Makkah to Ghar-e-Hira Taxi Fare: Complete Ziyarat Guide

The Makkah to Ghar-e-Hira taxi fare is 40 SAR for a standard sedan covering the 10 kilometer journey to the base of Jabal al-Nour in about 20 minutes. This sacred cave, where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the Quran, sits atop the mountain requiring an additional 1.5 to 2 hour climb after the taxi drops you at the parking area.

 

We offer fixed pricing for all vehicle types with professional drivers who know the exact route to Jabal al-Nour and can recommend the best time to visit based on weather and crowd levels.

Exact Taxi Fares: Makkah to Cave of Hira

Here are our confirmed 2025 rates for the Mecca to Cave of Hira journey:

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The exact fare depends on how many passengers you have and where in Makkah we’re picking you up from. If you’re staying near the Clock Tower, Ajyad, or along Ibrahim Khalil Road, the distance stays roughly the same but traffic patterns change the route we take.

Wait and return pricing means our driver takes you to Jabal al-Nour, waits while you climb up and down (usually 3 to 4 hours total), then brings you back to your hotel. This is way more convenient than trying to find another taxi in that area after you finish your Ziyarat.

Distance from Makkah to Cave of Hira

How far is Ghar-e-Hira from Kaaba? The straight-line distance is about 6 kilometers, but nobody drives in a straight line. The actual road distance from Masjid al-Haram to the base of Jabal al-Nour is 10 to 12 kilometers depending on which route your driver takes.

Here’s the thing – some websites show 6 km because they’re measuring the direct distance, not the driving route. That’s misleading. You’re not flying there.

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Our drivers pick the route based on the time of day and where traffic is lighter. During Fajr time or late at night, Route 40 is quickest. Mid-morning or after Asr, King Fahd Road works better because it’s wider and handles traffic flow more smoothly.

Distance from Your Location

People often search “Ghar e Hira distance from my location” because they want to know from their specific hotel. Look, if you’re staying anywhere in the Haram area – whether that’s the Clock Tower complex, Swissotel, hotels along Ajyad Street, or properties in Aziziyah – you’re looking at 10 to 12 kilometers to Jabal al-Nour.

Hotels near Ibrahim Khalil Road or in the Kudai area might add an extra kilometer or two depending on which side you’re on. Same story if you’re in Shisha or Misfalah neighborhoods. The Hilton Convention area or properties along the First Ring Road are slightly further out, maybe 12 to 13 kilometers, but we’re still talking a 20 to 25 minute drive.

Bottom line? Your exact pickup spot matters less than you think. The climb is what takes time, not the taxi ride.

The Climb: What to Actually Expect

Here’s what nobody tells you upfront – the taxi drops you at a parking area at the base of Jabal al-Nour. From there, you climb. On foot. For 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take.

I’ve talked to hundreds of pilgrims who visited this cave. Some made it to the top in an hour because they’re fit and went early morning when it’s cool. Others took closer to 2.5 hours because they went midday in the heat or had elderly parents with them.

The path is rocky. It’s steep in sections. You need proper shoes – not flip flops, not dress shoes. Sneakers or hiking shoes. Bring water. Bring more water than you think you need. The sun is brutal, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Yeah, the view from the top is incredible. Yeah, the spiritual significance makes it worth the effort. But go in knowing it’s a genuine physical challenge, not a casual walk.

Best time to climb? Right after Fajr prayer. You catch sunrise, the temperature is bearable, and you avoid the midday heat and crowds. Second best is late afternoon, maybe 4 PM onwards, when the sun isn’t directly overhead.

Why Pilgrims Visit the Cave of Hira

Ghar-e-Hira, also known as the Cave of Hira or Ghar Hira, sits atop Jabal al-Nour (the Mountain of Light). This is where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to retreat for meditation and contemplation before receiving prophethood.

According to Islamic historical sources, it was in this cave during the month of Ramadan that Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to the Prophet with the first verses of the Quran: “Read in the name of your Lord who created…”

That moment changed human history. Every Muslim who visits Makkah feels drawn to this place because of what it represents – the beginning of divine revelation, the start of Islam’s message to humanity.

