Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport - Flight Information and Guide (MED)

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport serves Medina, the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, home to the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi).

It is the main air gateway for pilgrims heading to Medina, as well as for religious and cultural tourism in the city.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.tibahairports.com/en-EN/Pages/Main.aspx

How to get to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport

Medina's center and the Prophet's Mosque are approximately 20 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the center of Medina in approximately 20 minutes.

By Train

There is no direct rail connection to the airport, although Medina is served by the Haramain high-speed train to Mecca and Jeddah from the city station.

By Bus

Some urban buses connect the airport to the centre.

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Tips If you're heading to the Prophet's Mosque for Umrah, dedicated pilgrim services and guidance are available: always verify with your agency or organized group.

Average travel time to MED

TrainNot available (Haramain train from city station)

Shuttle busService available

Taxi / Private hire20 minutes (70-150 SAR)

Parking near Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport

Adjacent to the terminal is a multi-level parking facility.

Rates are in line with standards for a hub linked to religious pilgrimage.

How to get to Medina from MED

By Train

No direct train service is available to the airport.

By Bus

Several bus lines serve the airport and connect to downtown.

By Taxi

Taxi fares to city center/Masjid Nabawi are approximately 70 SAR for a sedan (19.9 km, 20 minutes), up to 150 SAR for a 10-seat van.

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Car rental at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport

The counters of major car rental operators are located near the arrivals.

A driver's license, passport, and credit card are required; in most cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.

Hotels near Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport

In Medina the choice of hotel isn't measured by distance from the airport, which stays at around 15-20 km and 25-40 minutes by taxi to any part of the city, but by the metres separating the room from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque. Around the Haram a ring of hotels a few minutes on foot is clustered, designed for those who want to reach the prayers without doing time calculations; beyond that ring, at 4-7 km, cheaper properties are found that rely on shuttles, often running only at prayer times. The difference between the two bands is the most concrete selection criterion for those visiting or performing Umrah.

City centre

Markaziya, a few steps from the Haram

From the airport, 15-20 km and 25-40 minutes by taxi (indicative fixed fare SAR 80-140); once in the area, the Haram is reached on foot in under 15 minutes from the hotels of Markaziya.

Best for: Those who want to reach the five daily prayers on foot, without depending on taxis or shuttles and without calculating the city's traffic times.

Pros

Entrance to the Haram on foot, especially useful for night and dawn prayers
An area dense with restaurants, shops and supermarkets open until late

Cons

Room prices higher than hotels outside the central ring
Pedestrian streets very crowded during the Hajj and Ramadan peak periods

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Outside the central ring

4-7 km from the Haram depending on the hotel; some properties offer a free shuttle to the mosque at prayer times, others leave only paid taxis or Uber/Careem.

Best for: Those who want to spend less and accept relying on a shuttle for prayers, especially those running only at certain times.

Pros

Lower rates than the hotels in Markaziya
Some properties (e.g. Pine Inn, Abral) offer their own shuttle to the Haram

Cons

Without a car or shuttle, the walk to the Haram easily exceeds 40-50 minutes
Shuttles are often limited to prayer times, not available 24 hours a day

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is the main air entry point for pilgrims heading to Medina, with worldwide connections, particularly intensive during Umrah season.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers dates, incense, and religious articles.

Lounges & relaxation

Reserved lounges welcome business-class travelers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere in the terminal.

Families & Children

Families find play areas and dedicated support in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal, dedicated largely to pilgrims heading to the holy city, handles intense traffic during Umrah periods.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours in advance, more time during Umrah periods.

Map of Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are there dress-code rules to follow in Medina?

Yes, modest clothing is always recommended, especially near the Prophet's Mosque; also remember that alcohol is banned throughout Saudi Arabia, with no exceptions for tourists.