This page explains our two group options, the Toyota Hiace van and the Toyota Coaster minibus, which routes they suit, starting prices, and how to plan a smooth group trip.

Toyota Hiace: for medium groups

The Toyota Hiace is a high-roof passenger van widely used for pilgrim transport in Saudi Arabia. Typical passenger versions seat around 10 to 13 people, depending on the configuration, with space for luggage behind or on board. It is a good choice for two families travelling together, or a group of 8 to 11 with normal luggage. Please tell us your exact number of passengers and suitcases so we can confirm the fit.

Toyota Coaster: for larger groups

The Toyota Coaster is a minibus. Typical versions seat around 20 to 30 passengers, depending on the model and layout. It suits mosque groups, Umrah agent groups and large extended families. Luggage space depends on the number of passengers, so for full groups with big suitcases, tell us in advance and we can advise whether extra luggage space is needed.

Group starting prices

Prices are fixed per vehicle, not per person. Here are some starting prices from our current table (SAR):

• Jeddah Airport to Makkah hotel: Hiace 390, Coaster 900.
• Makkah hotel to Jeddah Airport: Hiace 370, Coaster 650.
• Makkah to Madinah hotel: Hiace 700, Coaster 1,100.
• Madinah to Makkah hotel: Hiace 650, Coaster 1,100.
• Madinah Airport to Madinah hotel: Hiace 230, Coaster 450.
• Makkah Ziyarat (standard): Hiace 340, Coaster 540.
• Madinah Ziyarat (standard): Hiace 330, Coaster 530.
• Haramain train station transfer: Hiace 200, Coaster 380.

Divide by the number of passengers and group transport is often the most affordable way to travel. See all routes on our prices page. Rates exclude VAT.

Routes groups book most

• Jeddah Airport to Makkah on arrival.
• Makkah to Madinah and Madinah to Makkah, with a miqat stop at Dhul Hulaifah when going to Makkah for Umrah.
• Makkah Ziyarat and Madinah Ziyarat tours.
• Masjid Aisha for a second Umrah.
• Taif day trips.
• Makkah to Jeddah Airport on departure.

Planning a group trip: a checklist for organisers

• Final headcount: include children and infants.
• Luggage count: large and small cases, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Flight details: if the group arrives on different flights, tell us; we can plan one pickup or several.
• Hotel names: exact names in both cities, and whether everyone stays at the same hotel.
• One contact person: the organiser’s WhatsApp number so the driver knows whom to call.
• Umrah permits: book the group’s Nusuk permits for a time that allows for travel and rest. See our Nusuk guide.

Group ziyarat: keep it simple

With a big group, every stop takes longer: getting off, gathering, prayer and getting back on. Choose four or five main places, start after Fajr, and appoint someone to count heads at each stop. Our guides to Makkah ziyarat places, Madinah ziyarat places and the holy mountains help you decide which places matter most to your group.

Groups with elderly members or children

Most groups include a few older pilgrims. Seat them near the door, plan rest stops on long routes and avoid the hottest hours. Vans and minibuses have a higher step than sedans, so tell us if anyone needs extra help or a wheelchair; see our page for elderly and wheelchair users.

A sample 10-day group itinerary

Every group is different, but many follow a plan like this. Use it as a starting point and tell us your own dates:

• Day 1: arrive at Jeddah Airport, Hiace or Coaster to the Makkah hotel, rest, then Umrah at a quiet time.
• Days 2 to 4: prayers in Masjid al-Haram. One morning, a Makkah Ziyarat tour after Fajr.
• Day 5: optional trip to Masjid Aisha for those who want another Umrah, or a Taif day trip.
• Day 6: Makkah to Madinah, leaving after Fajr, with a rest stop on the way.
• Days 7 to 9: prayers in Masjid an-Nabawi, Rawdah slots booked in Nusuk, and a Madinah Ziyarat morning.
• Day 10: Madinah hotel to Madinah Airport, or back to Jeddah Airport for the flight home.

Booking all the legs together means the group knows the plan from the start, and the organiser has one contact for every transfer.

Tips for group leaders

Leading a group is a trust (amanah). Small things help: share a simple daily plan in the group chat each evening, give every member the hotel address and your number, and agree on fixed meeting points at the Haram gates. Keep a list of members with medical needs. Before each journey, do a quick headcount and a luggage count before the vehicle leaves.

Remind the group that the journey itself is worship. Patience with delays, kindness to the elderly and keeping the vehicle clean are all part of a blessed trip.

Hiace, Coaster or several cars?

Sometimes two smaller vehicles are better than one big one, for example when part of the group stays at a different hotel, or when some want to return early from ziyarat. Tell us your plan and we will suggest the simplest option.

Related pages

• Jeddah Airport to Makkah taxi
• Makkah to Madinah taxi
• Makkah Ziyarat taxi
• Haramain train station taxi
• Umrah taxi for women and families
• All routes and fixed prices

Frequently asked questions

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