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 August
Estimated hotel price
£116
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in August
Estimated hotel price
£116
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 45m.

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 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 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 45m.

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

Bus

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

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif
JEDJeddah King Abdulaziz Intl

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,431 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,619 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,007 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,573 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,087 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,092 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,045 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,676 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,433 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,502 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,515 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,330 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,093 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,412 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (903 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,086 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (281 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (648 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,889 reviews)
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Find flights to Mecca

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 £54 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £135 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 £73 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 £73 per night.
Most popular hotel in Mecca by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

See all
Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£145+
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Voco Makkah By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
£42+
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Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
£195+
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Hilton Hotel & Convention Jabal Omar Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£159+
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Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£208+
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The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£113+
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Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £40 per day, on average, or £162 if you want to hire it for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 17% more expensive than at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl.

Compact (Nissan Sunny or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 46% cheaper than other types, on average.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs £40 per day, on average, or £162 if you want to hire it for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 17% more expensive than at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Intl.

Compact (Nissan Sunny or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 46% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car hire in Mecca