Car Hire In Makkah, Saudi Arabia: Great Value Rates With A Practical UK Traveller Guide

Compare competitive prices, choose the right pickup point (airport or city), and get clear advice on insurance, deposits, fuel rules, and local driving so you can travel around Makkah and beyond with confidence.

Terminal Guide

Car Guide

Deals

Compare

Rental Tips

Expert Advice

Popular Routes

Routes

Travel Info

FAQ

Awards

UK Traveller Essentials

Makkah Car Hire Guide: Where To Collect, What To Check, And How To Save

Hiring a car for Makkah can be a practical choice if you want flexibility for trips outside the central area, such as visiting Jeddah, Taif, or coastal routes, and if you prefer door-to-door travel for groups or families. Expect dense traffic at peak times and limited parking close to the Haram, so many visitors choose a hotel-based or outskirts pickup and rely on taxis/shuttles for short central journeys. To keep costs predictable, compare fuel policies (full-to-full is usually best), check mileage limits, confirm whether VAT and airport/city surcharges are included, and understand the insurance excess and deposit hold on your card. UK licence holders should bring a photocard driving licence and passport; some suppliers may request an International Driving Permit, so check your chosen provider in advance.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah – Car Rental Area

The most common arrival airport for Makkah visitors (around 60–90 minutes by road, depending on traffic). Airport desks typically offer longer opening hours, broader vehicle choice (including 7-seaters), and easier out-of-hours collections. Downsides can include higher surcharges and queues at busy arrival waves; also factor in the drive into Makkah and parking at your accommodation.

Al Aziziyah (Makkah) – Hotel & Residential District Pick-up

Pros: practical for staying slightly outside the busiest central zone, often easier road access and comparatively more parking near apartments/hotels. Cons: branch hours can be more limited than the airport, and walking access may be less convenient in summer heat; confirm the exact pickup point and whether delivery/collection fees apply.

Al Misfalah & Ibrahim Al Khalil Road Area – Near Central Access

Pros: closer to central Makkah than many districts, useful if you want to collect after check-in rather than driving from Jeddah immediately. Cons: heavy congestion at peak prayer and check-in/out times and limited parking; small branches may have fewer car categories available, so pre-book to avoid substitutions.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Pick Up At Jeddah Airport (JED) For Maximum Choice And Longer Hours

Ideal if you want to drive straight to Makkah or continue to Taif/Jeddah without arranging extra transfers. You will usually find more vehicle categories, clearer signing for rental desks, and better support for late arrivals—balanced against potential airport surcharges and peak-time queues.

Trusted Car Hire Reviews at Makkah Airport (MED)

Browse verified customer feedback on car hire services in Makkah and choose a provider you can rely on for your journey.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
	1.8 23,873+ reviews	$42	4.7 mi	$540 - $832		●Friendly and helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up and return ●Professional customer service
	1.2 5,686+ reviews	$79	1.9 mi	$815 - $1,104		●Friendly and helpful staff ●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Efficient quick rental process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 12 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A Brit's Guide to Fuelling Up in Saudi Arabia

This guide provides first-time visitors with essential tips on fuelling in Saudi Arabia, covering the process, payment methods, and etiquette to ensure a seamless experience.

View details

Mecca Car Rental Insurance: Essential Guide to Avoid Costly Pilgrimage Mistakes

A concise, practical guide for pilgrims and tourists renting cars in Mecca. Covers the unique driving hazards, SAHER and Najm procedures, the real cost of being underinsured, clear explanations of CDW/SCDW/TPL/SLI, renting-desk versus third‑party insurance choices, traveller case studies and a step‑by‑step checklist to secure zero‑excess and high liability cover.

View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations dominate Makkah car rentals, accounting for 65% of bookings, driven by pilgrimage tourism demand and convenient access."

Booking Patterns

"SUVs dominate with 253,880 units sold in 2024, representing the largest segment; Toyota holds 29.8% market share in passenger vehicles."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Statista - Saudi Arabia Car Rental Market
Statista - Saudi Arabia Vehicle Sales by Type

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Makkah

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Makkah

MakkahAl Khobar

From

$56.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Makkah

Recommended Driving Routes:

Makkah to Jeddah Corniche (via Al-Haramain Expressway)

City-to-coast scenic drive1 hr–1 hr 30 mins (depending on traffic)

A straightforward drive to the Red Sea coast for seafront promenades, cafés and sunset views. Ideal for an easy half-day or evening outing, with plenty of parking options near major waterfront areas.

Bahra, Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah), Jeddah Corniche, King Fahd Fountain Area, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina

Makkah to Taif (Al Hada Mountain Road)

Mountain drive1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs 30 mins

A classic highland escape from Makkah, climbing into cooler air and sweeping viewpoints. Taif is known for its gardens, rose products in season, and family-friendly parks—great for a day trip.

Al Hada Viewpoints, Taif City Centre, Al Rudaf Park, Shubra Palace, Al Shafa Highlands

Makkah to Madinah (Haramain Corridor Road Trip)

Intercity motorway drive4 hrs–5 hrs

A longer motorway journey across the Hijaz region, best planned with rest breaks and fuel stops. Suitable for travellers wanting a multi-day itinerary, with broad highways and service areas along the way.

Al Jumum, Rabigh Service Areas, Yanbu (optional detour), Madinah City Centre, Quba Area

Popular Day Trips By Car:

Jeddah Waterfront Evening (Corniche & Al-Balad)

6–8 hours

Combine seaside strolling with a visit to Al-Balad’s historic lanes for traditional architecture, local food and shopping. Best timed for late afternoon into evening to enjoy cooler temperatures.

