Makkah to Taif Taxi Fare & Travel Guide 2026

Taxi fare from Makkah to Taif costs SAR 200-300 for a standard sedan, SAR 400-600 for luxury cars, and SAR 500-800 for family vans. The distance is 85-90 kilometers, and the journey takes 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and which route you take.

Key Information:

• Distance: 85-90 km from Makkah
• Standard Taxi: SAR 200-300
• Luxury Car: SAR 400-600
• Family Van: SAR 500-800
• Shared Taxi: SAR 50-100 per person
• Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Best Route: Highway 15 (fastest) or Scenic Mountain Route (beautiful views)
• Best Time: Early morning or evening to avoid heat and traffic

Why People Go: Taif sits in the mountains with cooler weather, rose gardens, and stunning scenery. It’s a popular weekend escape from Makkah’s heat.

Makkah to Taif Taxi Fare: Complete Guide with Prices, Routes & Booking Tips

Heading from Makkah up to Taif? You’re in for a treat. Taif sits in the Sarawat Mountains with way cooler weather, rose gardens everywhere, and some seriously beautiful views. It’s where loads of people from Makkah go when they need a break from the heat.

Getting there means sorting out your transport. We’re going to walk you through everything about Makkah to Taif taxi fare – what you’ll actually pay, how far it is, which routes work best, when to go, and how to book without getting ripped off.

Makkah to Taif Distance: How Far Really?

The actual distance: 85 to 90 kilometers depending which route you take. In miles, that’s roughly 53 to 56 miles.

How long you’ll be in the car:

• Normal traffic: 1.5 hours
• Heavy traffic: 2 hours or more
• Perfect conditions (early morning): Could be 1 hour 15 minutes

Route matters. Distance changes a bit depending if you take the fast highway or the scenic mountain road.

The Two Main Routes: Highway vs Scenic

Route 1: Highway 15 (Taif Road) – The Fast Way

Distance: About 85 km
Time: 1.5 hours normally
Road condition: Excellent – well-maintained highway
Best for: Getting there quick, business trips, anyone in a rush

This is what most taxis take. Smooth road, good signage, petrol stations along the way. Straight shot from Makkah heading east, then you start climbing into the mountains. Road’s in great shape – Saudi government keeps it maintained since it’s a major route.

What you’ll see:

• Desert landscape at first
• Gradual climb into mountains
• Some nice views as you go higher
• Less dramatic than the scenic route but still pretty

Traffic: Gets busy Thursday evenings (weekend starts), Friday mornings, and during Hajj season. Early mornings (before 8 AM) are quietest.

Route 2: Scenic Mountain Route – The Beautiful Way

Distance: About 90 km
Time: 2 hours or a bit more
Road condition: Good but winding
Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, people not in a rush

This route takes you through Al Hada Mountain Road. Absolutely stunning views but the road winds around a lot. You’re climbing seriously steep sections with hairpin turns.

What you’ll see:

• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Valleys and cliffs
• Cable car stations
• Viewpoints perfect for photos
• Green landscapes (especially after rain)
• Temperature dropping as you climb

Important: Some drivers charge extra for this route since it takes longer and uses more fuel. Worth asking about before you commit.

Not great for: People who get carsick, those in a hurry, nighttime travel (views are pointless in the dark)

Makkah to Taif Taxi Fare: What You’ll Actually Pay

Here’s the real pricing breakdown:

What affects the price:

Time of day: Early morning and late evening usually cheaper. Peak afternoon? Prices go up.

Which day: Thursday evenings and Fridays cost more (Saudi weekend). Tuesday or Wednesday? Better rates.

Season: Ramadan, Hajj, and Saudi school holidays see higher prices. Off-season summer (when it’s hot)? You might negotiate better.

Pickup location: Taxis from central Makkah near Haram charge more than those from outer areas. Ajyad, Aziziyah, Kudai – all slightly different prices.

Your bargaining: Street taxis? Price isn’t fixed. You negotiate. Good at haggling? Save money. Booking services have set prices – no arguing but also no surprises.

Route choice: Ask for scenic route? Some drivers add SAR 50-100 extra.

