Taif Ziyarat Taxi Service – Private Tours from Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah
Taif is one of the most spiritually significant cities in Islamic history and one of the most undervisited by pilgrims who focus exclusively on Makkah and Madinah. Sitting at 1,800 meters above sea level in the Hejaz Mountains approximately 80 km from Makkah, Taif is where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced some of the most difficult moments of his prophetic mission, and where the first person from Taif to accept Islam did so under a grapevine while bringing him grapes.
The Umrah Taxi provides private Taif Ziyarat taxi tours from Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah, covering all major Islamic sites in Taif with fixed, all-inclusive fares as part of our wider services across Saudi Arabia. Each tour is conducted in a private vehicle exclusively for your family or group. We also provide links to our Makkah to Taif taxi and Jeddah to Taif taxi pages for one-way transfer pricing.
| From Makkah | From Jeddah | Distance Makkah | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| From SAR 510 | From SAR 710 | 80 km, 1.5 to 2 hrs | 24/7 |
Why Taif Matters – The Prophet’s Journey in the Year of Sorrow
To visit Taif with a full heart, a pilgrim must first understand what happened here. Without this story, the sites are merely buildings. With it, they become places where faith was tested and mercy was demonstrated at its most profound.
The 10th year of prophethood is known in Islamic history as the Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn). Within a single year, the Prophet ﷺ lost his beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah RA and his uncle and protector Abu Talib. With his primary supports gone and the persecution of Muslims in Makkah intensifying, the Prophet ﷺ made the journey to Taif, approximately 80 km away, to seek the support of the Thaqif tribe in spreading the message of Islam.
The Thaqif rejected him completely. Their leaders mocked him, called him a liar, and incited the children and slaves of the city to follow him through the streets, throwing stones at him until his feet bled. The Prophet ﷺ fled to a garden owned by Utbah and Shaybah ibn Rabi’ah outside the city walls, bleeding and exhausted.
In that garden, the Prophet ﷺ made one of the most moving supplications in Islamic history, directing his words entirely toward Allah:
“O Allah, I complain to You of my weakness, my scarcity of resources, and my humiliation before the people. O Most Merciful of those who are merciful. You are the Lord of the oppressed, and You are my Lord. To whom do You entrust me? To a stranger who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy to whom You have given power over me? If You are not angry with me, I do not care. Your blessing is more expansive for me. I seek refuge in the light of Your face by which all darkness is illuminated and every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest Your anger or Your displeasure descend upon me. Yours is the right to reproach until You are pleased. There is no power and no might except with You.“
The Angel Jibreel came to him and with him was the Angel of the Mountains, who offered to crush the people of Taif between the two mountains that flanked the city. The Prophet ﷺ refused, saying that perhaps from their descendants would come people who would worship Allah alone. His mercy toward the people who had just stoned him to bleeding is one of the most remarkable moments in the entire Seerah.
It was in this garden that Addas, a Christian slave from Nineveh, was sent by his masters to bring grapes to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said Bismillah before eating. Addas, recognizing this as the practice of a Prophet, asked who he was. When told he was Muhammad from Makkah, Addas wept and embraced Islam. He was the first person from Taif to accept the message.
Understanding this story transforms every site in Taif from a location into a living encounter with the patience, mercy, and faith of the Prophet ﷺ at the moment of his greatest trial.
Taif Ziyarat Taxi Fares – All Packages and Pricing
All fares are fixed and all-inclusive covering transport, driver, fuel, and waiting time at all Ziyarat sites. The price is per vehicle, not per person. Prices may vary during Ramadan and Hajj season.
From Makkah (round trip, full day including Ziyarat):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Round trip with Ziyarat |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 510 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 610 |
| Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL | 7 passengers | SAR 1,010 |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers | SAR 810 |
| Toyota Coaster | 16 passengers | SAR 1,610 |
Duration: 6 to 8 hours including travel from Makkah, all major Ziyarat sites, and return.
From Jeddah (round trip, full day including Ziyarat):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Round trip with Ziyarat |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 710 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 870 |
| Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL | 7 passengers | SAR 1,410 |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers | SAR 1,010 |
| Toyota Coaster | 16 passengers | SAR 1,810 |
Duration: 8 to 10 hours including travel from Jeddah, all major Ziyarat sites, and return.
From Madinah (one-way, Ziyarat en route):
| Vehicle | Capacity | One-way fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 620 to 690 |
| Hyundai Staria / Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 870 to 1,060 |
| Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL | 7 passengers | SAR 1,260 to 1,410 |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers | SAR 1,060 to 2,010 |
Duration: 7 to 8 hours from Madinah. Due to the distance and mountain roads, Madinah to Taif is offered as one-way with flexible Ziyarat stops en route.
