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 July
Estimated hotel price
£111
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in July
Estimated hotel price
£111
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 46 miles from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 8h 50m.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car hire from Jeddah, which is about 41 miles from Mecca. You’ll find branches of Key Car Rental, SA and Final Rentals, among others, in Jeddah.

Plane

Although Mecca doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Taif (TIF), which is located 46 miles from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 8h 50m.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car hire from Jeddah, which is about 41 miles from Mecca. You’ll find branches of Key Car Rental, SA and Final Rentals, among others, in Jeddah.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,578 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,235 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,461 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,608 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,246 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,651 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,669 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,248 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,690 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,539 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,432 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,496 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,615 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,383 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,039 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (320 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,367 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,045 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (444 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 £45 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £117 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 in Mecca, with prices from £11 to £312 per night. Batha Quraish is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Mecca are about 6% 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 Safwah Hotel First Tower 1 have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Ajyad will cost you about £36 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 Safwah Hotel First Tower 1 have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Ajyad will cost you about £36 per night.
Most popular hotel in Mecca by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£94+
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£157+
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£197+
Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£26+
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
£163+
M Hotel Makkah By Millennium
5 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£29+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £58 per day, on average, or £291 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, 37% more expensive than at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl.

The most frequently booked car type in Mecca is Compact (Nissan Sunny or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is, on average, 32% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £58 per day, on average, or £291 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, 37% more expensive than at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl.

The most frequently booked car type in Mecca is Compact (Nissan Sunny or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is, on average, 32% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.