Waiting time: Want the driver to wait in Taif for a few hours then bring you back? That’s extra – usually SAR 100-200 for waiting.

Luggage: Most taxis include normal bags. Got excessive luggage? Might be extra charges.

Book Your Makkah to Taif Taxi Now

Planning your Taif trip? Sort transport first.

Fixed pricing – SAR 200-300 sedan, SAR 400-600 luxury, SAR 500-800 van
Both routes available – Highway or scenic mountain route
Round trip options – We wait and bring you back
Professional drivers – Know both routes well
Pickup anywhere in Makkah – Ajyad, Aziziyah, Kudai, anywhere near Haram
Available 24/7 – Early morning? Late night? We’re there

Book Your Taif Taxi or WhatsApp us for instant confirmation.

Round Trip vs One Way: What Makes Sense?

One way fare: SAR 200-300 (sedan)

You get dropped in Taif, figure out your own way back. Works if:

• You’re staying overnight or longer
• You’ve got return transport arranged
• You’re flexible about when you come back

Round trip with waiting: SAR 450-700 total

Driver takes you there, waits (2-4 hours usually), brings you back same day. Works if:

• You’re just visiting for the day
• You want to see rose gardens, do some shopping, eat lunch, come back
• You don’t want the hassle of finding return transport

Round trip, no waiting: SAR 400-600 total

Driver drops you, comes back when you call (few hours later). Works if:

• You’re spending several hours there
• You want flexibility on return time
• You trust the driver will actually come back (book with reliable service like us)

Most day-trippers go for round trip with waiting. Saves headaches.

How to Book Your Makkah to Taif Taxi

Option 1: Book with Us (Umrah Taxi VIP)

Easiest way. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to our booking page or message us on WhatsApp
2. Tell us:
   • Pickup location (your hotel or address in Makkah)
   • Date and time you want to leave
   • How many passengers
   • One way or round trip
   • Highway or scenic route
   • Any special requests (child seats, extra luggage space, stops along the way)
3. We send you exact price
4. Book and pay (online, card, or cash on pickup – your choice)
5. Get driver details day before
6. Driver picks you up on time

Why book with us:

• Fixed prices – what we quote is what you pay
• Professional drivers who know both routes
• Clean, air-conditioned vehicles
• Can arrange stops at scenic points
• Round trip waiting included in packages
• Available for early morning trips
• Combine with other destinations (we do Makkah Ziyarat tours too)

Check our Makkah Ziyarat Taxi if you want to combine Taif with other Makkah sites.

Option 2: Street Taxis

Walk out near Masjid al-Haram, you’ll find taxis. Drivers often call out “Taif? Taif?”

How it works:

• Agree on price BEFORE getting in
• They usually start at SAR 400-500, you negotiate down to SAR 250-350
• Cash only usually
• No guarantees on vehicle condition
• Return journey is your problem

Tips if using street taxis:

• Don’t take the first price
• Get driver’s number for return trip
• Check car has working AC (seriously, it matters)
• Agree on route (highway vs scenic)
• Confirm if price includes waiting time

Option 3: Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Careem)

Apps work for Makkah to Taif but with issues:

Uber pricing: SAR 180-250 usually for standard ride

Careem pricing: Similar, SAR 180-250

Problems:

• Not all drivers want to do the trip (it’s far)
• Might get cancelled on you
• Surge pricing during busy times doubles the cost
• Return journey from Taif is hit-or-miss (fewer drivers up there)
• Can’t pre-arrange scenic route easily

When apps work well: Weekday mornings, off-peak times, one-way trips when you’ve got return sorted.

Option 4: Hotel Arrangements

Hotels near Haram sometimes arrange Taif trips for guests.

