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 September
Estimated hotel price
$140
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in September
Estimated hotel price
$140
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 States departs from New York and takes around 11h 35m.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car rental from Jeddah, which is about 41 miles from Mecca. You’ll find branches of Budget and Final Rentals, among others, in Jeddah.

Bus

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

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 States departs from New York and takes around 11h 35m.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car rental from Jeddah, which is about 41 miles from Mecca. You’ll find branches of Budget and Final Rentals, among others, in Jeddah.

Bus

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

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,360 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,841 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,866 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,680 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,548 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,292 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,550 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,922 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,991 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,332 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,235 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (882 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (781 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (882 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (313 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (469 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (829 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,044 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (278 reviews)
China Southern
Good (153 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Mecca

From 5-star hotels such as the Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel, Makkah to great affordable options like the Borj Al Deafah Hotel, Mecca offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $64 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $168 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Nada Al Majd Hotel and Al Aseel Ajyad. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Mecca, with prices from $14 to $427 per night. Batha Quraish is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Mecca are about 17% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Ajyad - Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel, Le Méridien Makkah and Al Shohada Hotel have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Ajyad will cost you about $20 per night.

Ajyad - Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel, Le Méridien Makkah and Al Shohada Hotel have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Ajyad will cost you about $20 per night.
Most popular hotel in Mecca by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

Swissôtel Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 24565 reviews)
$231+
Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 17818 reviews)
$45+
ibis Jeddah City Center
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 13767 reviews)
$62+
Narcissus Resort & Spa Obhur Jeddah
5 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1577 reviews)
$355+
Makkah Clock Royal Tower A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.2, 27927 reviews)
$261+
Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.1, 36236 reviews)
$228+

Renting a car in Mecca

Renting a car in Mecca costs $46 per day, on average, or $186 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 14% cheaper than airport locations in Mecca.

Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Mecca, while also 22% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Mecca costs $46 per day, on average, or $186 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 14% cheaper than airport locations in Mecca.

Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Mecca, while also 22% cheaper than other types, on average.