How Much Is the Taxi Fare from Makkah to Mina?

The taxi fare from Makkah to Mina is 60 SAR for a standard sedan covering the 14.5 kilometer journey in about 17 minutes via King Fahd Road during non-Hajj periods. Mina, the tent city where pilgrims perform crucial Hajj rituals including the stoning of Jamarat and overnight stays, sits east of Masjid al-Haram and serves as a central location during the annual pilgrimage when millions gather to complete their religious obligations.

We offer Muslim taxi service from Makkah to Mina year-round with professional drivers familiar with both regular routes and Hajj-period restrictions. Our fleet handles individual pilgrims visiting outside Hajj season and group transport during permitted times when private vehicles can access the area.

Understanding Mina and When Pilgrims Visit

Mina is a small valley town located between Makkah and Mount Arafat, famous for its massive tent city that houses millions of Hajj pilgrims annually. During the rest of the year, Mina remains relatively quiet with permanent infrastructure including the Jamarat Bridge where pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning ritual.

During Hajj (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah): Mina transforms into the world’s largest temporary city with over 100,000 air-conditioned tents organized by country and pilgrim group. Private taxis cannot enter during this period – the Saudi government provides free shuttle bus systems, and most pilgrims arrive with organized tour groups that handle transportation.

Outside Hajj season: Pilgrims visit Mina as part of Makkah Ziyarat tours to see the Jamarat, walk through the tent structures, and learn about Hajj rituals. This is when private taxi service operates normally with the standard fares outlined in this guide.

The journey from Mina back to Makkah follows the same route and distance. Transportation from Mina to the Haram takes approximately 17 minutes covering 14.5 kilometers via King Fahd Road, though during Hajj this extends significantly due to the massive volume of pilgrims moving simultaneously.

Exact Taxi Fares: Makkah to Mina

Here’s what you actually pay for taxi transport between Makkah and Mina outside the Hajj period when private vehicles have access:

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The cheapest taxi fare from Makkah to Mina is 60 SAR for a standard sedan that comfortably fits up to four passengers. Families or small groups find better value in the 7-seater options where splitting 95 or 100 SAR among six or seven people costs each traveler about 14 to 17 SAR – comparable to bus fares but with door-to-door convenience.

These rates apply for Mina Umrah taxi service when pilgrims visit outside Hajj season to see the Jamarat, walk through the tent city, and learn about the rituals performed here. During Hajj itself, private taxi access is prohibited and the Saudi government provides free shuttle transportation for all pilgrims.

Distance and Route Details

How far is Mina from Mecca by taxi? The exact distance from Masjid al-Haram to Mina is 14.5 kilometers measured via the main highway route that pilgrims and taxis use year-round.

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The Makkah to Mina distance by road follows King Fahd Road (طريق الملك فهد) heading east from the central Haram area. This modern, wide highway was built specifically to handle the massive pilgrim traffic during Hajj while providing efficient year-round access for maintenance vehicles and visitors.

During non-Hajj periods, traffic flows smoothly and the 17-minute journey time is consistent throughout the day. Early morning and late evening see even lighter traffic. Midday might add a few minutes during peak Umrah seasons when Makkah sees higher visitor numbers.

Makkah to Mina walking distance: The direct pedestrian route used during Hajj measures approximately 8 to 10 kilometers depending on which Haram gate you start from and which section of Mina you’re heading to. Pilgrims walking this route during Hajj typically take 3 to 4 hours, though younger, fitter individuals can complete it in 2 to 2.5 hours. This walking route uses designated pilgrim paths that are shorter than the road distance but obviously much slower than vehicular transport.

Transportation Options from Makkah to Mina

How do I get from Makkah to Mina? Several transportation options exist depending on whether you’re visiting during Hajj or outside the pilgrimage season:

Private Taxi (Outside Hajj): The most convenient option for non-Hajj visits. Book through services like ours for fixed-rate, door-to-door transport from your Makkah hotel directly to Mina’s entrance. You control departure timing, can visit at your own pace, and return when ready.