Benefits:

• Convenient
• Trusted drivers
• Easy booking

Downsides:

• Usually costs more (they take commission)
• Less flexibility on timing
• Might be sharing with other hotel guests

Alternative Transport: Bus, Car Rental, Self-Drive

SAPTCO Bus: The Budget Option

Cost: SAR 40-70 per person

Where it leaves from: SAPTCO bus station in Makkah (not near Haram – you’ll need transport there)

How long: 2-3 hours (makes stops)

Schedule: Few buses daily – need to check current times

Good things:

• Super cheap
• Reliable schedule
• Air-conditioned buses

Not so good:

• Station isn’t convenient
• Fixed departure times
• Takes longer than taxi
• You’ll need local transport at both ends
• Luggage space limited

Best for: Solo budget travelers, people with time to spare, those comfortable with public transport.

Car Rental: DIY Option

Cost: SAR 150-300 per day

Who can do it: Anyone with valid Saudi license or International Driving Permit

Companies: Lots of rental places in Makkah

Driving yourself pros:

• Total flexibility
• Stop whenever you want
• Explore at your pace
• Can take scenic route slowly

Driving yourself cons:

• Mountain roads are tricky if you’re not used to them
• Parking in Taif can be hassle
• You’re dealing with navigation
• Fuel costs extra
• Rental insurance needed

Fuel cost one way: About SAR 40-60

Honest take: Fine if you’re confident driving mountain roads. First time in Saudi Arabia? Maybe stick with a taxi.

Best Times to Travel from Makkah to Taif

By Hour

5-7 AM (Best)

• Roads are empty
• Cool temperature
• See sunrise over mountains
• Arrive Taif early, full day ahead

8-10 AM (Good)

• Still light traffic
• Temperature rising but manageable
• Get there mid-morning

11 AM-3 PM (Avoid)

• Hot in the car despite AC
• More traffic
• Harsh sunlight (bad for scenic route photos)
• Everyone’s tired from heat

4-6 PM (Good)

• Cooler
• Sunset views on scenic route are gorgeous
• Traffic picking up though
• Arrive Taif evening time

7 PM onwards (OK)

• Less traffic
• Cool
• But you miss all the scenic views in the dark
• Some people feel safer driving mountains in daylight

By Day

Tuesday, Wednesday (Best)

• Least traffic
• Better taxi rates
• Taif is quieter
• Hotels have rooms

Monday (OK)

• Bit busier than mid-week
• Still reasonable

Thursday (Busy)

• Saudi weekend starts
• Loads of people heading to Taif
• Traffic heavier
• Prices go up
• Book ahead

Friday (Very Busy)

• Worst day
• Everyone’s out
• Traffic jams common
• Higher fares
• Taif gets packed

Saturday, Sunday (Medium)

• Weekend but fewer long trips
• Decent option

By Season

Winter (November-February) – Best

• Perfect weather in Taif (10-20°C)
• Cool and comfortable
• Sometimes rain makes everything green
• Rose season starts late winter
• Book accommodation ahead – popular time

Spring (March-April) – Excellent

• Rose blooming season
• Taif festivals happening
• Beautiful weather
• Very popular – book early

Summer (May-September) – Hot but OK

• Taif is still cooler than Makkah (25-30°C vs 40-45°C)
• Many Saudis escape there
• Good deals sometimes
• Avoid driving mid-day

Ramadan – Special

• Whole different vibe
• People travel after Iftar
• Late night trips common
• Roads busy after sunset
• Beautiful atmosphere

Hajj Season – Complicated

• Roads can be very busy
• Prices spike
• Book way ahead
• Some routes restricted

Traffic Patterns & Road Conditions

Normal day traffic flow:

Makkah to Taif direction:

• Morning rush (8-10 AM): Moderate
• Midday: Light
• Afternoon (3-5 PM): Moderate
• Evening (6-8 PM): Can be heavy
• Night: Light

Taif to Makkah direction (return):

• Evening (5-8 PM): Heavy on weekends
• Night (8 PM onwards): Lighter

Road condition: Highway 15 is excellent. Well-paved, regularly maintained, good lighting at night, clear lane markings. Scenic route is good too but narrower with more curves.

Tolls: No toll roads on this route. One less thing to worry about.

Petrol stations: Several along Highway 15. Fill up if you’re self-driving and starting on low tank.

Rest stops: Few rest areas with facilities (toilets, coffee shops). Al Hada area has some.

Mobile signal: Works throughout the journey. Good network coverage.

