If you’re traveling to the holy city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, there are three transportation options from Madinah Airport to the city center to choose from: taxi, private transfer, or bus. If you opt for a Madinah Airport taxi or private Madinah Airport transfer, your journey will take as little as 22 minutes and you’ll be dropped straight to the door of your hotel. Furthermore, when you book a private transfer, a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival with a pre-selected vehicle.

The cheapest option to reach Madinah city center is the state-run shuttle bus from Madinah Airport to the Prophet’s Mosque. This option will take closer to 35 minutes, and there is a wait time of up to 40 minutes, however, it is still a great alternative for those on a budget.

*It’s not currently possible to travel from Madinah Airport to the city center by train.

3 options to go from Madinah Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€50 22min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€12.60 22min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Bus
€5.80 35min 24/7
Convenience
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How to get from Madinah Airport to the city center by taxi?

The quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Madinah Airport to Madinah City is to take a taxi. When you take a Madinah Airport taxi you can expect a ride in a modern air-conditioned Camry with seats for up to four passengers. 

The journey time to Haram, the main city area, is usually between 22 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and the local drivers offer fixed fare rates.

How much is a taxi from Madinah Airport to the city center?

Local Madinah taxi drivers provide fixed fares to different zones across the city which factor in the number of passengers. A ride to the most popular zone in the city, the Haram Central Area, has a fixed cost of €12.60 (SAR 50) for up to 4 passengers, and €16.40 (SAR 65) for up to 7 passengers.

Where do I find a taxi at Madinah Airport?

Official taxis are located just outside the main terminal at Madinah Airport. Look for a line of aqua-green or white vehicles, some of which may have advertisements on the roof.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Madinah Airport to the city center is the quickest and most convenient way to travel. You won’t have to wait for your shuttle to arrive, and your driver will drop you and your luggage safely at the curb of your hotel. For the ultimate convenience, you can pre-book a Madinah Airport transfer with Welcome and enjoy hearing about the city from a friendly, English-speaking driver at a competitive fixed rate.

Useful Tips

Ensure that the taximeter is reset and turned on at the beginning of your journey to avoid being overcharged.
There's no extra charge for luggage that fits in the trunk of the vehicle.
Be sure to bring cash in Saudi riyal to pay for your taxi ride unless you pre-book online.

Getting from Madinah Airport to the city center by bus

The Madinah Development Authority runs a shared shuttle bus between Medinah Airport and the Prophet’s Mosque in the city center. The journey time for the bus is around 30 minutes, however, since you can’t book in advance if the bus fills up you’ll need to wait for the next one.

How much is the Madinah Airport to city bus?

The cost of a single ticket on the bus from Madinah Airport to the city is €2.90 (SAR 11.50) which can be paid to the driver in the local currency as you get on the bus. 

Cost
€2.90 (SAR 11.50)
Trip Duration
35 Min.
*There's an average wait time of 40 minutes for the bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Madinah Development Authority bus is available as long as flights are landing and departing at Madinah Airport.

Where do I find the bus at Madinah Airport?

The shuttle bus stops just outside of the main terminal building. You will need to walk around 2 minutes from the Arrivals Hall, following clearly marked signage.

Convenience

If you’re a solo traveler with light luggage, getting from Madinah Airport to the city by shuttle could be a good budget transfer option for you. However, the bus only stops at the Prophet’s Mosque, so if your accommodation isn’t in that part of the city, you will need to spend more time and money getting to your final destination.

Useful Tips

Try to bring exact change in riyals to pay for your bus ticket.
Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the bus is due to depart to help guarantee a seat onboard.
Since the bus has only one small luggage rack, it's advisable to travel light and bring just a small handbag or backpack to the Prophet's Mosque.

How to get from Madinah Airport to the city center by private transfer

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to reach your hotel or accommodation in the center of Madinah, a Madinah Airport transfer is your best bet. Private transfer services like those offered by Welcome Pickups are the only fully customizable and personalized transport options, providing you with an elevated travel experience from start to finish.

Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy include:

  • Hand-picked English-speaking driver
  • Competitive fixed fare rates
  • Guaranteed on-time pickups
  • An airport meet-and-greet
  • Flight monitoring

Best of all, your driver will introduce you to the city with a mini highlights tour on the way to your destination, as well as answer any of your questions and offer up some local tips.

How much is a private transfer from Madinah Airport to the city center?

One of the advantages of a private transfer is that you can book and pay for your trip before you travel, which means you can avoid unfavorable exchange rates and high ATM fees at the airport. Not to mention, prices are fixed and fully inclusive so there won’t be any hidden surprises. 

For reference, a ride for up to 3 passengers in a stylish sedan will cost €50 (SAR 198.50), or €70 (SAR 277.70) for up to 8 passengers in one of our spacious minivans. Booking is easy and takes less than 60 seconds either online or via the Welcome app. All you need are a few personal details, your flight information, and your requested pickup time.

Cost
€50 (SAR 198.50)
Trip Duration
22 Min.
*When you book in advance a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Madinah Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Once you land, you’ll be greeted by a professional, English-speaking driver, who will be happy to help you with your luggage and take you to your accommodation in your private vehicle. To help you recognize them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, plus you’ll have been sent all their details the day before.

Even though it’s only a short ride to Madinah city center, you can use this time to ask your driver for recommendations on places to eat or must-see attractions that only a local would know.

Convenience

While a regular taxi may be more affordable, a private transfer is certainly the most convenient. There’s nothing quite like being welcomed with a smile and shown around the city like a local to help you settle and get your bearings. For groups or families, knowing that a vehicle that suits your needs will be ready for you when you land is priceless, since no one wants to spend their first moments in a new city worrying about how to get to their hotel.

Useful Tips

Sedans can comfortably fit 3 passengers and a standard suitcase each.
We provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.
Any customizations such as a baby booster seat, wheelchair-adapted vehicle, or a minivan can be requested through the Welcome app or at the time of booking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Madinah Airport to Madinah?

There are three transfer options from Madinah Airport to Madinah: taxi, private transfer, or a shuttle bus. Local taxis have a fixed fare of €12.60 (SAR 50) for up to 4 passengers and will take 22 minutes to reach the city, in light traffic.

A personalized private transfer with an English-speaking driver will take the same amount of time, with a starting price of €50 (SAR 198.50). On the other hand, the Madinah Development Authority bus will take closer to 35 minutes and costs €2.90 (SAR 11.50) per person.

How far is Madinah from the airport?

How much is taxi from airport to Madinah?

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Transfer Options in Madinah