Hyundai Starex H1 Taxi – Private 7-Seat Family Van for Umrah Pilgrims
The Hyundai Starex H1 is one of the most recognized and trusted Umrah transport vehicles in Saudi Arabia. For families of 5 to 7 passengers traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, the H1 offers a practical, spacious, and well-established option that has served pilgrims across the kingdom for over a decade.
The Umrah Taxi provides private, non-shared Hyundai Starex H1 bookings with experienced drivers, fixed all-inclusive fares, and 24/7 WhatsApp booking. Your H1 carries only your family. No other passengers, no shared stops, no unexpected detours.
For families of up to 4, see our sedan taxi page. For groups of 8 to 11, see our Toyota Hiace page. For the newer premium Hyundai van, see our Hyundai Staria page.
| Seats | Luggage | Jeddah to Makkah | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 passengers | 8 to 10 bags | SAR 350 | 24/7 |
Hyundai Starex H1 Fares – All Routes and Services
All fares are fixed, all-inclusive, and confirmed before travel. Driver, fuel, and highway tolls included. Prices may vary during Ramadan and Hajj season.
| Route | Hyundai Starex H1 7 seats |
|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah Hotel | SAR 350 |
| Makkah Hotel to Jeddah Airport | SAR 350 |
| Jeddah Airport to Madinah Hotel | SAR 550 |
| Jeddah Hotel to Jeddah Airport | SAR 290 |
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 580 |
| Madinah to Makkah | SAR 580 |
| Makkah to Madinah via Badr | SAR 750 |
| Madinah to Makkah via Badr | SAR 750 |
| Madinah to Jeddah | SAR 580 |
| Jeddah to Madinah | SAR 550 |
| Makkah to Taif (return) | SAR 580 |
| Jeddah to Taif (return) | SAR 750 |
| Makkah to Riyadh | SAR 1,500 |
| Jeddah to Riyadh | SAR 1,500 |
| Madinah to Riyadh | SAR 1,500 |
| Makkah Ziyarat half day | SAR 350 |
| Madinah Ziyarat half day | SAR 300 |
| Madinah Ziyarat with Wadi-e-Jinn | SAR 450 |
| Madinah Airport to Hotel | SAR 250 |
| Makkah Ziyarat full tour | SAR 410 |
Per-person value:
For a family of 7 traveling from Jeddah Airport to Makkah at SAR 350 total, the per-person cost is SAR 50. This is lower than booking two sedans at SAR 500 total combined while keeping the entire family in one private vehicle together.
Why the Hyundai H1 is the Most Recognized Umrah Family Van in Saudi Arabia
The Hyundai Starex, known across Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the broader Muslim world as simply the H1, has been the preferred family van for Umrah pilgrim transport in Saudi Arabia for well over a decade. Drive through any hotel zone in Makkah or Madinah during Umrah season and the white H1 vans are among the most visible vehicles on the road.
This recognition matters to pilgrims. When a family arrives at King Abdulaziz International Airport after a long international flight, seeing a familiar vehicle type waiting with their name on a board provides immediate comfort. The H1 is not an unfamiliar luxury vehicle or an oversized bus. It is a practical, sized-right family van that the Umrah community across the world has trusted for years.
For Pakistani pilgrims in particular, the H1 is deeply familiar. It operates extensively in Pakistan for family transport and its reputation for reliability is well established. Many Pakistani families specifically request the H1 when booking Umrah transport precisely because they know what to expect from the vehicle.
The H1 in Saudi Arabia:
The Hyundai Starex H1 is widely used across Saudi Arabia for school transport, corporate staff transfer, hotel shuttle service, and private pilgrim transport. Spare parts are readily available, mechanics are experienced with the vehicle, and drivers across the kingdom are trained on it. This established ecosystem makes the H1 one of the most reliably maintained vehicles in our fleet.
Hyundai Starex H1 Specifications – Capacity, Luggage and Comfort
Passenger capacity:
Up to 7 passengers in standard configuration. Seating is arranged in three rows: front passenger seat beside the driver, a middle row of two to three seats, and a rear row of two to three seats. For families with young children, the rear row can be arranged to accommodate a child seat.
