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
£105
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in August
Estimated hotel price
£105
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 40m.

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 Sixt, 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 40m.

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 Sixt, among others, in Jeddah.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif
JEDJeddah King Abdulaziz Intl

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,553 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,145 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,466 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,484 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,267 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,634 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,736 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,060 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,643 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,427 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,498 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,425 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,436 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,357 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,584 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,025 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,308 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,016 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (230 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (314 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 £97 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 in Mecca, with prices from £9 to £292 per night. Batha Quraish is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Mecca are about 25% 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

See all
Swissôtel Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£162+
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Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£95+
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Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£135+
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Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£27+
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Voco Makkah By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
£41+
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Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£144+
View

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £46 per day, on average, or £229 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, 24% 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 (Toyota Yaris or similar) is, on average, 21% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £46 per day, on average, or £229 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, 24% 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 (Toyota Yaris or similar) is, on average, 21% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Find car hire in Mecca