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
£110
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in July
Estimated hotel price
£110
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 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 Avis, 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 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 Avis, among others, in Jeddah.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,591 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,266 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,456 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,242 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,651 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,650 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,712 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,682 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,387 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,547 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,381 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,784 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,522 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,397 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,628 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,044 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (319 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (438 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (681 reviews)
Air Europa
Good (644 reviews)
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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 £42 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £136 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.

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 £33 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 £33 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)
£203+
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£178+
Voco Makkah By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£41+
Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£28+
Hilton Hotel & Convention Jabal Omar Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£140+
Time Ruba Hotel & Suites
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£22+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £28 per day, on average, or £138 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Mecca.

Economy (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 33% cheaper than other types, on average.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £28 per day, on average, or £138 if you want to hire it for 5 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Mecca.

Economy (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 33% cheaper than other types, on average.