airport data. If your flight is delayed due to weather, technical issues, or air traffic, our driver adjusts pickup timing automatically. You do not pay extra for waiting time on international flight arrivals regardless of delay duration. We coordinate via WhatsApp to confirm exact meeting time. Can the driver wait while I do Ihram? Yes, when you book taxi service to the miqat, the driver waits in the parking area while you enter the mosque, perform your Ihram rituals, and return to continue the journey. This waiting time is included in the fare. The driver is familiar with typical timing and coordinates departure based on your pace. Is it mandatory to stop at the miqat? Yes, if you are traveling to Makkah with the intention of performing Umrah or Hajj, Islamic law requires entering Ihram before crossing the miqat boundary. Crossing without Ihram when intending these rituals requires making a compensatory sacrifice (dam). For pilgrims from Madinah direction, Dhul-Hulayfah is the mandatory stopping point.

The journey from Madinah Airport to Dhul-Hulayfah Miqat represents a sacred transition from your arrival in the blessed city of Madinah to the beginning of your Ihram state for Umrah or Hajj. This isn’t just a taxi ride – it’s the start of specific religious rituals that require arriving at the correct location, having adequate time for ablution and prayer, and understanding the significance of the moment when you make your intention and recite the Talbiyah. Professional transport with drivers who respect and understand this process ensures you can focus on the spiritual aspects rather than navigation, timing, or logistical concerns. Whether you’re performing your first Umrah or returning for your tenth pilgrimage, reliable miqat transfer service makes this crucial step smooth and stress-free.