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. Mecca deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

When to visit Mecca

Mecca in September
Estimated hotel price
$290
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in September
Estimated hotel price
$290
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 New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 31h 45m.

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 Sixt and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, among others, in Jeddah.

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 New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 31h 45m.

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 Sixt and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, among others, in Jeddah.

Airports near Mecca

TIFTaif
JEDJeddah King Abdulaziz Intl

Airlines serving Mecca

KLM
Good (1,575 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,225 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,466 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,592 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,252 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,650 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,731 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,662 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,225 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,656 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,532 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,429 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,490 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,606 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,377 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,033 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (318 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,361 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,041 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (445 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 Violet Al Azizia Hotel, Mecca offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $108 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $264 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Samama Almaqam Ajyad Hotel Makkah and Razana Al Rowdah. There are also lots of holiday rental options in Mecca, with prices from $25 to $689 per night. Al Jamiah is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Mecca are about 10% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mecca

Most booked hotels in Mecca

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Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$336+
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Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$420+
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Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$378+
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Mövenpick Jeddah City Star
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$195+
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Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$192+
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Intercontinental Hotels Jeddah By IHG
5 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$246+
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Hiring a car in Mecca

The most frequently booked car type in Mecca is Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Class Mini Car or similar) is, on average, 50% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

The most frequently booked car type in Mecca is Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Class Mini Car or similar) is, on average, 50% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.