An Umrah trip is several journeys in a row, each with its own problems: a long flight into Jeddah, a road to Makkah, a hotel near a restricted area, a 450 km drive to Madinah, Ziyarat, and a flight home. This page walks through the trip in order and links to the page for each stage, so you can book all of it or only the parts you need. We arrange the transport only; questions about the rites are for your group leader or a qualified scholar.
Arriving
Most pilgrims fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, because Makkah has no commercial airport. From there the road to Makkah is about 100 km. Those who begin in Madinah fly into Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport instead. Send us the flight number, the number of passengers and bags and the hotel name, and the pickup follows your actual arrival.
Jeddah to Makkah
See Jeddah Airport to Makkah for what to expect on landing, the drive and the drop-off near the Haram. The Jeddah Airport page covers arrivals and departures in general.
Madinah first
If you start in Madinah, see Madinah Airport for the transfer to a hotel by the Prophet's Mosque. If you go from the airport straight to Makkah, see Madinah Airport to Makkah.
Send your pickup, destination, date and passengers and we will confirm the vehicle and price.
In Makkah
Most of the transport in Makkah is short and depends on where cars can stop near the Haram, which changes with the crowd and the prayers. Pilgrims also commonly need a ride to Masjid Aisha (At-Tan'im) and back. See Makkah taxi service for how to plan around the Haram, and hotel transfers for moving between hotels. Entry to Makkah is restricted to Muslims.
Between Makkah and Madinah
The two cities are about 450 km apart, a drive of about four and a half to five hours without stops, and most pilgrims travel after Umrah. A private car lets your group leave when it is ready, carry its luggage and stop for prayer and rest. See Makkah to Madinah.
Going the other way, pilgrims commonly enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), a short drive out of Madinah, and we plan the stop. See Madinah to Makkah. Travellers on the Taif road commonly stop at Qarn al-Manazil: see Taif to Makkah.
Ziyarat
Many pilgrims add Ziyarat in Makkah, in Madinah or in both. The places are spread around the cities, and several involve climbing, so a driver who waits is useful. See Ziyarat tours for what each place is and how a trip is planned.
Going home
The way home is planned from the flight. See Makkah to Jeddah Airport for working out the pickup time, and Madinah to Jeddah if you end in Madinah. Pilgrims often carry more luggage on the way home, with gifts and Zamzam water, so count the bags before you choose a vehicle.
Families, groups and older pilgrims
A Premium SUV takes five passengers and four bags, and a Luxury Van takes eight passengers and six bags. For a bigger group, we plan several vehicles with pickups at the same time. See the fleet. For older pilgrims or anyone with limited mobility, tell us when you book so we can plan the drop-off points and the pace of the stops. If you need a child seat, tell us too.
Seasons and timing
Ramadan and the Hajj season are the busiest times, and roads and the areas around the mosques are most crowded. Book early, leave more time than usual for every journey, and keep your documents and any permits in your hand luggage, because there are security checkpoints on roads into Makkah.
What to send when you book
The following helps us plan well:
- Flight numbers, dates and arrival and departure times
- Hotel names in each city and the check-in and checkout dates
- Number of passengers and bags
- Whether you need stops for prayer or the miqat
- Any mobility needs or a child seat