What to Do in Taif: Quick Guide

Since you’re making the trip, here’s what actually makes Taif worth visiting:

Rose Gardens (Famous!):

• Taif produces some of world’s best rose oil
• Visit rose farms (many offer tours)
• Buy pure rose water and perfumes
• Best time: March-April when roses bloom

Shafa Mountain:

• Higher elevation, even cooler
• Stunning views
• Cable car rides
• Nice for families

Al Rudaf Park:

• Big green space
• Good for picnics
• Kids love it
• Cooler than Makkah

Souq Okaz:

• Traditional market
• Crafts, local products
• Food stalls
• Cultural experience

Taif Zoo:

• Decent zoo
• Kids enjoy it
• Shaded areas

Restaurants:

• Lots of good food options
• Try local honey
• Fresh fruit everywhere
• Saudi and international cuisine

Where to stay if you’re doing overnight:

• Budget: SAR 150-300 (local hotels)
• Mid-range: SAR 400-600 (Intercontinental, Marriott)
• Luxury: SAR 800+ (resorts with mountain views)

Scenic Stops Along the Way

If you’ve got time and you’re not in a rush, these stops are worth it:

Al Hada Mountain viewpoint:

• About halfway
• Pullover area for photos
• Incredible views down the valley
• 5-10 minute stop

Cable car station:

• Al Hada area
• Can ride cable car if you want (extra cost)
• Good photo spot even if you don’t ride

Fruit stands:

• Locals sell fresh honey, fruits, nuts
• Prices are decent
• Try the pomegranates

Rest area with facilities:

• Clean toilets
• Coffee shop
• Souvenirs
• Parking

Tell your driver you want to stop at these. Most are fine with it, adds maybe 20-30 minutes total to journey.

Tips for Your Makkah to Taif Journey

Before you leave:

• Book taxi 1-2 days ahead – Especially weekends and peak seasons
• Confirm exact pickup time – Be ready 10 minutes early
• Agree on route – Highway or scenic, make sure driver knows
• Set price clearly – No confusion later
• Check weather – Taif can be cold, bring a jacket
• Light breakfast – Long journey, eat something first
• Charge phone – Navigation, photos, entertainment

What to bring:

• Jacket or sweater – Temperature drops in mountains, especially winter
• Comfortable clothes – You’ll be sitting 1.5-2 hours
• Water bottle – Stay hydrated
• Snacks – In case you get hungry
• Sunglasses – Bright sun on mountain roads
• Camera/phone – Views are incredible
• Cash – Some places in Taif don’t take cards
• Medications – If you need them (motion sickness, etc.)

During the journey:

• Seatbelt on – Mountain roads have curves
• Tell driver if you feel sick – They can slow down or stop
• Enjoy the views – It’s genuinely beautiful
• Ask driver about stops – Most are happy to pull over for photos

Money-saving tricks:

• Travel mid-week – Cheaper than weekends
• Book round trip – Often cheaper than two one-ways
• Share with other travelers – Split the cost
• Negotiate street taxis – Don’t take first price
• Off-peak seasons – Summer deals happen

Comparison: All Your Transport Options

Our recommendation: Private taxi for most people. Good balance of cost, comfort, and convenience. Family van if you’re 5+ people. Bus only if budget is super tight.

Combining Taif with Other Trips

Jeddah-Makkah-Taif triangle:

Lots of visitors do: Arrive Jeddah Airport → Makkah (Umrah/visit) → Taif (day trip or overnight) → Back to Jeddah Airport

We can arrange the whole thing. Check our Makkah to Jeddah Airport taxi service.

Makkah-Taif-Madinah:

Some people go: Makkah → Taif (short visit) → Madinah (Ziyarat)

We do the Makkah to Madinah leg too. See our Makkah to Madinah taxi service.

Multi-day packages:

Ask us about combining:

• Makkah Ziyarat (Jabal Noor, Hira Cave, etc.)
• Taif day trip
• Airport transfers
• Madinah transport

Package deals save money compared to booking each separately.

Why Taif Is Worth the Trip

The weather alone: When Makkah’s hitting 45°C, Taif’s at comfortable 25-30°C. That temperature drop when you arrive? Amazing.

