Traveling from Makkah to Jeddah Airport may prove pretty costly, especially for those who are not so familiar with the local taxi rates, but knowing a few tips may help you keep some fare in your pocket. So, this blog post shall give relevant strategies to help lower the Makkah to Jeddah airport taxi fare. You can therefore be well-prepared to ensure some cheap travel.
Book It in Advance
Booking can be a significant way to cut your fares. When you book a taxi in advance, a lower fare can often be applied. This is because a company is capable of scheduling rides more efficiently and, therefore, able to give discounts to early bookers. Also, this avoids last-minute surge pricing, which is common during high-demand times. Besides securing lower rates, booking in advance gives the luxury of being stress-free during the travel period. You will not have to scamper in a frenzy at the last minute. This is especially valuable when traveling during busy seasons or high events when a surge in prices is expected.
Use Official Apps
Taxi apps can work wonders in getting the lowest fare possible. Uber and Careem provide transparent estimates for fare pricing and allow you to compare costs before making any booking. Also, first-time users usually get quite generous discounts through these apps, which can help reduce the total fare from Makkah to Jeddah significantly. Apart from cheap travel, these apps provide safety features such as tracking the driver and ride history to enrich your travel experience. The feedback through these app-based systems also keeps the drivers on their toes regarding their service quality.
Travel in Groups
If traveling with others, one might want to share the taxi with other people. There will be more people for the fare to divide into small pieces, and there will not be much difference between the fare for one-passenger travel, which is bigger. In addition, many taxi companies offer larger vehicles that are suited for groups. So, you not only save on the fare but travel quite comfortably. Group travel is, in fact, cost-effective as it also makes for fewer vehicles on the road. Further, the journey can be quite an experience with friends or family tagging along with you.
Negotiate Price
A Makkah to Jeddah taxi fare is flexible in many instances. This way, it is possible to negotiate good prices with your cab driver. Ask the driver about his price, and then bargain on a lowered price before the trip begins. Indeed, many drivers are willing to offer discounts to secure a ride. However, the best approach to maintaining happy interaction would be to be polite and understanding during negotiations. Moreover, showing familiarity with the typical local fares can give one an edge in the negotiations since it implies that one isn’t an amateur traveler.
Avoid Peak Hours
Peak travel periods, namely during early mornings, late afternoons, and religious holidays, cause taxi fares to shoot up. Off-peak travel hours should, therefore, be planned for. Traveling around the off-peak hours would indeed mean incredible savings from the fare. Furthermore, during these periods, the roads are less cluttered, and as such, you will get to your destination much faster, too. This makes them cost and time-efficient, improving your convenience.
Check for Specific Discounts
Discounts are sometimes given to particular groups by taxi companies – students and seniors, for example. Other seasonal promotional discounts may pop up at certain times of the year. So always ask if there are any available discounts for you. Moreover, check if any discounts are listed on the company website or app. A good idea is to subscribe to newsletters and loyalty programs, where they might send out information regarding new deals, ensuring that you never miss an opportunity to save. Discounts also go a long way, especially for someone who travels frequently.
Consider Local Operator’s Licenses
Often, local taxis are cheaper than international ones. They might even have special rates on airport runs. Enjoy these and put the money back into your community. In addition, a local cab driver’s familiarity with local shortcuts can greatly benefit your trip, as can his knowledge of local traffic patterns and current road conditions. Supporting local businesses that help to bind the community together enables sustainable growth, which is beneficial to all parties concerned in the end.
Be Wary of Off-Route Charges
Be careful about off-route charges! Some drivers may choose to take longer alternate routes just to hike up the fare. Have a glance at your suggested route on your map app. If it seems unduly detoured, bring it up for discussion with your driver. This way, you are paying only for the most direct route to your destination. Awareness will always guard against unplanned expenditures and make for an equitable resolution.
Cashless Payment
Use digital forms of payment like credit cards or wallet services to pay for your rides. There are services that provide discounts and extra fares for availing of these modes of payment. Moreover, it’s more convenient and often gives you an acceptable receipt for future referencing, especially in tracking travel expenses. Using these methods has the added advantage of safety since you don’t carry cash.
Conclusion
Traveling from Makkah to Jeddah Airport does not have to come with a heavy price tag, especially when you know where to find the best deals. With the following tips, you stand to save quite a bit on Makkah to Jeddah airport taxi fare. Remember, a little planning and smart choices can lead to big savings. Use these tips to make savvy travel decisions and travel smarter and cheaper!