Hourly rates (for local Taif tours or custom arrangements):
| Vehicle | Capacity | Per hour rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata / Toyota Camry | 4 passengers | SAR 95/hr |
| Hyundai Staria | 7 passengers | SAR 140/hr |
| Hyundai Starex H1 | 7 passengers | SAR 130/hr |
| Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL | 7 passengers | SAR 185/hr |
| Toyota Hiace | 11 passengers | SAR 160/hr |
| Toyota Coaster | 16 passengers | SAR 260/hr |
Taif Ziyarat Places – Every Site Covered in Our Tours
Masjid Addas (The Grapes Garden):
- Urdu: مسجد ادس (Masjid Addas, Angoor ka Baagh)
- Visit time: 15 to 20 minutes. Included in all tour packages.
- Distance from Taif city center: Approximately 5 km, near Al-Hada Road.
The mosque marks the location of the garden where the Prophet ﷺ took refuge after being driven from Taif. It is here that Addas, a Christian slave from Nineveh in present-day Iraq, brought him grapes. The Prophet ﷺ said Bismillah before eating. Addas, recognizing this as the practice of a Prophet, asked him who he was, and upon learning the answer he wept and embraced Islam on the spot.
The surrounding area still grows grapes. Visiting this modest mosque with the knowledge of what happened here is one of the most moving experiences of the entire Ziyarat. The proximity to the original garden location, the grapevines visible nearby, and the quietness of the setting allow a tangible connection to that moment of mercy and unexpected faith.
Masjid al-Kou (The Prophet’s Resting Stone):
- Urdu: مسجد الکوع (Masjid al-Kou, Nabi ﷺ ka Aaram ka Patthar)
- Visit time: 10 to 15 minutes. Included in all tour packages.
- Distance: Approximately 2 to 3 km from central Taif.
Al-Kou means “elbow” in Arabic. The mosque is named after the tradition that the Prophet ﷺ, exhausted and injured from his experience in Taif, leaned on a stone with his elbow to rest during his time in the city. The mosque was built during the Ottoman period approximately 162 years ago on the traditional site of this moment of rest.
This site commemorates the human vulnerability of the Prophet ﷺ in one of his most difficult hours. A moment of physical exhaustion preserved in architectural memory for over a century.
Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas RA:
- Urdu: مسجد عبداللہ بن عباس (Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas RA)
- Distance: Al-Markaziya district, central Taif.
- Visit time: 20 to 30 minutes. Included in all tour packages.
Abdullah ibn Abbas RA was the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, one of the greatest scholars in Islamic history, and is buried at this location. Known as Hibr al-Ummah (the Scholar of the Ummah) and Bahr al-Ummah (the Ocean of the Ummah), his Tafsir (Quranic commentary) remains one of the most important references in Islamic scholarship. The mosque was originally built in 630 CE and reconstructed in 1958.
Visiting this mosque and the tomb of Abdullah ibn Abbas RA connects pilgrims to the intellectual heritage of Islam and the generation of scholars who preserved and transmitted the knowledge of the Prophet ﷺ.
Qarn al-Manazil – The Taif Miqat:
- Urdu: قرن المنازل (Qarn al-Manazil, Taif Miqat)
- Distance: Approximately 20 km southeast of Taif city.
- Visit time: 20 to 30 minutes. Can be included in any tour package for pilgrims performing Umrah.
Qarn al-Manazil, also known as Miqat al-Sail al-Kabir, is one of the five designated Miqat points in Islam where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before proceeding to Makkah for Umrah or Hajj. It is the Miqat for pilgrims coming from the direction of Najd and the east, and for pilgrims based in or traveling through Taif.
The Prophet ﷺ designated this location as a Miqat, and it has served this function since the early Islamic period. For pilgrims who are in Taif and wish to perform Umrah, this is where they enter Ihram before continuing approximately 80 km to Makkah.
The mosque complex at Qarn al-Manazil has full facilities for pilgrims including bathrooms for ghusl, spaces to change into Ihram garments, and shaded prayer areas. The experience of entering Ihram at this ancient Miqat, in the mountains above Makkah, before descending toward the Haram, is a particularly meaningful way to begin an Umrah.
For pilgrims performing Umrah from Taif, we include a Qarn al-Manazil stop as part of the journey toward Makkah. Confirm this requirement at the time of booking.
Al-Hada Mountain:
- Urdu: جبل الہدا (Al-Hada Pahaad)
- Distance: Approximately 30 km southwest of Taif.
