By Al Maqam Transport | Updated October 2026

Jeddah Airport (King Abdulaziz International Airport, code JED) has three passenger terminals: Terminal 1, the North Terminal and the seasonal Hajj Terminal. Most travelers land at Terminal 1. Passengers on some foreign and low-cost carriers use the North Terminal, and pilgrim charter flights during Hajj and the busiest Umrah periods may use the Hajj Terminal. Your airline decides your terminal, so confirm it on your booking before you arrange a pickup.

That single detail causes more confusion at JED than any other. The terminals sit far apart on a very large site, and a wrong meeting point can cost you an hour. This guide explains each terminal, how to confirm yours, how to reach Makkah, Madinah and your hotel, and what to expect after landing. It is written from the perspective of the airport transfer work we do every day for Umrah pilgrims, families and business travelers.

Jeddah Airport at a Glance

King Abdulaziz International Airport lies about 19 km north of central Jeddah. It is the main air gateway to Makkah, roughly 90 km away, and the busiest entry point for Umrah and Hajj travelers. It is also the largest hub for Saudia, the national carrier, and a base for the Saudi low-cost airlines flynas and flyadeal.

Flights to Madinah normally land at a different airport, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED). Taif has its own airport as well. If your plan starts in Madinah, check whether flying into MED saves you the 420 km journey from Jeddah.

Which Terminal Do You Need? A Quick Answer

Use this table as a starting point, then confirm with your airline.

Terminal	Typically used by	Open
Terminal 1	Saudia, flynas, flyadeal and most major full-service international airlines	All year
North Terminal	Certain foreign carriers, many low-cost and regional airlines	All year
Hajj Terminal	Pilgrim charters and selected carriers during Hajj and peak Umrah periods	Seasonal
Terminal 4	All flights previously operating from the North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah have been shifted to Terminal 4 (T4) and the Hajj and Umrah Terminals, following a phased transition that was completed on October 17, 2026.	All year

Airlines move between terminals from time to time, and published guides do not always agree. When your booking confirmation, your airline app and a website disagree, trust the airline.

Terminal 1: The Main Terminal

Terminal 1 opened in 2019 and is among the largest airport terminals in the world. It handles all Saudia flights, domestic and international, along with flynas and flyadeal and a long list of international airlines from the Gulf, Europe, Turkey, Egypt and Southeast Asia.

For pilgrims, Terminal 1 matters for one more reason: the Haramain High-Speed Railway has a station at the airport, linked to this terminal. If you land here you can walk from arrivals to the platform without a taxi. We explain when the train is the right choice, and when it is not, further down.

Terminal 1 has lounges, restaurants, prayer rooms, currency exchange and mobile SIM counters. Distances inside it are long. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for baggage collection after a busy wide-body arrival.

North Terminal: Foreign and Low-Cost Carriers

The North Terminal is older and smaller. It was originally planned for Hajj traffic but proved too small, which is why the dedicated Hajj Terminal was built further north. Today it serves a group of foreign airlines, including many carriers from South Asia, Africa and Central Asia, and some low-cost operators.

It is easier to navigate than Terminal 1 but gets crowded when several Umrah flights land close together. Keep your passport, visa and hotel booking ready before immigration.

The North Terminal does not have the railway station. If you want the Haramain train, you must first take the inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 1, so add time for that connection.

Hajj Terminal: Seasonal and Built for Pilgrims

The Hajj Terminal is one of the most distinctive airport buildings anywhere. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1983. Its fabric tent-style roof shelters large pilgrim groups, and it is often described as capable of handling around 80,000 passengers at once.

It works only in season, around the Hajj period and at some peak Umrah times, and the exact dates are set by Saudi authorities each year. Outside those windows the terminal is closed, so you should not plan to use it as an ordinary traveler.

Two practical points for pilgrims. First, group arrivals here are processed in large batches, so waits at immigration can be long. Second, drivers cannot enter the terminal building to reach you, so agree a clear meeting point in advance.

