Makkah to Taif Taxi and Taif to Makkah Taxi Service
Taif, the mountain city of Saudi Arabia, sits at 1,879 meters above sea level in the Hijaz Mountains, approximately 90 km from Makkah. It is a city of significant Islamic history, cooler air, famous rose gardens, and important Ziyarat sites. For Umrah pilgrims staying in Makkah, a taxi to Taif is one of the most meaningful day trips available.
The Umrah Taxi provides private, fixed-fare transfers from Makkah to Taif and Taif to Makkah, covering one-way transfers, return day trips, Ziyarat tours, and Miqat transfers to Qarn al-Manazil as part of our wider Makkah taxi service.
| Distance | Drive time | One-way from | Return from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 km / 56 miles | 1.5 to 2 hours | SAR 290 | SAR 440 |
Makkah to Taif Taxi Fares – One-Way and Return
All fares are fixed and confirmed before travel. No meter, no surge pricing, no hidden charges. Prices may vary during Ramadan and Hajj season.
One-way fares (both directions):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Makkah to Taif | Taif to Makkah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers, 2-3 bags | SAR 290 | SAR 290 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers, 8-10 bags | SAR 410 | SAR 410 |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers, 16 bags | SAR 460 | SAR 460 |
| Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL | 7 passengers, 6-8 bags | SAR 520 | SAR 520 |
| Toyota Coaster | 16 passengers, 18-20 bags | SAR 690 | SAR 690 |
Return trip fares (Makkah to Taif and back same day):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Return trip fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 440 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 580 |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers | SAR 700 |
| Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL | 7 passengers | SAR 900 |
Makkah to Taif Ziyarat tour (includes multiple stops, return same day):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Ziyarat tour fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 350 to 440 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 580 |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers | SAR 700 |
The Ziyarat tour fare covers pickup from your Makkah hotel, travel to Taif, visits to the main Ziyarat sites with adequate time at each location, and return to your hotel in Makkah the same day. Tour duration is typically 5 to 7 hours depending on the number of sites visited.
Miqat transfer (Makkah to Qarn al-Manazil and return):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Miqat return fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 350 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 450 |
Makkah to Taif Distance and Travel Time
How far is Taif from Makkah?
The road distance from Makkah to Taif is approximately 90 km (56 miles) via the Al-Hada mountain road, which is the main route connecting the two cities. The straight-line distance is approximately 75 km, but the road follows the mountain terrain through the Hijaz range and covers additional distance as it climbs.
From Jeddah, Taif is approximately 150 km by road via Makkah, or approximately 130 km via the direct Taif Highway.
How long does the drive from Makkah to Taif take?
The journey from Makkah to Taif takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by private car. It is important to understand why this route takes longer than the distance suggests.
Makkah sits at approximately 277 meters above sea level. Taif sits at approximately 1,879 meters. The road between them climbs more than 1,600 meters in elevation through the Al-Hada mountain road, a winding route with hairpin bends, steep gradients, and sections requiring reduced speed for safety. This is not a flat highway drive.
The mountain road is spectacular but demands careful, steady driving. Our drivers are experienced on this route in all conditions including morning fog, afternoon haze, and the cooler evening temperatures at altitude.
Travel time varies slightly depending on traffic near Makkah at departure, road conditions on the mountain section, and whether any stops are requested along the way.
The Road from Makkah to Taif – Al-Hada Mountain Road
The Al-Hada road is one of the most distinctive drives in Saudi Arabia. Leaving the heat of Makkah, the road begins its climb almost immediately, passing through the village of Al-Hada at approximately 1,500 meters before continuing to Taif at 1,879 meters.
As the road ascends, the temperature drops noticeably. On a hot summer day in Makkah at 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, arriving in Taif at 25 to 28 degrees feels like arriving in a completely different climate. This temperature contrast is one of the main reasons Saudi families and visitors travel to Taif during the summer months.
The road passes through several notable points. The Al-Hada resort area offers viewpoints looking back down toward Makkah. The Shafa district at approximately 2,200 meters is the highest point in the region and offers dramatic views across the Hejaz Mountains. By the time the road descends slightly into Taif city, the air is noticeably cooler, cleaner, and carries the faint scent of the roses for which Taif is famous.
For pilgrims who have spent days in the heat of Makkah during Umrah season, this journey is a genuinely restorative experience.