- Visit time: 20 to 30 minutes. Included in full tour packages. Cable car ride is an optional addition.
Al-Hada is a mountain area on the Taif to Makkah road that played a role in the Prophet’s ﷺ return journey from Taif to Makkah. The mountain provided natural protection along this difficult route. Today the Al-Hada area is also home to a cable car (Al-Hada cable car) that offers dramatic views of the mountains and valleys below, descending from the elevated plateau of Taif toward the Makkah plains. The contrast in elevation and landscape is remarkable.
For pilgrims who want a brief moment of natural beauty and reflection amid their Ziyarat, Al-Hada viewpoints offer a panoramic perspective on the mountain geography that shaped the Prophet’s ﷺ journey between these two cities.
Valley of Banu Saad (Halima al-Sa’diyah’s Home):
- Urdu: وادی بنو سعد (Wadi Banu Saad, Hazrat Halima RA ka Gaon)
- Distance: Approximately 75 km south of Taif.
- Visit time: 30 to 45 minutes. Included in extended full day tours.
Banu Saad Valley is where Halima al-Sa’diyah RA, the foster mother of the Prophet ﷺ, lived. The Prophet ﷺ spent part of his early childhood in this valley in the care of Halima RA. The event of Shaqq al-Sadr (the opening of the chest), one of the miracles of the Prophet’s ﷺ childhood, is associated with this area.
The valley is quiet and mountainous, with ancient partially-preserved structures remaining. Due to the distance from Taif city, this site is included in full day tours and requires advance planning. A local guide is recommended for locating the exact valley site.
Al-Kalada Heritage Village:
- Distance: South of Taif along the Taif to Al-Baha road.
- Visit time: 30 to 40 minutes. Included in extended full day tours.
An ancient stone village from the early Islamic period. Al-Harith ibn Kalada RA, a companion of the Prophet ﷺ and a renowned physician, lived here. The village provides a window into life during the Prophet’s ﷺ era with preserved stone buildings, traditional Arab architecture, two defensive forts, a mosque, and surrounding orchards of vineyards and peach trees. For pilgrims interested in the cultural and historical context of early Islam, Al-Kalada provides depth beyond purely religious sites.
Masjid al-Madhoun (Masjid Ali):
- Distance: Al-Mathnah area, Taif city.
- Visit time: 15 to 20 minutes. Included in full tour packages.
Also known as Al-Qantara Mosque, built during the Ottoman period approximately 162 years ago. This mosque marks a location associated with the Prophet’s ﷺ return journey from Taif to Makkah, where he paused for rest along with his adopted son Zayd ibn Harithah RA.
Muawiya Dam (Saiysad Dam):
- Distance: Approximately 12 km southeast of Taif.
- Visit time: 20 to 30 minutes. Included in extended full day tours.
Built in 58 Hijri (678 CE) during the reign of Caliph Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan RA, this is one of the oldest surviving dams in Islamic history. The dam is approximately 30 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 8.5 meters high, constructed for water storage and agricultural irrigation. A stone inscription at the base records who built it and contains a prayer for the Caliph, one of the few surviving first-century Islamic inscriptions in Saudi Arabia.
Shubra Palace:
- Distance: Central Taif.
- Visit time: 30 to 45 minutes. Optional addition to full day tours.
Built in 1905, Shubra Palace is now a regional museum showcasing the history, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage of Taif. For pilgrims with extra time who want to understand Taif’s broader history and regional character beyond the specifically Islamic Ziyarat sites, the palace museum provides valuable context. Not a primary Ziyarat site but a meaningful cultural addition.
Taif Distances and Travel Times – Complete Reference
| Journey | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Makkah to Taif | 80 to 90 km | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Jeddah to Taif | 150 to 170 km | 2 to 2.5 hours via Al-Hada road |
| Madinah to Taif | 250 to 270 km | 3.5 to 4 hours |
| Taif city to Masjid Addas | 5 km | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Taif city to Qarn al-Manazil | 20 km | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Taif city to Al-Hada Mountain | 30 km | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Taif city to Banu Saad Valley | 75 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Between central Taif sites | 2 to 5 km | 5 to 15 minutes each |
Note: The Taif to Makkah and Jeddah to Taif roads include mountain sections with winding roads. Drive times reflect realistic mountain road conditions, not straight-line distance estimates.