It’s not mandatory to visit during Umrah or Hajj. There’s no religious obligation. But the historical and spiritual connection pulls people here. Standing in that small cave, looking out over Makkah, imagining what the Prophet experienced – it hits different than reading about it in a book.

Planning Your Complete Journey

Let’s break down the realistic timeline for visiting Cave of Hira from Makkah:

Step 1: Taxi to Jabal al-Nour base – 20 to 25 minutes from most Makkah hotels

Step 2: Start the climb – Most people begin at the parking area where our taxi drops you. There are some small shops and restrooms here. Use them. You won’t find facilities higher up.

Step 3: Climb to the cave – Budget 1.5 to 2 hours. Take breaks. Don’t rush. Plenty of pilgrims sit on rocks along the way to catch their breath and drink water.

Step 4: Time at the cave – The cave itself is small, maybe 4 meters long and less than 2 meters wide. You can’t all fit inside at once if you’re in a group. People spend 15 to 30 minutes here praying, making dua, taking in the view.

Step 5: Descent – Coming down takes 45 minutes to an hour. Honestly, it’s harder on your knees than going up.

Step 6: Return taxi – If you booked wait and return service, your driver is at the parking area. If you took a one-way taxi, you’ll need to arrange pickup or grab another taxi from the parking lot.

Total time: 4 to 5 hours from leaving your Makkah hotel to getting back.

Plan accordingly. Don’t schedule this on a day when you have other commitments. Give yourself the full morning or full afternoon.

Taxi vs Uber to Cave of Hira

Can you get an Uber from Mecca to Cave of Hira? Yeah, Uber and Careem both operate in Makkah. But here’s why most pilgrims end up booking a dedicated taxi:

Finding a return ride is the problem. The parking area at Jabal al-Nour isn’t exactly crawling with Uber drivers waiting around. You’ll finish your climb, exhausted, thirsty, ready to get back to your hotel, and you’re opening the app hoping someone accepts your request.

Sometimes it works fine. Sometimes you wait 20 or 30 minutes and sometimes nobody accepts because drivers don’t want to drive out there for a single fare.

Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Makkah for this route? On paper, maybe. You might save 10 or 20 riyals if surge pricing doesn’t hit. But the uncertainty after a physical climb? Not worth the stress for most people.

When you book wait and return service with us, the driver is there when you come down. Guaranteed. You pay a bit more upfront for that peace of mind.

How to Book Your Cave of Hira Taxi

Booking is straightforward. You can reserve your taxi to Jabal al-Nour through our website or contact us directly on WhatsApp.

What we need from you:

• Your hotel name or pickup address in Makkah
• How many passengers
• Preferred date and time
• One-way only or wait and return service

We’ll confirm your booking, send driver details, and coordinate the exact pickup time. Our drivers know the area well and can advise you on the best time to go based on weather forecasts and typical crowd patterns.

For early morning departures (right after Fajr), we recommend booking at least a day ahead so we can assign a driver who’s comfortable with that schedule.

Payment is flexible – cash in Saudi Riyals, card, or secure online link. Whatever works for you.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ghar-e-Hira

What to bring:

• At least 2 liters of water per person (you’ll drink more than you expect)
• Proper walking shoes with good grip
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Small towel to wipe sweat
• Phone for photos (the view is stunning)
• Some cash for parking attendants or small purchases at the base

What to avoid:

• Don’t go midday in summer (it’s dangerously hot)
• Don’t wear flip flops or sandals (your feet will hurt and it’s unsafe)
• Don’t carry heavy bags (you want your hands free for balance)
• Don’t rush the climb (plenty of pilgrims have slipped trying to go too fast)

Elderly or children: Be realistic about physical ability. The climb is steep. If someone in your group has knee problems, heart conditions, or limited mobility, this might not be suitable. There’s no shame in viewing Jabal al-Nour from the base and making dua there instead of attempting the full climb.

Photography inside the cave is generally allowed but be respectful. People are praying and reflecting. This isn’t Instagram central.

After Makkah: Continue Your Journey

Many pilgrims visit Makkah’s historic sites before or after traveling to Madinah. If you’re planning the full pilgrimage experience, check out our Makkah to Madinah taxi service for comfortable intercity transfer with professional drivers who’ve made this route thousands of times.

