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 May
Estimated hotel price
€81
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in May
Estimated hotel price
€81
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 Ireland departs from Dublin and takes around 12h 25m.

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.

Bus

Mecca’s bus station is located 7 miles from the city centre.

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 Ireland departs from Dublin and takes around 12h 25m.

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.

Bus

Mecca’s bus station is located 7 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,485 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,848 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,374 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,295 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,164 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,563 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,538 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,554 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,886 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,376 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,188 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,431 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,239 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,487 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,175 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (994 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (200 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (305 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (673 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 Makarem Mina Hotel, Mecca offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around €117 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to €117 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Makkah Hotel and Saif Al Majd Hotel. There are also lots of holiday rental options in Mecca, with prices from €9 to €351 per night. is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Mecca are about 35% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

Swissôtel Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
€152+
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
€156+
Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
€134+
Hilton Hotel & Convention Jabal Omar Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
€118+
Mövenpick Jeddah City Star
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
€89+
Joudyan Jeddah Red Sea Mall
5 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
€154+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs €29 per day, on average, or €117 if you want to hire it for 4 days.

Mini (Class Mini Car or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 58% cheaper than other types, on average.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs €29 per day, on average, or €117 if you want to hire it for 4 days.

Mini (Class Mini Car or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Mecca, while also 58% cheaper than other types, on average.