How to Confirm Your Terminal Before You Fly

Because terminal lists change, a simple routine works better than memorizing a list.

Start with your e-ticket and airline app, which usually show the terminal for both arrival and departure. Check again 24 hours before departure, because airlines sometimes re-allocate terminals for operational reasons. If you are traveling with a pilgrim group, ask your operator which terminal and which door they have been assigned. And when you book a transfer, give your flight number so the driver can see the terminal and your real landing time.

Moving Between Terminals

A shuttle bus connects the North Terminal and Terminal 1, and Terminal 1 has an automated people mover between its check-in area and international gates. Distances between terminals are large and traffic around the airport can be slow, so avoid tight plans that need a transfer. If you are connecting between a North Terminal flight and a Terminal 1 flight, keep at least three hours.

What to Expect After You Land

The arrival process at JED follows the same order for most travelers.

First comes immigration. Umrah and tourist e-visa holders should have their passport, visa and return ticket ready, and many will be asked for fingerprints. Next is baggage claim, where screens show your carousel. Zamzam water is allowed for departure on many flights only in approved containers and within baggage limits, so check your airline’s rules before you buy any. Then you pass customs and reach the arrivals hall, where SIM card counters and exchange desks are located.

Pilgrims should also decide where to change into ihram clothing. If you want to enter ihram for Umrah, plan it before landing. Jeddah lies inside the miqat boundaries for travelers arriving from abroad, so most pilgrims flying in wear ihram before boarding or during the flight and make their intention when the miqat is announced. Rulings can differ by school of thought and by your situation, so ask your scholar or group leader before you travel rather than relying on a website, including this one.

Getting from Jeddah Airport to Makkah

From the airport it is roughly 90 km to Makkah. Your realistic options are the train, a private transfer, ride-hailing and a taxi from the airport rank.

Haramain train. The station is linked to Terminal 1 and the ride to Makkah takes about 45 to 55 minutes. It is fast, predictable and not affected by road traffic. The drawbacks are the schedule (it does not run around the clock), baggage limits, and the fact that the Makkah station is not at your hotel door, so you still need a short ride to the Haram area.

Private transfer. A pre-booked driver meets you in arrivals, loads your luggage and takes you to the hotel entrance. The road trip typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, longer in Ramadan evenings, Friday afternoons and Hajj week. Fares depend on the vehicle and season, and a booked transfer gives you a price agreed before you travel.

Ride-hailing and rank taxis. Both are available, but waiting times and prices can rise sharply when many flights land at once. You also need mobile data, which new arrivals may not have yet.

Getting to Madinah, Jeddah and Taif

Madinah is about 420 km from the airport. The train from the airport station takes roughly two hours. By private car the journey usually takes four to five hours depending on traffic and stops, which can be the better option for a family with a lot of luggage who want a prayer break on the way.

Central Jeddah is about 19 km away and typically 25 to 40 minutes by road. Taif is considerably farther, roughly two and a half to three hours, and is usually reached by car or private transfer.

Train or Private Transfer? How to Decide

The train is a strong choice for solo travelers and couples with light luggage who land at Terminal 1 in daytime. A private transfer is usually better in these situations:

• You arrive late at night or very early in the morning.
• You travel with elderly parents, young children or a wheelchair user.
• You have several large bags, strollers or Zamzam containers.
• Your hotel is far from the Makkah or Madinah train stations.
• You land at the North Terminal or the Hajj Terminal and would need an extra shuttle.
• You want to stop for prayer, food or ziyarat on the way.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Seat counts vary by model, so treat these as typical guidance and mention your luggage when you book.

Group	Suggested vehicle
1 to 3 travelers	Toyota Camry sedan
Family of 4 to 6	Hyundai Staria
7 to 10 travelers	Toyota Hiace
VIP or executive travel	GMC Yukon
Large groups	Coaster bus

How an Airport Transfer Works

A good airport pickup follows a simple pattern. You send your flight number, arrival date and hotel name. The driver tracks the flight, so a delay does not leave you waiting or paying for an idle driver. On arrival the driver meets you at an agreed point with a name sign, helps with luggage and takes you directly to your hotel. Child seats, extra stops for ziyarat and a return transfer can be arranged in the same booking.