Need to catch a flight after your Ziyarat? Our Makkah to Jeddah Airport taxi runs 24/7 with flight tracking so you never miss your departure even if your Ziyarat runs longer than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about taxi service to Cave of Hira and what to expect during your visit:

How much is a taxi from Mecca to Cave of Hira? A taxi from Mecca to the Cave of Hira costs 40 to 50 SAR for a standard sedan one-way, or 100 to 120 SAR if you want the driver to wait during your climb and bring you back. SUVs and larger vehicles cost more depending on passenger count. Distance is 10 to 12 km taking about 20 minutes drive time. How far is Ghar-e-Hira from Kaaba? The straight-line distance from Kaaba to Ghar-e-Hira is about 6 kilometers, but the actual driving route is 10 to 12 kilometers via King Fahd Road or Route 40. Travel time by car is 17 to 21 minutes depending on traffic and which route your driver takes from the Haram area. How long does the climb to Cave of Hira take? The climb from the parking area at the base of Jabal al-Nour to the cave takes 1.5 to 2 hours for most people. Fit adults going early morning might do it in an hour. Elderly visitors or those climbing midday heat might need 2 to 2.5 hours. The descent takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Can elderly people climb to Ghar-e-Hira? The climb is steep and physically demanding with rocky, uneven paths. Elderly visitors with good fitness can make it with frequent rest breaks, but those with knee problems, heart conditions, or limited mobility should reconsider. Many choose to visit the base, make dua there, and skip the full climb. Do taxis wait while you climb the mountain? Yes, you can book wait and return service where the driver stays at the parking area while you climb (usually 3 to 4 hours total). This costs about double the one-way fare but guarantees you have transport back without searching for taxis after an exhausting climb. Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Makkah for Cave of Hira? Uber might save you 10 to 20 SAR on the initial ride, but finding a return Uber from Jabal al-Nour parking area after your climb is difficult since fewer drivers operate there. Pre-booked taxi with wait service offers better value and eliminates the stress of arranging return transport when you are tired.

What is the best time to visit Cave of Hira? Right after Fajr prayer is ideal – cooler temperature, less crowded, and you catch sunrise views from the mountain. Second best is late afternoon from 4 PM onwards. Avoid midday between 11 AM and 3 PM when heat is extreme and sun exposure is dangerous especially in summer months. What should I bring for the Cave of Hira climb? Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, proper walking shoes with grip, hat for sun protection, and a towel. Do not wear flip flops or sandals. Bring your phone for photos but keep one hand free for balance. Small cash for parking attendants or purchases at the base is useful. How much does a round trip taxi cost to Cave of Hira? Round trip with waiting time costs 100 to 120 SAR for sedan, 130 to 150 SAR for family sedan, 170 to 210 SAR for SUV, and 240 to 300 SAR for premium vehicles. This includes driving you there, waiting 3 to 4 hours while you climb, and returning you to your Makkah hotel. Can you visit Cave of Hira and other sites in one day? Yes, our full-day Makkah Ziyarat tour includes Cave of Hira plus Cave of Thawr, Jannatul Mualla, and 10 other historic sites. Half-day tours focus on fewer locations. Cave of Hira alone takes 4 to 5 hours including drive and climb, so full-day tours start early to cover everything. How do I book a taxi to Jabal al-Nour? Book through our website at umrahtaxivip.com/book-now or WhatsApp us at +966 537672872. Share your hotel name, number of passengers, preferred date and time, and whether you want one-way or wait and return service. We confirm booking and send driver details before pickup. Is there a bus to Cave of Hira from Makkah? No regular public bus service runs directly to Jabal al-Nour parking area. You would need to take a city bus partway then walk or catch a taxi for the final stretch. Private taxi is the most practical and time-efficient option for reaching the mountain base where the climb begins.

The journey to Cave of Hira is more than just a taxi ride and a mountain climb. It connects you to a pivotal moment in Islamic history where revelation began. Whether you make this trip as part of a comprehensive Makkah Ziyarat tour or as a focused visit to Jabal al-Nour, we’re here to handle the logistics so you can focus on the spiritual experience.