Umrah with Babies & Children: Taxis, Child Seats & Tips

Travelling for Umrah with babies and young children is very doable — the key is planning transport that keeps everyone together and seated safely. For airport transfers and the 4–5 hour drive between Makkah and Madinah, a pre-booked private car or van is the easiest option for families: there are no station changes, the pushchair and luggage go in the boot, and you can stop for feeds and nappy changes. Ask about a child seat when you book, or bring your own — a lightweight travel car seat is worth packing for babies and toddlers.

Child seats: bring your own or request one?

• Request one when booking: tell us your child's age and weight on WhatsApp and we will confirm whether a suitable seat is available for your trip.
• Bring your own: most airlines let you check in a car seat free of charge on top of your baggage allowance — check with yours. A familiar seat is often more comfortable for your child, and it works for every journey of the trip.
• Children should ride in the back seat. It is the safest place in any car.

Choosing the right vehicle for a family

Remember that babies and children count as passengers when choosing seats. See all vehicles on our fleet page.

Airport arrival with children

Long immigration queues are hard with tired children. A pre-booked driver tracks your flight and waits in arrivals, so you don't have to look for a taxi or a pickup point with a baby in your arms. Send your flight number, the number of adults and children, and the number of suitcases and pushchairs when you book. Jeddah Airport to Makkah takes about 1 to 1.5 hours; fares start from SAR 230 per vehicle — see all vehicles.

The long drive: Makkah to Madinah with kids

• Time the trip around naps. Leaving after breakfast often means young children sleep for part of the drive.
• Plan one or two stops at service stations, which have prayer rooms, toilets and food. Tell the driver at the start.
• Keep the essentials in the car, not the boot (see the checklist below).
• Train or car? The Haramain train is fast, but with a pushchair, car seats and luggage you also need taxis to and from both stations. Many families find the private car easier overall. Compare in our train vs taxi guide.

Makkah to Madinah fares start from SAR 370 per vehicle — see the fare table.

Getting to the Haram with a pushchair

Roads around Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi close to traffic at busy times, so cars cannot always reach the gates. Ask your driver to drop you at the closest open point to your hotel or the gate you want. Many parents use a baby carrier inside the Haram, as large pushchairs can be difficult in crowded areas.

Car bag checklist for parents

• Water, milk or formula, and snacks
• Nappies, wipes, a changing mat and spare clothes
• Any medicines, plus a small first-aid kit
• A light blanket — car air conditioning can be strong
• A tablet or books for older children
• Your hotel address in Arabic and your driver's number

Frequently asked questions

Do Umrah taxis have child seats?

Not every taxi does. Tell us your child's age and weight when you book and we will confirm whether a suitable child seat is available, or bring your own travel car seat — most airlines carry it free.

What is the best vehicle for a family with young children?

For two adults and two or three children, the Hyundai Staria is the most practical: sliding doors, room for car seats and a large boot for a pushchair and luggage.

Can we stop on the way from Makkah to Madinah for the children?

Yes. Service stations along the highway have toilets, prayer rooms and food, and the driver stops whenever you need.

Do children pay a separate fare?

No. Our fares are per vehicle, not per person. Children do count towards the number of seats, so choose a vehicle with enough seats for everyone.

Is a private car or the Haramain train better with a baby?

The train is faster, but with a baby, car seat, pushchair and luggage you also need taxis to and from both stations. Most families find a door-to-door private car easier.