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 flight+hotel price
£62
2 travellers
Flight to Mecca
3 nights at hotel
Mecca in July
Estimated flight+hotel price
£62
2 travellers
Flight to Mecca
3 nights at 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 11h 55m.

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 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 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 11h 55m.

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 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, among others, in Jeddah.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,534 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,095 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,437 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,452 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,247 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,620 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,940 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,743 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,607 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,308 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,419 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,476 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,317 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,403 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,563 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,277 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,008 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (312 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (226 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (433 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Mecca

From 5-star hotels such as the Al Safwah Royale Orchid to great affordable options like the Makarem Mina Hotel, Mecca offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around £126 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £108 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Razana Al Rowdah and Saif Al Majd Hotel. There are also lots of holiday rental options $[0, preposition:'in ']$[0, article:'in ']$[0, place:'in'], with prices from £15 to £288 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 29% 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 £48 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 £48 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)
£157+
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£141+
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£167+
Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£152+
Voco Makkah By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£40+
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£145+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £42 per day, on average, or £208 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, 14% 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, 38% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £42 per day, on average, or £208 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, 14% 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, 38% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.