Boot space and sliding door:
The H1 has a sliding side door for passenger entry and a rear tailgate for luggage access. This sliding door configuration is particularly practical in crowded hotel pickup areas and at airport terminals where door space is limited.
Luggage capacity:
8 to 10 standard bags in the rear luggage area behind the last row of seats. For families traveling light this is comfortable. For families returning from Umrah with Zamzam water containers and Madinah gifts, we recommend declaring your luggage volume at booking. If luggage exceeds the H1 capacity, we recommend upgrading to the Toyota Hiace which accommodates 16 bags.
Dimensions:
The H1 is a mid-size van, longer than a standard sedan but significantly more compact than the Toyota Hiace. This size makes it practical for navigating the narrow hotel zones around Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Nabawi hotel zone in Madinah where larger vehicles can struggle with access.
Air conditioning:
Dual zone air conditioning with front and rear vents. The H1 maintains a comfortable interior temperature on all routes including long-distance summer journeys between the holy cities.
Differences between H1 and Staria:
The Hyundai Staria is the newer generation replacement for the H1. The Staria has a more contemporary exterior design, a slightly wider cabin, and a more premium interior finish. Both vehicles seat 7 passengers. The H1 is the more established and widely recognized vehicle in the Saudi Umrah transport market.
Hyundai H1 Routes – Distance, Travel Time and Fare
Jeddah Airport to Makkah by H1:
- Distance: approximately 85 km.
- Travel time: 60 to 90 minutes.
- Fare: SAR 350.
The most commonly booked H1 route for arriving Umrah families. Your family of up to 7 travels together from KAIA arrivals directly to your Makkah hotel.
See our Jeddah to Makkah taxi page for full route details.
Makkah to Madinah by H1:
- Distance: approximately 430 km.
- Travel time: 4 to 5 hours.
- Fare: SAR 580.
- Via Badr option with a Ziyarat stop at the battlefield: SAR 750.
The central Umrah intercity journey. The H1 provides comfortable family travel on this long route with a planned rest stop at the midpoint.
See our Makkah to Madinah taxi page for full details.
Jeddah to Madinah by H1:
- Distance: approximately 420 km.
- Travel time: 4 to 5 hours.
- Fare: SAR 550.
- Return from Madinah to Jeddah: SAR 580.
For families traveling directly from Jeddah to Madinah.
Makkah Ziyarat by H1:
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours short tour, 4 to 5 hours full tour. The H1 comfortably carries a family of up to 7 to visit Jabal al-Nour, Jannat al-Mu’alla, Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, Jabal Thawr, and Masjid al-Jinn. Waiting time at each site included. Fare from SAR 350 half day, SAR 410 full tour.
See our Makkah Ziyarat taxi page for the full sites list.
Madinah Ziyarat by H1:
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours short tour, 3 to 4 hours full tour. The H1 covers Masjid Quba, Jabal Uhud, Jannat al-Baqi, Masjid al-Qiblatain, and Masajid Sab’a. Wadi-e-Jinn extended tour also available. Fare from SAR 300 half day, SAR 450 with Wadi-e-Jinn.
See our Madinah Ziyarat taxi page for full details.
Makkah to Taif by H1 (return):
Distance: approximately 80 km each way. The H1 is well-suited for Taif Ziyarat day trips covering Masjid Addas, Qarn al-Manazil, and Al-Hada Mountain. Return fare: SAR 580 from Makkah, SAR 750 from Jeddah.
See our Taif Ziyarat taxi page for full site details.
Riyadh routes by H1:
All three Riyadh intercity routes (to Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah) are SAR 1,500 per vehicle in the H1. These are the longest journeys in our network at 860 to 980 km. The H1 provides comfortable 7-seat travel for Riyadh-based pilgrim families making the Umrah journey.
See our Riyadh taxi service page for full details.