The scenery: Mountains, green landscapes (after rain), rose gardens. Total contrast to desert.

The vibe: Relaxed, vacation feel. People are chilled out, lots of families, street food, markets.

The experience: It’s what Saudis do for weekend breaks. You’re experiencing local life, not just tourist stuff.

The roses: Seriously, the rose products are incredible. Pure rose water, perfume oils, sweets. Buy some.

The elevation: Taif sits at like 1,700 meters altitude. Air feels different, fresher.

Worth the 1.5 hour drive? Absolutely.

Makkah to Taif: Your Questions Answered

How much is taxi from Makkah to Taif? Standard sedan runs SAR 200-300. Luxury car costs SAR 400-600. Family van for bigger groups is SAR 500-800. Shared taxis work out to SAR 50-100 per person. Price depends on vehicle type, time you’re going, which day, and whether it’s one-way or round trip. Book with us for fixed transparent pricing. How many kilometers from Makkah to Taif? 85 to 90 kilometers depending which route you take. Highway 15 is about 85 km – fastest route. Scenic mountain route through Al Hada is closer to 90 km – more beautiful but takes longer. Both roads are in good condition. How long does it take from Makkah to Taif? Highway 15 gets you there in about 1.5 hours when traffic’s normal. Taking the scenic mountain road? You’re looking at closer to 2 hours because of all the curves and turns. Thursday evenings, Fridays, or during Hajj? Traffic packs up and you could be sitting there 2+ hours. Leave super early in the morning and you might make it in 1 hour 15 minutes. What’s the cheapest way to get to Taif from Makkah? SAPTCO bus wins on price – SAR 40-70 per person. But you’re on that bus for 2-3 hours and you’ve got to get yourself to the bus station first. Shared taxis cost SAR 50-100 per person and they’re easier. Here’s the thing though – if there’s 3 or 4 of you, just split a private taxi. Works out to similar money (SAR 200-300 total) and you’re way more comfortable. Can I take Highway 15 or should I take the scenic route? Want quick? Highway 15. Want views that’ll blow your mind? Al Hada Mountain Road all the way. First time going to Taif? Definitely take the scenic route – it’s gorgeous. Got a meeting or you’re in a hurry? Stick to Highway 15. Oh, and some drivers want extra money for the scenic route – sort that out before you start.

Is the Makkah to Taif road safe? Both roads are fine, yeah. Highway 15 is a big main road – well looked after, lit up at night, police patrol it. The mountain route’s got some steep bits and sharp hairpin bends but nothing sketchy if your driver knows what he’s doing. Wear your seatbelt, don’t rush the curves. Literally thousands of people do this drive every single day without problems. What’s the best time to visit Taif from Makkah? Weather’s perfect from November through April – winter and spring. March-April is when roses bloom, which is incredible if you’re into that. Summer? Still works because Taif stays way cooler than Makkah. Friday afternoons are a nightmare for traffic though, skip those. Leave Makkah around 6-8 in the morning – roads are empty and you get there feeling fresh. Do I need to book taxi in advance? Weekdays you can probably find a taxi same day, but booking a day or two ahead guarantees your ride and usually better price. Thursdays, Fridays, holidays, Ramadan, Hajj season – book at least 3-5 days early. Peak seasons, book even earlier. Street taxis are always around but you’re gambling on quality and price. Can the taxi wait for me in Taif and bring me back? Yeah, that’s what most day-trippers do. Tell the driver how long you need (2 hours, 4 hours, whatever). They’ll wait or arrange to pick you up. Waiting charges are extra – usually SAR 100-200 depending on duration. Book round trip with waiting time included upfront so there’s no confusion. What should I see in Taif? Rose gardens are the main thing – Taif is famous for roses. Shafa Mountain has great views and cable car. Al Rudaf Park is nice for families. Souq Okaz for traditional market experience. Try local honey and fruits. If you’re there overnight, Taif Zoo is decent. Main thing is just enjoying the cool weather and mountain scenery – it’s refreshing after Makkah’s heat.