Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Mecca travel guide

Mecca Tourism | Mecca Guide

You're Going to Love Mecca

With a population of 1,32 million, Mecca is a must-see destination in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is the most popular tourist destination in the country. We recommend you stay at least 5 days in order to fully appreciate everything Mecca has to offer.

When to visit Mecca

Mecca in August
Estimated hotel price
£102
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in August
Estimated hotel price
£102
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Mecca

Plane

Although Mecca doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Taif (TIF), which is located 75 km from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 10h.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car hire from Jeddah, which is about 66 km from Mecca. You’ll find branches of Key Car Rental, SA and Hanco, among others, in Jeddah.

Plane

Although Mecca doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Taif (TIF), which is located 75 km from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 10h.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car hire from Jeddah, which is about 66 km from Mecca. You’ll find branches of Key Car Rental, SA and Hanco, among others, in Jeddah.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,558 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,172 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,472 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,503 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,258 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,647 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,738 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,652 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,106 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,486 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,504 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,453 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,427 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,584 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,370 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,031 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,321 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,028 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (315 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (690 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Mecca

From 5-star hotels such as the Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Makkah to great affordable options like the Violet Al Azizia Hotel, Mecca offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around £122 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £110 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Samama Almaqam Ajyad Hotel Makkah and Razana Al Rowdah. There are also lots of holiday rental options $[0, preposition:'in ']$[0, article:'in ']$[0, place:'in'], with prices from £9 to £299 per night. $[1, place:'genitive'] is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals $[0, preposition:'in ']$[0, article:'in ']$[0, place:'in'] are about 15% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Al Haram - In Mecca’s most popular neighbourhood to stay, recommended hotels include Makkah Hotel, Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah and Intercontinental Hotels Dar Al Tawhid Makkah By IHG.

Ajyad - Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel, Le Méridien Makkah and Al Shohada by Palm Rich Makkah have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Ajyad will cost you about £32 per night.

Al Haram - In Mecca’s most popular neighbourhood to stay, recommended hotels include Makkah Hotel, Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah and Intercontinental Hotels Dar Al Tawhid Makkah By IHG.
Ajyad - Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel, Le Méridien Makkah and Al Shohada by Palm Rich Makkah have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Ajyad will cost you about £32 per night.
Most popular hotel in Mecca by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

Swissôtel Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£163+
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£130+
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£168+
Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£27+
Voco Makkah By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£42+
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£153+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £40 per day, on average, or £200 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl.

The most frequently booked car type in Mecca is Compact (Class Compact SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is, on average, 39% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £40 per day, on average, or £200 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl.

The most frequently booked car type in Mecca is Compact (Class Compact SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is, on average, 39% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.