Hyundai H1 vs Staria vs Hiace – Which 7-Seat Van is Right for You?
| Feature | Hyundai Starex H1 | Hyundai Staria | Toyota Hiace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passengers | 7 | 7 | 11 |
| Luggage bags | 8 to 10 | 8 to 10 | 16 |
| Model status | Established classic | Newer premium | Group minibus |
| Interior | Practical, familiar | Modern, wider cabin | Minibus layout |
| Jeddah to Makkah | SAR 350 | SAR 350 | SAR 460 |
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 580 | SAR 580 | SAR 750 |
| Best for | Families who know the H1 | Families wanting newer model | Groups of 8 to 11 |
Both the H1 and the Staria seat 7 passengers at the same fares on most routes. The choice between them comes down to preference rather than capacity or price.
Choose the H1 if your family has traveled in an H1 before and prefers the familiar vehicle. The H1 is more widely recognized and requested by Pakistani and Southeast Asian pilgrim families who have used it on previous Umrah journeys.
Choose the Staria if your family prefers a newer model with a more contemporary interior. The Staria has a wider cabin and a more modern design while carrying the same number of passengers at similar fares.
Choose the Hiace if your group exceeds 7 passengers. The Hiace is the next size up at 11 seats.
Practical Guide – Traveling in a Hyundai H1 for Umrah
Ihram travel in the H1:
The H1 is well-suited for travel in the state of Ihram. The sliding door allows easy entry without disturbing the Ihram garments. The spacious interior means passengers are not cramped against each other during the journey. Our drivers understand Ihram etiquette and maintain a respectful environment throughout the journey.
Elderly pilgrims in the H1:
The sliding door and step entry of the H1 are suitable for most elderly pilgrims. For those with significant mobility challenges, boarding assistance is provided by the driver. The rear seats are slightly lower than the middle row which some elderly passengers find easier to access. If your group includes elderly pilgrims with specific mobility requirements, mention this at booking.
Families with young children:
The H1 accommodates child seats in the rear row. If you need a child seat, mention the age of the child at booking so we can confirm the appropriate seat arrangement. The sliding door is particularly safe for children as it cannot swing open into traffic.
Luggage for returning pilgrims:
Families returning from Umrah typically carry more luggage than on arrival due to Zamzam water purchases, dates, prayer items, and gifts. A 5-liter Zamzam container for 7 passengers means 7 additional items on top of regular luggage. Declare your full expected return luggage volume at booking so we can confirm whether the H1 is sufficient or recommend upgrading to the Hiace.
Prayer stops:
All our drivers accommodate prayer stop requests on long-distance routes. On the Makkah to Madinah route, there are mosque facilities at the planned rest stop at approximately the halfway point. Drivers are aware of prayer times and plan journey pacing accordingly.
Non-Muslim access:
The H1, like all our vehicles serving Makkah routes, is driven by Muslim drivers who are fully permitted to operate within the city limits of Makkah which is restricted to Muslims only.
How to Book Your Hyundai H1 – 3 Steps
Step 1:
Send your pickup location, destination, travel date and time, number of passengers, luggage count, and route via WhatsApp. If traveling in Ihram or with elderly passengers or young children, mention this so we assign the most suitable driver and confirm vehicle configuration.
Step 2:
We confirm your H1 booking, driver details, fixed all-inclusive fare, and planned rest stop schedule for intercity routes. For Ramadan and Hajj season, book at least two weeks in advance.
Step 3:
Your driver arrives at your hotel or airport at the confirmed time. For airport pickups, your driver waits at arrivals with your name displayed. Assist with luggage loading and begin the journey. Pay in cash at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Private Hyundai H1 Today
Whether you are a family of 5, 6, or 7 making your Umrah journey, The Umrah Taxi provides private Hyundai Starex H1 bookings with fixed all-inclusive fares, Muslim drivers, and 24/7 WhatsApp support across all routes in Saudi Arabia.
For all routes and services, visit our complete fleet overview.
Share your family size, route, and travel dates on WhatsApp and receive a confirmed quote within minutes.
