Al Madinah
Plan Al Madinah with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step out of your hotel in Al Madinah before dawn and the city is already walking in one direction. Pilgrims in white and travellers in every colour flow quietly across the marble plazas toward the Prophet's Mosque, its green dome lit softly against the dark sky. The giant white umbrellas of the courtyard are still folded, the air smells of oud and fresh dates, and the call to prayer rolls gently over the rooftops.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Widen your search or message us on WhatsApp.
Al Madinah Airport Transfers
View all
Al Madinah at first sight
Al Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, the oasis where the Prophet Muhammad made his home and where the first Muslim community took shape. For centuries it has received visitors with a gentleness that is almost tangible, and today, beside its sacred heart, it reveals palm groves, volcanic hills and early Islamic heritage that make it far more than a stop on the pilgrimage route.
Why include Al Madinah in your itinerary?
- The Prophet's Mosque and the Rawdah. Al Masjid an-Nabawi, built on the site of the Prophet's own house, holds his resting place and the blessed Rawdah, and its scale, serenity and spotless care make it one of the most moving places of worship anywhere.
- Living early Islamic history at every turn. Quba, the first mosque in Islam, the battlefield of Mount Uhud, the Mosque of the Two Qiblas and the site of the Battle of the Trench all lie within a short drive of central Al Madinah.
- A calm, gentle city famed for its hospitality. Al Madinah moves at a softer pace than Makkah, its people are known for warmth toward visitors, and its date farms and markets, especially the prized Ajwa date, give the oasis a flavour all its own.
Signature experiences in Al Madinah
Al Masjid an-Nabawi and the Rawdah
The Prophet's Mosque is the heart of Al Madinah, a vast space of white marble, carved columns and retractable umbrellas that open like flowers to shade the courtyards. Inside lies the Rawdah, the green-carpeted area between the Prophet's pulpit and his house, entered only with a permit booked on the official Saudi platform. Our private transfers bring you from the airport or station straight to a hotel within walking distance of the gates.
Ajwa Dates and the Flavours of the Hejaz
Al Madinah is the date capital of Arabia. At the Dates Market near the Haram, merchants offer tastings of dark, soft Ajwa, honeyed Safawi and amber Sukkari, served with cardamom-scented Saudi coffee. Beyond the market, try Hejazi dishes such as saleeg rice cooked in milk, slow-roasted mandi, harees and sweet mutabbaq. Our team can arrange a private car with driver to the date farms on the city's edge for a quieter visit.
Quba Mosque and the Historic Mosques
Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, gleams white among palm groves south of the centre, reached by a pleasant pedestrian walkway lined with trees. Further north stand the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, where the direction of prayer changed toward Makkah, and the Seven Mosques at the site of the Battle of the Trench. A private car with driver arranged by our team connects these sites comfortably in a single morning.
Mount Uhud and the Martyrs' Cemetery
North of the city, the red granite ridge of Mount Uhud rises above the plain where the Battle of Uhud was fought. At its foot lies the cemetery of the martyrs, including Hamza, the Prophet's uncle, and the small Archers' Hill where visitors pause to reflect. It is best visited early in the morning, before the heat, and our team can arrange a private car with driver to take you there and wait.
Badr and the Road Beyond the Oasis
For travellers with an extra day, the historic battlefield of Badr lies about two hours south-west of Al Madinah, across desert plains and black volcanic hills, with a memorial and cemetery recalling the first great battle of Islam. Closer to the city, the desert valleys to the north-west reveal dramatic basalt landscapes. Our team arranges a private car with an experienced driver for the full day, at your own pace.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Al Madinah
The Central Area North
The hotels north of the Prophet's Mosque open directly onto the marble plazas and the gates closest to the main prayer halls. This is the most sought-after district for pilgrims who want to reach every prayer on foot, with international hotel brands, shopping arcades and food courts. It is very safe, extremely busy at prayer times and in Ramadan, and ideal for families.
The Central Area South and West
South and west of the Haram, the central hotels sit close to the Dates Market, Quba Road and the gates nearest the Rawdah area. The district mixes large hotels with smaller, good-value properties, traditional shops and restaurants serving Hejazi and international dishes. It is safe and lively day and night, and slightly easier for cars to reach than the northern side.
Quba
The Quba district surrounds the historic Quba Mosque among palm groves, a few minutes south of the centre by car or a pleasant walk along the dedicated Quba walkway. It is quieter and more residential, with modern apartments, local cafés and bakeries. It suits travellers on longer stays who want calm evenings while remaining close to the Prophet's Mosque.
Sayed Al Shuhada and Uhud
The area around Mount Uhud and the Sayed Al Shuhada Mosque is spacious and relaxed, with newer hotels, parks and open views of the mountain. It is further from the Prophet's Mosque, so a car or shuttle is needed, but it suits families and visitors who prefer quieter surroundings and easy access to the historic battlefield and martyrs' cemetery.
How long to stay in Al Madinah and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Most visitors spend three to five nights in Al Madinah. Three nights allow prayers in the Prophet's Mosque, a Rawdah visit and the main historic sites. Five nights give a calmer pace, more time in the mosque and a full day for Uhud, the date farms or Badr.
How to pair it
Al Madinah pairs naturally with Makkah, around two and a half hours away by high-speed train or four to five hours by road, and with Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. In seven days, combine Al Madinah and Makkah. Ten days adds Jeddah's historic Al Balad district. Fourteen days allows Riyadh or Dammam. Our team arranges private transfers between cities and to every airport and station.
