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
€80
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in May
Estimated hotel price
€80
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 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 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 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 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 (1,493 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,870 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,307 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,402 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,178 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,564 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,562 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,560 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,727 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,915 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,383 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,197 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,428 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,268 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,491 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,182 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,001 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (200 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (305 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (417 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 €159 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 Makkah Hotel and Saif Al Majd Hotel. There are also lots of holiday rental options in Mecca, with prices from €8 to €345 per night. is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Mecca are about 42% 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)
€144+
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
€157+
Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
€133+
Address Jabal Omar Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
€118+
Hilton Hotel & Convention Jabal Omar Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
€101+
Joudyan Jeddah Red Sea Mall
5 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
€146+

Hiring a car in Mecca

Hiring a car in Mecca costs €37 per day, on average, or €149 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 56% cheaper than other types, on average.

Hiring a car in Mecca costs €37 per day, on average, or €149 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 56% cheaper than other types, on average.