Before you confirm any transfer, ask five questions: Is the price fixed and does it include waiting time? Will the driver track my flight? Where exactly will we meet? Is the vehicle suitable for my luggage? Is the driver licensed to carry passengers?

Best Times to Travel and Peak Periods

The airport is busiest in the weeks before and after Ramadan, during Hajj and on school holiday weekends. Ramadan arrivals tend to be heavy after Isha and before Suhoor, and road traffic into Makkah can slow noticeably. If you can choose, mid-week arrivals outside school holidays are calmer. In peak periods, book your transfer early and allow extra time at immigration.

Accessibility and Family Travel

JED offers wheelchair assistance, but it should be requested through your airline before you travel. Terminal distances are long, so ask for assistance even if you walk well for short distances. Families should keep children’s documents together, carry snacks for long immigration queues, and book a vehicle with enough room for strollers and car seats.

Departure Tips from Jeddah Airport

Check your departure terminal separately, because it can differ from your arrival terminal. Leave Makkah at least five hours before an international departure during busy periods, and earlier during Hajj. Online check-in saves time, and Terminal 1 has self-service kiosks and baggage drop areas.

FAQs

How many terminals does Jeddah Airport have?

Three passenger terminals: Terminal 1, the North Terminal and the seasonal Hajj Terminal. The airport also has a separate royal terminal and private aviation facilities, which ordinary passengers do not use.

Which terminal does Saudia use at Jeddah Airport?

Saudia operates mainly from Terminal 1, along with flynas and flyadeal. Always confirm on your booking, because allocations can change.

Which terminal do Umrah pilgrims arrive at?

It depends on the airline. Many arrive at Terminal 1, others at the North Terminal, and some pilgrim charters use the Hajj Terminal in season.

Is the Hajj Terminal open all year?

No. It operates around the Hajj season and at some peak Umrah times, with dates set by the authorities.

Is there a train from Jeddah Airport to Makkah?

Yes. The Haramain High-Speed Railway has a station at the airport, linked to Terminal 1, and the trip to Makkah takes about 45 to 55 minutes.

How far is Jeddah Airport from Makkah?

About 90 km. By road it typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and season.

How far is Jeddah Airport from Madinah?

About 420 km. The train takes roughly two hours from the airport station, and a private car usually takes four to five hours.

How much is a taxi from Jeddah Airport to Makkah?

Prices vary by vehicle type, season and time of day. A pre-booked transfer gives you a fixed price before you travel, which avoids surprises at the rank.

How do I get between the North Terminal and Terminal 1?

Use the shuttle bus between the two terminals. Allow generous time, especially if you plan to take the Haramain train.

Can I put on ihram at Jeddah Airport?

Most pilgrims arriving by air enter ihram before or during the flight, at the miqat. Ask your scholar or group leader for guidance suited to your situation.

Will my driver know if my flight is delayed?

A driver who tracks your flight number will see delays and adjust the pickup time. Give your flight number when you book.

What is the best option for a family with elderly parents?

A private transfer in a spacious vehicle usually works best, because it avoids platform walking, baggage limits and waiting in queues.

Does Jeddah Airport serve Madinah?

Jeddah Airport can be used for Madinah, but Madinah has its own airport (MED). Compare flights, since landing in Madinah directly can save several hours.

Plan Your Arrival with Al Maqam Transport

Knowing your terminal is half the journey; the rest is having someone reliable waiting when you land. Al Maqam Transport provides private airport transfers from Jeddah Airport to Makkah, Madinah, Taif and your hotel, with Umrah taxi, ziyarat and intercity options for families, groups and VIP guests. Share your flight number and hotel, and we will confirm the right vehicle and meeting point.