Best time to visit Al Madinah and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The most comfortable months to visit Al Madinah are November to February, with warm days, cool evenings and occasional rain. March and October are pleasant transitional months. Summer from June to September is extremely hot, often above forty degrees. Ramadan and the weeks around Hajj are spiritually intense and very crowded, so plan early.
The daily rhythm
Al Madinah's day is shaped by the five prayers. The city wakes before dawn for Fajr, rests through the midday heat and comes alive after Asr, when families fill the plazas and markets. After Isha, the mosque courtyards glow, restaurants are busy and shops stay open late into the cool night.
On-the-ground logistics in Al Madinah
Arrival
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport lies about twenty-five to thirty-five minutes by road from the central hotels around the Prophet's Mosque, while the high-speed railway station is around fifteen to twenty minutes away. Our private airport transfers meet you at arrivals and drive you with your luggage directly to your hotel entrance.
Getting around
The central area around the Prophet's Mosque is easy to explore on foot, and the Quba walkway links it to Quba Mosque. For Uhud, the historic mosques and the date farms you will need a car. Licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available, and our team can arrange a private car with driver by the day.
Local etiquette tip
The custom most often missed is that the Rawdah inside the Prophet's Mosque can only be visited with a timed permit booked in advance on the official Saudi platform, and slots fill quickly. Inside the mosque, keep your voice low, greet the Prophet calmly and briefly, avoid photography during prayers and never push in crowds.
Must-do things in Al Madinah
- Pray at Al Masjid an-Nabawi and watch the courtyard umbrellas open at sunrise
- Visit the Rawdah with a permit booked in advance on the official platform
- Walk the tree-lined Quba walkway to pray at the first mosque in Islam
- Taste Ajwa, Safawi and Sukkari dates at the Dates Market near the Haram
- Stand on the Archers' Hill beneath Mount Uhud and visit the martyrs' cemetery
- See the Mosque of the Two Qiblas where the direction of prayer changed
- Visit the Seven Mosques at the historic site of the Battle of the Trench
- Explore the Dar Al Madinah Museum for the history of the city
- Share Saudi coffee and dates with locals in the plazas after evening prayer
- Drive out to a date farm on the city's edge during the harvest season
Do’s and don’ts in Al Madinah
Do
- Book your Rawdah permit early on the official Saudi platform
- Dress modestly at all times, with loose clothing covering arms and legs
- Carry a small bag for your shoes when entering the mosque
- Drink plenty of water and plan outdoor visits for early morning
- Respect separate entrances and areas for men and women in the mosque
Don’t
- Do not raise your voice or push in crowds inside the Prophet's Mosque
- Do not take photos of worshippers during prayers or without permission
- Do not eat or drink in public during daylight hours in Ramadan
- Do not wear tight, sleeveless or revealing clothing in public places
- Do not leave valuables unattended in crowded plazas at peak times
Al Madinah at a glance
Plan Al Madinah with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
About Haqqi Tours: About us Contact us Legal NoticePrivacy PolicyCookies & Marketing PreferencesTerms & ConditionsBooking, Payment & Refunds
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Al Madinah.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Al Madinah?
First-time visitors are best placed in the Central Area right around the Prophet's Mosque, where hotels open onto the plazas and every prayer is a short walk away. The northern side is popular with families. For a quieter stay, Quba is close and calm. Our team can recommend hotels and arrange your private transfers.
Can Al Madinah be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
A day trip to Al Madinah from Makkah or Jeddah is possible by high-speed train, but it is rushed. An overnight stay of at least three nights lets you pray in the Prophet's Mosque, visit the Rawdah with a permit and see Quba, Uhud and the historic mosques without hurrying.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Al Madinah?
Modest dress is expected throughout Al Madinah. Men wear long trousers and covered shoulders, and women wear loose, full-length clothing with a headscarf, and an abaya inside the mosque. Keep your voice low, respect men's and women's areas, avoid photographing worshippers and follow staff instructions calmly during busy prayer times.
Is Al Madinah tourist friendly?
Yes, Al Madinah has welcomed visitors for centuries and is very well organised for them. Signs around the Prophet's Mosque appear in several languages, hotels and shops serve guests from around the world, and residents are known for their warmth. Our private transfers and chauffeured cars make moving between sites simple and comfortable.
Is it safe to travel to Al Madinah now?
Al Madinah is a very safe city with a strong security presence, especially around the Prophet's Mosque. The main concerns are summer heat and dense crowds in Ramadan and the Hajj season. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Al Madinah?
Essential experiences in Al Madinah include praying at the Prophet's Mosque, visiting the Rawdah, walking to Quba Mosque, seeing Mount Uhud and the martyrs' cemetery, the Mosque of the Two Qiblas and the Seven Mosques, and tasting Ajwa dates at the market. Our private car with driver connects these sites comfortably.
How many days do you need in Al Madinah?
Three to five days is ideal in Al Madinah. Three days cover prayers in the Prophet's Mosque, the Rawdah and the main historic mosques. Five days allow a slower, more reflective stay, plus time for Uhud, the date farms or a full day to Badr with a private driver arranged by our team.
What can I book in Al Madinah with Haqqi Tours?
Private airport transfers. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Al Madinah?
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) is about 15 km north-east of the Prophet's Mosque, one of the quickest airport-to-hotel drives in the region. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Al Madinah?
Buses run from the airport to points near the Central Area, but with luggage and the walk to the hotel most pilgrims book a car to the hotel door, and many continue by Haramain train or by road to Makkah afterwards. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Al Madinah?
Tours in Al Madinah are arranged on request by the desk - tell us what you want to see and how many days you have.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Al Madinah?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.