Hajj Shuttle Buses (During Hajj only): The Saudi government operates an extensive free bus network during Hajj connecting Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. These buses run on fixed schedules coordinated with Hajj ritual timings. Most pilgrims use these as private vehicles are prohibited from Mina during Hajj days.

Walking (Hajj pilgrims): Many physically able pilgrims choose to walk from Makkah to Mina during Hajj as part of their spiritual journey. Dedicated pedestrian paths with rest stops, water stations, and medical posts line the route. The Saudi authorities strongly encourage this for those capable as it reduces vehicular congestion.

Makkah to Mina bus services (organized groups): Tour operators and pilgrim groups often arrange private buses for their members traveling outside Hajj season. If you’re part of an organized Umrah group that includes Mina in the itinerary, this transport is usually included in your package.

How far is Mina from Mecca by train? Currently, there is no direct train service to Mina. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah with Jeddah and Madinah but does not have a Mina station. During Hajj, the government has operated temporary metro systems and shuttle train links in the past, but these are Hajj-specific and not available for regular visitors.

What Pilgrims See and Do in Mina

Mina serves specific purposes in Islamic pilgrimage, and understanding what’s there helps explain why pilgrims visit:

The Jamarat Bridge: This multi-level structure houses the three stone pillars (Jamarat al-Aqaba, Jamarat al-Wusta, and Jamarat al-Ula) where pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning ritual during Hajj. The current bridge replaced older structures after tragic crowd incidents and now handles millions of pilgrims safely with organized flow systems.

According to Islamic scholars, the stoning represents the rejection of Satan and evil, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s resistance to Satan’s temptations. Pilgrims throw pebbles at each pillar during specific days of Hajj (10th, 11th, 12th, and optionally 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

The Tent City: Over 100,000 fireproof, air-conditioned tents organized in neat rows cover Mina’s valley. Each tent is assigned to specific countries and pilgrim groups. During Hajj, pilgrims sleep here on the 8th, 11th, and 12th nights of Dhul Hijjah. Outside Hajj, the tents remain standing and visitors can walk through to see the infrastructure.

Medical facilities and services: Mina contains hospitals, clinics, fire stations, police posts, and all infrastructure needed to support millions of temporary residents. The organization and logistics of managing this massive temporary city fascinate many visitors.

Historical significance: This valley is where Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismail, and where the substitution with a ram occurred – the event Muslims commemorate during Eid al-Adha. Walking this ground connects pilgrims to that pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Most visits outside Hajj last 1 to 2 hours – enough time to see the Jamarat, walk through sections of the tent city, pray, take photos, and learn about the Hajj rituals from your driver or guide.

How to Get from Mina to Haram

How to go from Mina to Haram? The return journey follows the same route in reverse. Taxis parked at Mina or pre-booked for round-trip service take you back to Makkah covering the 14.5 kilometers in about 17 minutes via King Fahd Road.

If you booked round-trip service, your driver waits at the Mina parking area while you visit the sites. This is more convenient than trying to find transport after your visit, especially since Mina sees far less taxi traffic than central Makkah during non-Hajj periods.

During Hajj: Getting from Mina back to Makkah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (after stoning and before Tawaf al-Ifadah) involves the free shuttle bus system. Buses run continuously during this period, though you might wait 20 to 40 minutes during peak movement times when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are traveling simultaneously.

Many Hajj pilgrims walk from Mina back to Makkah, treating it as part of their spiritual journey. The pedestrian paths remain crowded but generally flow well with Saudi traffic management controlling pilgrim movement.

If you’re staying in Mina during Hajj and need to reach the Haram for prayers: Most pilgrims pray at the small mosques within Mina rather than traveling back and forth to Masjid al-Haram. The distance and crowd logistics make multiple daily trips impractical. Pilgrims typically return to the Haram only for required rituals like Tawaf al-Ifadah.

Booking Your Makkah to Mina Taxi

Reserving taxi transport to Mina works through our standard booking process:

Contact us via WhatsApp (+966 537672872) or our online system: Share your hotel name in Makkah, preferred visit date and time, number of passengers, and whether you want round-trip service with driver waiting.