Taif Ziyarat – Sacred and Historical Sites Worth Visiting
Taif holds a particular place in Islamic history as the city where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, sought support from the Thaqif tribe during the most difficult years of the early Makkah period. His reception there was painful and his departure marked by hardship. The spiritual significance of visiting Taif for a pilgrim is therefore profound, and distinct from the Ziyarat of Makkah or Madinah.
Masjid Addas:
One of the most emotionally significant sites in Taif. The story of Addas, the young Christian slave from Nineveh who offered grapes to the Prophet ﷺ during his retreat to a vineyard after being driven from Taif, is one of the most moving moments in Seerah. Masjid Addas marks the location of this encounter. For pilgrims who know the story, visiting this site carries deep meaning.
Taif Rose Gardens:
Taif is internationally famous for producing some of the finest rose oil in the world. The Taif rose (Rosa damascena) blooms primarily in March and April, and the rose farms and distilleries in the valleys around the city are open to visitors during bloom season.
Even outside bloom season, the farms and the fragrant rose products sold across Taif are worth visiting. The rose perfume and rose water from Taif are among the most sought-after souvenirs a pilgrim can bring home.
The Garden of Abu Lahab’s brother (Al-Mutim ibn Adi location):
The vineyard area associated with the Prophet’s ﷺ visit to Taif is historically significant. While the exact location has evolved over centuries, the surrounding area in the old part of Taif carries historical memory for those familiar with the Seerah.
Al-Hada and Shafa Mountain Areas:
The mountain areas of Al-Hada and Shafa above Taif offer viewpoints, cool air, traditional restaurants, and craft markets. These are popular stops on a Taif day trip and particularly appreciated by pilgrims who want a moment of quiet reflection in a beautiful natural setting after the intensity of Umrah in Makkah.
Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas:
A historical mosque associated with Abdullah ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ and one of the great scholars of early Islam, who governed Taif and is buried here. Pilgrims visit to offer prayers and reflect on the legacy of this companion.
Taif Miqat – Qarn al-Manazil for Gulf and Najd Pilgrims
Qarn al-Manazil, also known as Al-Sayl al-Kabir, is the Miqat designated for pilgrims coming from Najd, the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. It is located near Taif, approximately 90 km east of Makkah.
For pilgrims who have been staying in Makkah and wish to perform an additional Umrah, they must exit the Haram boundary and travel to a Miqat before entering Ihram again. For some pilgrims, particularly those from Gulf countries who identify with the Najd direction, Qarn al-Manazil near Taif is the Miqat they use.
We provide private return transfers from Makkah hotels to Qarn al-Manazil for pilgrims entering Ihram before performing additional Umrah. The fare for this Miqat return trip starts from SAR 350 for a sedan. The journey to Qarn al-Manazil takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from central Makkah.
Please mention at the time of booking that you require a Miqat stop at Qarn al-Manazil so we can plan the timing accordingly, including adequate time at the Miqat mosque for ghusl and changing into Ihram garments.
Taif Weather – Why Pilgrims Visit Year Round
Taif’s elevation of 1,879 meters creates a climate that is dramatically different from Makkah in every season.
In summer (June to September), when Makkah temperatures regularly exceed 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, Taif remains at a comfortable 25 to 30 degrees. This makes a Taif day trip a genuine respite for pilgrims performing Umrah during the summer months.
In spring (March to April), Taif’s rose season transforms the surrounding valleys into fragrant gardens. This is the most popular time for the Taif Rose Festival and the best season to visit the rose farms and distilleries.
In winter (December to February), Taif can become quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 5 to 10 degrees at night and occasional fog on the mountain road. Pilgrims planning a winter visit should bring a jacket or warm layer, particularly if traveling in the evening.
Rainfall in Taif is higher than in Makkah and the surrounding mountain areas can experience sudden weather changes. Our drivers are experienced with the mountain road in fog, light rain, and all weather conditions.
How to Book Your Makkah to Taif Taxi – 3 Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Makkah to Taif Taxi Today
Whether you are planning a Ziyarat day trip to the sacred sites of Taif, a Miqat transfer to Qarn al-Manazil before Umrah, a one-way transfer to Taif city, or a return journey from Taif back to Makkah, The Umrah Taxi provides private, fixed-fare service with experienced drivers on this mountain route.
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For all other routes and services in Jeddah, visit our Jeddah taxi service page.