Taif Highlands & Viewpoints (Al Hada + Al Shafa)

8–10 hours

A full-day loop featuring mountain viewpoints, parks and highland scenery. Pack layers as temperatures can drop compared with Makkah, especially in the evening.

Bahra Rest-Stop Break & Family Outing

3–5 hours

A short, low-effort outing towards Bahra with convenient services, cafés and a relaxed pace—useful if you want a simple drive without committing to a full day away.

Red Sea Coast Day in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)

7–9 hours

Head north-west for a calmer coastal day with modern promenades and beachside ambience. A good alternative to central Jeddah if you prefer a quieter, planned environment.

Car Hire Planning Tips For Makkah

Carry The Right Documents: Bring your driving licence, passport/ID, and booking confirmation. If you are visiting, check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your home licence.

Plan Around Prayer Times And Peak Congestion: Traffic can build near key junctions and around major prayer times. Allow extra time for city driving and choose departure times that avoid the busiest periods.

Refuel Early On Longer Drives: Motorways have services, but spacing varies. Keep the tank above half before leaving Makkah for Taif or Madinah routes, especially if you expect detours.

Use Offline Maps As Backup: Download offline maps for your route, and pin key waypoints (service areas, hotels, car parks). This helps if you hit patchy coverage on intercity roads.

Inspect The Vehicle And Photograph Everything: Before driving off, take clear photos of all panels, wheels and the windscreen, and confirm existing marks are recorded on the rental agreement.

Know Your Parking Plan In Advance: Popular areas can have limited or paid parking. Identify car parks near your destination (especially in Jeddah Corniche and Al-Balad) to avoid circling in traffic.

Choose Sensible Insurance Cover: Check what is included (CDW, theft, glass/tyres) and confirm the excess/deposit. Make sure your coverage matches how and where you intend to drive.

Driving in Makkah: Essential Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

A practical overview of language, currency, road rules, fuel costs and driving regulations for visitors exploring Makkah and the wider Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

LANGUAGES

Arabic

CURRENCY

SAR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+966

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$32 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-80 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

100-120 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.00% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.62/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.22/L - $0.62/L

Car Hire & Driving in Makkah

Essential FAQs on licences, road rules, costs and Hajj-season traffic in Saudi Arabia's holy city

Can I drive in Makkah with my UK photocard licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, your UK photocard licence is accepted for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but you must also carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) under Saudi rules. A certified Arabic translation is strongly recommended if the licence is not in Arabic or English. The minimum age is 21, and drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly SAR 30–50 per day with most agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget operating from Jeddah Airport, the closest major pickup point to Makkah.

Is driving into central Makkah restricted during Hajj and Umrah, and how do the road closures work?

Yes. During Hajj and the last 10 days of Ramadan, only vehicles with special Muroor permits may enter the central haram zone, and ordinary traffic is diverted onto ring-road detours. Expect full closures of King Abdulaziz Road and tunnel routes around the Grand Mosque, with checkpoints staffed by police. Plan to park at one of the official park-and-ride sites on the outskirts (around SAR 10–20/day) and use the shuttle bus, because inside the holy area on-street parking is essentially non-existent.

What speed limits and on-the-spot fines should British drivers expect on the Makkah–Jeddah motorway?

The Makkah–Jeddah Highway (Route 40) has a 120 km/h limit enforced by fixed cameras and unmarked police cars, with city limits of 80 km/h inside Makkah and 60 km/h near the holy sites. Fines are paid at the post office or via the Absher app, starting from SAR 300 for speeding, SAR 500–900 for using a phone, and SAR 1,000 for running a red light. Always keep your passport and rental contract in the car, as police can request them at any checkpoint.

How much is a daily car hire from Jeddah Airport, and what does the fuel and toll policy look like?

A small saloon such as a Toyota Yaris or Hyundai Accent costs about SAR 120–180 per day in low season, rising to SAR 250–350 during Hajj and Ramadan. Saudi Arabia has no toll roads and no congestion charge, so you only pay for fuel at around SAR 2.18 per litre of 95-octane petrol. Most suppliers apply a full-to-full policy, and the credit-card pre-authorisation is typically SAR 500–1,500, so make sure your card has enough headroom before driving away.

Do I need extra insurance beyond the basic CDW when hiring a car in Makkah?

Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included in most quotes, but it usually carries an excess of SAR 2,000–4,000, which can be a nasty shock after a minor scrape. Adding Super CDW to reduce the excess to zero costs roughly SAR 30–60 per day and is well worth it on the high-speed Makkah–Jeddah run, where sand and stray debris are common. Third-party liability is mandatory and often capped low, so top up to at least SAR 1 million cover. Personal travel insurance with a UK motoring body such as RAC or AA rarely covers Saudi Arabia, so buy the rental upgrade.

What is the safest way to park, refuel and avoid getting towed in Makkah?

Use the signed multi-storey car parks near the Grand Mosque (such as Ajyad and Al-Souq Al-Kabeer) rather than roadside bays, where tow trucks and wheel clamps are very active. Parking fees are typically SAR 2–5 per hour, payable by the Mada card or cash; keep your ticket on the dashboard. Petrol stations are plentiful on the ring road and around 24-hour, but they close briefly for prayers five times a day, so fill up the night before a long drive. Never park under flyovers or on service roads, as those are towed without warning.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.