Jeddah to Taif Distance: 170 km by Road, Travel Time and Route

Jeddah to Taif distance is about 170 km by road, and the drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours. The road runs past Makkah and then climbs the Al Hada mountain road to Taif, a city around 1,800 metres above sea level and usually much cooler than Jeddah. This guide covers the distance from Jeddah city, Jeddah Airport and Makkah, each stage of the route, the best time to go and practical tips for families.

Jeddah to Taif Distance by Road and Driving Time

The quickest route takes the Makkah expressway east from Jeddah, passes Makkah and then turns onto the Al Hada road. The last stretch is a steep mountain climb with many hairpin bends and viewpoints, so drivers slow down here. In normal traffic the Jeddah to Taif driving time is 2 to 2.5 hours.

Traffic is heaviest on Thursday afternoons and evenings, when the Saudi weekend starts and many Jeddah families drive up to Taif. Leaving early in the morning gives you a calmer road and cooler air at the top. If Al Hada road is closed for maintenance, traffic is sent along the Al Sail road, which adds about 30 to 45 minutes.

Jeddah Airport to Taif Distance

From King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in north Jeddah, Taif is about 190 km away, roughly 2.5 hours by car. The extra 20 km comes from crossing north Jeddah to reach the Makkah expressway. Many travellers go straight from the airport to Taif in a private taxi rather than changing transport in the city, which is easier with luggage and children.

The Jeddah to Taif Route, Stage by Stage

Knowing the stages helps you plan stops and understand why the last part of the drive feels slower. The distances below are approximate and start from central Jeddah.

1. Jeddah to Makkah (about 80 km)

The first part is the busy Makkah expressway. Once you are out of Jeddah city traffic, this is a straight, wide road and usually takes 50 to 70 minutes. Getting out of Jeddah itself can take longer than the highway at rush hour, especially between 7 and 9 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon.

2. Around Makkah to the Foot of the Mountain (about 30 km)

The road skirts the eastern side of Makkah on the ring roads, so you do not drive into the Haram area. After Makkah the land starts to rise and the road heads towards the escarpment. There are petrol stations with small shops and prayer rooms along this stretch, which makes it a good place for a short break.

3. The Al Hada Climb (about 25 km)

This is the famous part of the trip. The road climbs more than 1,000 metres up the mountain in a series of tight bends, with separate lanes for traffic going up and coming down. There are parking bays and viewpoints along the way. You will often see baboons near the road. They look friendly, but they can be aggressive, so keep windows closed and do not feed them.

4. Al Hada to Taif City (about 35 km)

At the top the road flattens out across the plateau. You pass Al Hada resorts, the cable car area and fruit stalls before reaching central Taif. Al Shafa, the other popular mountain area, is about 25 km south of the city, so add 30 to 40 minutes if you plan to visit it on the same day.

Taif to Jeddah Distance and the Drive Down

The Taif to Jeddah distance is the same 170 km, but the drive back is often 15 to 20 minutes quicker because most of it is downhill. The descent on Al Hada road is steep, and drivers use a low gear to avoid overheating the brakes. If you feel unwell on bends, the way down is usually harder than the way up, so take a light meal before leaving.

In winter, mist and fog can settle on Al Hada in the evening and reduce visibility. Leaving Taif before sunset is the safer choice in the cooler months. If you are catching a flight, plan to leave Taif at least 4 hours before departure from Jeddah Airport to allow for the drive, traffic and check-in.

Ways to Travel From Jeddah to Taif

• Private taxi: the most direct option. You leave when you want, stop at Al Hada viewpoints on the way and get dropped at your hotel. A sedan for up to 4 people starts at SAR 450 one way.
• Bus: cheaper, but usually 3 to 4 hours because of stops and fixed timetables, and you still need transport from the bus station to your hotel.
• Train: there is no train to Taif. You can take the Haramain train from Jeddah to Makkah, but you will still need a car for the last 90 km up the mountain.
• Self-drive: possible with a rental car, but the Al Hada bends and weekend traffic can be tiring for drivers who do not know the road.

Best Time to Travel From Jeddah to Taif

By Season

• Summer (June to August): the busiest time. Taif is often in the low 30s °C while Jeddah is close to 40 °C with high humidity. Hotels fill up and weekend traffic is heavy, so book transport early.
• Spring (March and April): rose season. The farms around Taif are in bloom and the rose water factories open to visitors. Mornings are the best time to see the harvest.
• Autumn (September to November): pleasant weather in Taif and fewer crowds than summer. A good choice for a relaxed day trip.
• Winter (December to February): cool days and cold nights in Taif, sometimes below 10 °C. Expect evening fog on Al Hada and the occasional rain shower.

By Time of Day

For a day trip, leave Jeddah between 6 and 8 in the morning. The road is quiet, the views are clear and you reach Taif before the midday sun. On weekends, avoid going up on Thursday afternoon and coming down on Saturday evening, when most residents make the same trip.

Tips for Families and Elderly Passengers

Car Sickness on the Bends

The Al Hada road has dozens of tight turns, and children and elderly passengers often feel sick. Sitting in the front or middle row, looking ahead rather than at a phone and eating something light before the trip all help. A good driver will take the bends slowly and stop at a viewpoint if someone needs fresh air.

What to Bring

Bring a light jacket even in summer, because Al Hada and Al Shafa can be 10 degrees cooler than Taif city in the evening. Carry water, snacks and some cash for the fruit and honey stalls on the mountain road, as many of them do not take cards.

Prayer and Rest Stops

There are petrol stations with masjids, washrooms and shops on the Makkah expressway and on the road up to Al Hada. If you are travelling with elderly parents, plan one stop on the way up so the trip feels shorter and more comfortable.

Jeddah to Taif Route for Non-Muslim Travellers

Non-Muslims cannot enter the Makkah area, so the usual route through Makkah is not open to them. Road signs before Makkah direct non-Muslim drivers onto a bypass that joins the Al Sail road to Taif. This route is longer and usually adds 30 to 45 minutes to the trip, but the road itself is wide and easy to drive.

Why Visit Taif From Jeddah?

Taif is the summer escape of the Hijaz. The cooler mountain air makes it a popular day trip for families and for pilgrims after Umrah.

• Al Hada and Al Shafa: mountain viewpoints, cable car rides and fruit stalls along the road.
• Taif rose farms: in spring the farms bloom and produce the famous Taif rose water.
• Shubra Palace: a historic royal residence in the city centre.
• Al Rudaf Park and Saisad National Park: green spaces for families and picnics.
• Taif ziyarat: Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, Masjid Addas and the village of Bani Saad.

Jeddah to Taif and Return in One Day

A day trip works well if you leave Jeddah early: about 2 hours up, 5 to 6 hours in Taif and 2 hours back. With a same-day return taxi the same car waits and brings you back, so you do not need to look for transport in Taif in the evening. See fares and book on our Jeddah to Taif taxi page, or message us on WhatsApp at +966 56 583 0096.