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 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Mecca has to offer.

When to visit Mecca

Mecca in April
Estimated hotel price
£111
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in April
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 75 km from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 9h 15m.

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.

Bus

Mecca’s bus station is located 11 km from the city centre.

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 9h 15m.

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.

Bus

Mecca’s bus station is located 11 km from the city centre.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,442 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,690 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,088 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,200 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,094 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,191 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,717 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,485 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,646 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,374 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,140 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,353 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,434 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,124 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (290 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (948 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (191 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,130 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (659 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 Makarem Mina Hotel, Mecca offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around £60 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £122 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Razana Al Rowdah and Borj Al Diyafah Hotel.

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 £62 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 £62 per night.
Most popular hotel in Mecca by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£173+
Voco Makkah By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£49+
Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah Al Salam
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£118+
Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
£173+
Hilton Hotel & Convention Jabal Omar Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£149+
The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£130+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £26 per day, on average, or £103 if you want to hire it for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 28% cheaper than airport locations in Mecca.

Compact (Nissan Sunny or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 31% cheaper than other types, on average.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £26 per day, on average, or £103 if you want to hire it for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 28% cheaper than airport locations in Mecca.

Compact (Nissan Sunny or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 31% cheaper than other types, on average.