We confirm availability and vehicle: Based on your group size, we assign the appropriate vehicle. Couples or small families get sedans at 60 SAR. Larger groups receive vans or SUVs with pricing adjusted for capacity.

Driver coordination: We send driver details including name, phone number, vehicle model, color, and license plate. The driver contacts you 30 minutes before pickup to confirm exact location.

Flexible timing: Since Mina visits outside Hajj are educational/historical rather than ritual obligations, you can visit any time of day. Morning visits offer cooler temperatures. Afternoon and evening work equally well as the sites remain accessible.

Combined tours: Many pilgrims visit Mina as part of larger Makkah Ziyarat packages that include other sites like Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah, Cave of Hira, and Cave of Thawr. Bundling these into one tour costs less than booking separate trips to each location.

For pilgrims continuing to Madinah after Makkah, our intercity taxi service handles the 450-kilometer journey between the holy cities. And if you’re catching flights from Jeddah after completing your pilgrimage, our airport transfer service coordinates timing with your departure schedule.

Practical Visitor Information

What to bring for Mina visits:

– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses) as much of Mina is outdoors with limited shade
– Comfortable walking shoes for touring the tent city and Jamarat area
– Water bottle (Mina can be hot during midday)
– Phone or camera for photos
– Modest clothing appropriate for visiting Islamic sites

Best times to visit:

Early morning or late afternoon offer more comfortable temperatures, especially during summer months when Makkah heat peaks midday. Mina is generally quiet outside Hajj season, so crowds aren’t a concern regardless of when you visit.

Access restrictions:

During the Hajj period (roughly 8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah each year), Mina is completely restricted to registered Hajj pilgrims only. Private taxis cannot enter, and security checkpoints verify pilgrim credentials. Outside these dates, access is open for educational visits.

Photography:

Photos are permitted throughout Mina including the Jamarat Bridge and tent city. The infrastructure is impressive and many visitors document their visit. Be respectful if you encounter people praying or studying the rituals.

Duration of visit:

Most educational visits to Mina last 1 to 2 hours. This gives you time to see the Jamarat structure, walk through sections of the tent city, take photos, pray if you wish, and absorb the significance of this location in Hajj. Longer visits aren’t necessary unless you’re conducting detailed research or photography projects.

Language:

Our drivers speak Arabic and basic English, with many also fluent in Urdu. If you need other languages (Indonesian, Turkish, Bengali), mention it when booking and we’ll try to accommodate.

Understanding Mina’s Role in Hajj

For context, here’s how Mina fits into the Hajj journey and why millions of pilgrims stay here annually:

Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims travel from Makkah to Mina and spend the day and night here, preparing spiritually for the Standing at Arafat the next day.

Day of Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims depart Mina for Mount Arafat for the most crucial Hajj ritual – standing in supplication from noon until sunset. After sunset, they travel to Muzdalifah for the night.

Day of Eid (10th Dhul Hijjah): After Fajr in Muzdalifah, pilgrims return to Mina for the first stoning of Jamarat al-Aqaba, then many travel back to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i before returning to Mina.

Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims stay in Mina, stoning all three Jamarat each day after Zuhr prayer. Most depart after the 12th day, though some stay until the 13th.

This pattern explains the massive infrastructure – Mina must accommodate millions for multiple nights during a compressed timeframe. The tent city, Jamarat Bridge, medical facilities, and road networks all serve this annual gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about taxi transport between Makkah and Mina:

How much is a taxi from Makkah to Mina? A taxi from Makkah to Mina costs 60 SAR for a standard sedan (Camry or Hyundai Sonata) carrying up to 4 passengers. Larger vehicles cost 95 SAR for 7-seater Staria vans, 100 SAR for GMC Yukon SUVs, and 120 SAR for 10-seater Hiace minibuses. The journey covers 14.5 km in about 17 minutes via King Fahd Road. How far is Mina from Mecca by taxi? The distance from Masjid al-Haram to Mina is 14.5 kilometers via King Fahd Road, which is the main highway route taxis use. This takes approximately 17 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The pedestrian walking route used during Hajj is shorter at 8 to 10 kilometers but takes 3 to 4 hours on foot. Can I visit Mina outside of Hajj? Yes, Mina is accessible for educational and historical visits throughout the year except during the Hajj period (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah) when it is restricted to registered Hajj pilgrims only. Private taxis operate normally outside Hajj season, allowing visitors to see the Jamarat Bridge and tent city infrastructure. What is the cheapest way to get from Makkah to Mina? The cheapest taxi fare from Makkah to Mina is 60 SAR for a sedan shared among up to 4 passengers (15 SAR per person if splitting). During Hajj, the Saudi government provides free shuttle buses for all pilgrims. Walking is free but takes 3 to 4 hours and is only practical during Hajj when infrastructure supports pedestrian traffic. How do I get from Mina to Makkah? Outside Hajj, book a taxi for the return journey at the same 60 SAR rate for sedans. During Hajj, use the free government shuttle bus system or walk via designated pedestrian routes. Pre-booking round-trip taxi service ensures your driver waits at Mina while you visit, eliminating the need to find transport afterward. Is there a bus from Makkah to Mina? No regular public bus service operates from Makkah to Mina outside Hajj season. During the Hajj period, the Saudi government provides extensive free shuttle bus networks connecting Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat for all pilgrims. Tour operators sometimes arrange private buses for organized groups visiting Mina.

How long does it take to drive from Makkah to Mina? The drive from Makkah to Mina takes approximately 17 minutes covering 14.5 kilometers via King Fahd Road under normal traffic conditions. During Hajj when millions of pilgrims are moving simultaneously, journey times extend significantly and can take 1 to 2 hours or more depending on crowd flow and traffic management. Can I walk from Makkah to Mina? Yes, the Makkah to Mina walking distance is 8 to 10 kilometers via dedicated pedestrian paths. This route is heavily used during Hajj when many physically able pilgrims choose to walk as part of their spiritual journey. The walk takes 3 to 4 hours with rest stops available. Outside Hajj, walking is less common as the pedestrian infrastructure is not actively maintained. Is there a train to Mina from Makkah? No, there is no regular train service to Mina. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah with Jeddah and Madinah but does not serve Mina. During some Hajj seasons, the government has operated temporary metro or shuttle train systems for pilgrim transport, but these are Hajj-specific and not available year-round. What can I see in Mina? In Mina, visitors can see the multi-level Jamarat Bridge where pilgrims stone the three pillars during Hajj, walk through the massive tent city housing over 100,000 air-conditioned tents, and observe the infrastructure supporting millions of temporary residents. The site holds historical significance as the location of Prophet Ibrahim sacrifice story and critical Hajj rituals. How much does a round trip taxi cost to Mina? Round trip taxi service from Makkah to Mina costs 120 SAR for a sedan (double the one-way rate). This includes driving you to Mina, waiting 1 to 2 hours while you visit the sites, and returning you to your Makkah hotel. For 7-seater vans the round trip is 190 SAR, and for 10-seater Hiace vehicles it runs 240 SAR. When is Mina restricted to Hajj pilgrims only? Mina is restricted to registered Hajj pilgrims only during the Hajj period, typically from the 8th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah each Islamic year. Outside these dates, the area is accessible for educational visits. Security checkpoints verify Hajj credentials during the restricted period, and private taxis cannot enter. Free government shuttle buses transport pilgrims during Hajj days.

Mina represents a crucial chapter in Islamic history and the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Whether you visit to understand the rituals before performing Hajj yourself, to educate family members about the pilgrimage journey, or simply to walk the ground where Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated ultimate submission to Allah’s command, reliable transportation removes logistical barriers. The journey from Makkah takes less than 20 minutes, but the spiritual and educational impact of standing at the Jamarat and imagining millions of pilgrims fulfilling their religious duty creates lasting memories that extend far beyond the brief taxi ride.