Suggested Taif Ziyarat Itineraries – Half Day and Full Day
Half-day from Makkah (4 to 5 hours total):
- 7:00am: Depart Makkah hotel
- 8:30am: Arrive Taif, visit Masjid Addas (20 minutes)
- 9:00am: Masjid al-Kou (15 minutes)
- 9:30am: Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas RA (25 minutes)
- 10:15am: Al-Hada Mountain viewpoint (25 minutes)
- 10:45am: Masjid al-Madhoun (15 minutes)
- 11:15am: Depart for Makkah
- 12:45pm: Arrive Makkah hotel
Sites covered: 5 core locations. Total time including travel: approximately 5.5 hours.
Full day from Makkah (7 to 8 hours total):
- 6:30am: Depart Makkah hotel
- 8:00am: Arrive Taif, visit Masjid Addas
- 9:00am: Masjid al-Kou
- 9:30am: Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas RA
- 10:30am: Qarn al-Manazil Miqat (for pilgrims not performing Umrah, reflective visit)
- 11:15am: Lunch break in Taif
- 12:30pm: Al-Hada Mountain
- 1:15pm: Banu Saad Valley (longer visit)
- 2:15pm: Al-Kalada Heritage Village
- 3:15pm: Muawiya Dam
- 4:00pm: Depart for Makkah
- 5:30pm: Arrive Makkah hotel
Sites covered: 8 to 9 locations. Total time including travel: approximately 11 hours.
Best Time to Visit Taif for Ziyarat
Taif is dramatically cooler than Makkah throughout the year due to its elevation of 1,800 meters. This makes it a particularly refreshing visit during the summer months when Makkah temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius, while Taif remains at approximately 25 to 30 degrees.
- Best season: October to March. The weather is pleasant, the mountain roads are clear, and the atmosphere at outdoor sites like Banu Saad Valley and Al-Hada Mountain is ideal.
- Summer visits (June to August): Taif is still significantly cooler than Makkah. Morning visits before 11am are comfortable even in summer. The Taif Rose Festival occurs in late March to early April when the famous Taif rose farms are in full bloom.
- Best time of day: Early morning from 7am to 8am departure from Makkah is ideal, arriving in Taif before the day heats up even at elevation and completing Ziyarat before midday.
- Friday considerations: Main mosques including Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas attract more visitors on Fridays for Jumu’ah prayer. Saturday through Wednesday offers a quieter experience at most sites.
How to Travel from Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah to Taif
The primary route from Makkah to Taif is via the Al-Hada mountain road, a scenic but winding mountain ascent that rises from the Makkah plains at approximately 300 meters to the Taif plateau at 1,800 meters. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours. An alternative route via the older Shafa road is longer but also scenic.
From Makkah:
- By bus: SAPTCO operates buses from Makkah to Taif. The bus journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and arrives at Taif bus terminal in the city center. However the Ziyarat sites are spread across Taif and require local transport once you arrive. A private taxi round trip from Makkah is significantly more practical for Ziyarat purposes as it collects you from your hotel and takes you directly to each site.
- By our private taxi: SAR 510 for a sedan, all-inclusive round trip with Ziyarat stops. Full details above.
From Jeddah:
The Jeddah to Taif route via Highway 40 and the Al-Hada mountain road takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The mountain section of this road offers dramatic views. By our private taxi: SAR 710 for a sedan round trip with Ziyarat.
From Madinah:
The Madinah to Taif journey covers approximately 250 to 270 km and takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by road. Due to the distance and mountain roads, this service is offered as a one-way journey with Ziyarat stops en route, delivered to Taif or continuing to Makkah. One-way sedan fare starts from SAR 620.
How to Book Your Taif Ziyarat Taxi – 3 Steps
Step 1:
Send your pickup location (hotel in Makkah, Jeddah, or Madinah), travel date and preferred departure time, number of passengers, preferred vehicle, and which sites you want to visit via WhatsApp. If you want to include a Qarn al-Manazil stop for Ihram and Umrah from Taif, mention this so we plan the timing and return to Makkah correctly.
Step 2:
We confirm your vehicle, driver, fixed fare, and planned Ziyarat itinerary. For full day tours we recommend a 6:30am to 7:00am departure from Makkah to maximize time at the sites before the afternoon heat.
Step 3:
Your driver collects you from your hotel at the confirmed time. The pace is yours. Pay in cash at the end of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Private Taif Ziyarat Tour Today
Whether you are a pilgrim in Makkah making a day trip to Taif, a family based in Jeddah wanting to visit the sacred sites, or a pilgrim traveling from Madinah to Makkah via Taif, The Umrah Taxi provides private, fixed-fare Taif Ziyarat tours with experienced drivers who know every site and its story.
Explore our Makkah Ziyarat taxi page for tours in Makkah, and our Jeddah Ziyarat taxi page for Jeddah tours.
