Makkah to Taif is the shortest way out of the heat. In about 90 km the road climbs from the city into the Sarawat mountains, and Taif is much cooler than Makkah, especially in summer. This page is for a day out or a short stay: what the road is like, what to see, and how to plan the return.
The climb
Taif sits more than 1,500 metres higher than Makkah, so most of the 90 km is a climb through steep, winding mountain roads. There is more than one road. Which one the driver uses can depend on the conditions on the day and whether you need a particular stop. Families with children or older passengers who get car sick should tell us, and we can drive more gently and take a break.
Weather
It can be cloudy, misty or windy on the heights, and it can be much cooler than Makkah. Take a jacket, even in summer evenings.
What people go for
Popular reasons for the trip include:
- Al Hada and its views over the mountains
- Al Shafa, the highland area known for its cool weather and farms
- Shubra Palace, a historic building in Taif that is now a museum
- Rose farms, which are at their best in spring when the roses are harvested
Send your pickup, destination, date and passengers and we will confirm the vehicle and price.
Day trip or overnight
For a day trip, tell us when you want to arrive and when you want to be back in Makkah. Allow for at least four or five hours in Taif to make the 3-hour round trip worthwhile. For an overnight stay we can take you to your hotel or resort and arrange the return for the next day. Weekends and summer holidays are busy, so book early.
Combining with other plans
If you are heading to Taif from Jeddah instead, see Jeddah to Taif. If you are returning to Makkah and are a pilgrim, see Taif to Makkah for the miqat stop on the way back. For a driver in Taif during your stay, see Taif taxi service.
The road up the escarpment
Leaving Makkah for Taif means climbing from the coastal plain into the Sarawat mountains. Roads wind as they rise, the temperature drops and visibility can change quickly in fog or rain. A driver used to the route will adjust speed without making it a drama, but passengers prone to travel sickness should say so before leaving.
Taif is popular on summer weekends, when families escape the heat of the coast. If your trip falls on a weekend or holiday, leave earlier than you think necessary, because the road is busiest in the morning going up and in the evening coming down.
What visitors usually do once they get there
A day in Taif often includes a park or viewpoint, a visit to the Masjid of Abdullah ibn Abbas, a stroll through the market and, in season, a visit to a rose farm. Plan a few stops rather than a dozen, because mountain roads between them take time. See Taif for more on the city.
Dressing for a different climate
A thin shirt that suits Makkah in the afternoon can feel inadequate in Taif after dark. Pack a jacket or a shawl even in summer, and a heavier layer in winter, when nights in the mountains can be cold. Pilgrims in ihram have limits on what they can wear, so if you plan to visit Taif before Umrah, think about the order of your trip.
Carry water in the car: the climb is dry, and the stops can be far apart.
A day trip that finishes before dark
Mountain roads are harder after nightfall, particularly in fog. If you are making a day trip from Makkah, plan to start the descent while it is still light. We can arrange a pickup in Taif at a time that suits, but be realistic about how long places take, because leaving three stops short is better than driving down late and tired.