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
$231
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mecca in September
Estimated hotel price
$231
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 75 km from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 33h 50m.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car hire from Jeddah, which is about 66 km 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 75 km from Mecca. The shortest flight to Mecca from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 33h 50m.

Car

Another option to get to Mecca is to pick up a car hire from Jeddah, which is about 66 km 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 (1,565 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,194 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,484 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,531 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,258 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,644 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,656 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,127 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,541 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,520 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,430 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,460 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,588 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,375 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,038 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,327 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (317 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (1,033 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (691 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 $233 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $247 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 $32 to $691 per night. Al Jamiah is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Mecca are about 13% 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)
$291+
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Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$344+
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Al Marwa Rayhaan By Rotana
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$310+
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Mövenpick Jeddah City Star
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$161+
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Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$189+
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Abraj Al Tayseer Tuwa Hotel By IHG
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$57+
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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, 71% 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, 71% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.