Makkah to Madinah Distance – KM, Travel Time and How to Travel
The Makkah to Madinah distance is about 450 km (280 miles) by road. By taxi or car the drive takes about 4½–5 hours, by the Haramain high-speed train about 2–2½ hours, and by bus around 6–7 hours. This guide explains the distance between Makkah and Madinah in both directions, the best way to travel, the Miqat for Umrah and what a private taxi costs.
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Makkah to Madinah Distance in KM
The distance between Makkah and Madinah is the same in both directions. Madinah lies north of Makkah, and the two holy cities are joined by a modern highway and the Haramain high-speed railway.
| Measure | Distance |
|---|---|
| By road (Makkah to Madinah highway) | About 450 km (280 miles) |
| Straight line | About 340 km (210 miles) |
| Masjid al-Haram to Masjid an-Nabawi, hotel to hotel | About 450–460 km, depending on your hotels |
Travel Time by Car, Train and Bus
| Way to travel | Travel time | Door to door? |
|---|---|---|
| Private taxi or car | About 4½–5 hours, plus rest stops | Yes, hotel to hotel |
| Haramain high-speed train | About 2–2½ hours on the train | No, you need transfers to and from both stations |
| Bus | About 6–7 hours | No, bus station to bus station |
Train times vary with the service and the number of stops. Allow extra time for getting to the station, security checks and the taxi to your hotel at the other end.
The Route Between Makkah and Madinah
Most of the journey is on a wide, well-kept highway through open desert and mountains. There are petrol stations with prayer areas, cafés and toilets along the way, so it is easy to stop for salah or a break. A private driver will stop whenever you need to, which makes a big difference for families, elderly parents and young children.
Miqat: Madinah to Makkah for Umrah
If you travel from Madinah to Makkah to perform Umrah, you must enter ihram at the Miqat of Dhul Hulayfah (Masjid al-Miqat, also called Abyar Ali), about 10 km from Masjid an-Nabawi. Our drivers stop there so you can pray and make your intention before continuing to Makkah. Travelling from Makkah to Madinah needs no ihram.
Travelling between Makkah and Madinah? Book a private car, hotel to hotel, with a stop at the Miqat. Madinah to Makkah taxi from SAR 500 per car.
Makkah to Madinah Taxi Fare
A private taxi is priced per car, not per person, so a family or group shares one fixed fare. Fares depend on the vehicle: a Camry for up to 4 passengers, a Hyundai Staria or GMC Yukon for up to 7, and a Toyota Hiace or Coaster for larger groups. See the full price list on our Madinah to Makkah taxi page or our prices and packages.
Which Way of Travelling Is Best?
- Private taxi: best for families, groups, elderly travellers and anyone with luggage. Hotel to hotel, with a Miqat stop and breaks whenever you want.
- Haramain train: fastest on the move, but you still need a taxi at both ends and must carry your own luggage through the stations.
- Bus: the cheapest option, but the slowest and least flexible.
Arriving by train? Our Madinah train station taxi takes you from the Haramain station to your hotel.
Tips for the Journey
- Leave after Fajr or after Asr to avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.
- Keep water, dates and any medicines in the car, not in the boot.
- If you are going for Umrah, pack your ihram where you can reach it before the Miqat.
- Share your hotel name and room number in advance so your driver can plan the drop-off.
Makkah to Madinah Distance – FAQs
How many km is Makkah to Madinah?
About 450 km by road, or about 340 km in a straight line.
How long does it take to drive from Makkah to Madinah?
About 4½–5 hours by car or taxi without long stops.
How long is the train from Makkah to Madinah?
The Haramain high-speed train takes about 2–2½ hours, depending on the service.
Is the Madinah to Makkah distance the same?
Yes, about 450 km by road in either direction.
Do I need ihram when travelling from Madinah to Makkah?
Yes, if you are going to perform Umrah. Enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Masjid al-Miqat), about 10 km from Masjid an-Nabawi.
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