This Makkah travel guide is written for pilgrims planning Umrah. Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and only Muslims may enter the city. Most travellers fly into Jeddah, travel about 90 minutes to Makkah, perform Umrah at the Masjid al-Haram and then continue to Madinah by road or high-speed train.
The most comfortable months are November to February, with daytime temperatures around 25–30 °C. Ramadan — especially the last ten nights — is the busiest and most expensive time, and Umrah pauses for international visitors around the Hajj season, so check dates before you book.
Getting to Makkah
Almost everyone arrives at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), about 90–100 km from Makkah. Direct flights from Karachi take around 4 hours 25 minutes and from Lahore around 5 hours 40 minutes. Some pilgrims fly into Madinah (MED) instead and start their trip there.
Men usually enter the state of ihram before reaching the miqat; on flights from Pakistan the crew announces when you are passing it, so many put on ihram before boarding. Pakistani passport holders travel on an Umrah visa arranged through an authorised Umrah agent, while many other nationalities — including German citizens — can use the Saudi tourist e-visa outside the Hajj season. Book your Umrah time slot in the official Saudi Umrah app before you travel.
| Jeddah airport to Makkah | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Haramain high-speed train (airport station) | 35–60 min + transfer | SAR 50–90 |
| Shared Umrah bus / coach | 1.5–2 hours | SAR 20–60 |
| Taxi or ride-hailing app | 70–90 min | SAR 200–350 |
| Private car or GMC (pre-booked) | 70–90 min | SAR 250–450 per vehicle |
Popular flights: Lahore → JeddahKarachi → JeddahIslamabad → JeddahLahore → MadinahKarachi → Madinah
Places to visit in Makkah
Your Umrah — tawaf around the Kaaba and sa'i between Safa and Marwa — usually takes three to four hours depending on crowds. Many pilgrims add a guided ziyarat tour of the historic sites on another day.
The Grand Mosque, open day and night. The early hours after Fajr and late at night are usually the calmest for tawaf.
Umrah: 3–4 hoursThe mountain where the first revelation came. The climb takes about an hour each way; go early morning with water.
2–3 hoursSite of the cave where the Prophet ﷺ sheltered during the Hijrah; a steep climb, often seen on ziyarat tours.
View from below or 2–3 hour climbThe Hajj sites, quiet outside the season; a ziyarat tour visits Jabal al-Rahmah at Arafat.
Half-day tourThe nearest miqat for those already in Makkah who wish to enter ihram for another Umrah.
20 minutes by taxiExhibits on astronomy and timekeeping high up in the Abraj Al Bait tower beside the Haram.
1 hourSmall museum with historic doors, columns and the old Kaaba stairs.
1 hour · freeFood in Makkah
All food in Makkah is halal and it is easy to eat well near the Haram. Try Saudi favourites such as kabsa and mandi (spiced rice with chicken or lamb), mutabbaq (stuffed fried pastry) and Arabic coffee with dates. Zamzam water is available free throughout the mosque.
The food courts in the Clock Tower malls are convenient between prayers. For Pakistani and Indian food, the streets of Misfalah, Ajyad and Aziziyah have many restaurants at modest prices. A simple meal costs about SAR 15–35, and a hotel buffet SAR 80–200. Restaurants close briefly during prayer times.
Getting around Makkah
Near the Haram most people walk — hotels within 300 metres are a few minutes away, but streets close to traffic during busy prayers. Many hotels further out run free shuttle buses, and the city bus network links outer districts such as Aziziyah with the Haram area for a few riyals.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available; agree the fare or use the app price, and expect surges around Friday prayers and Ramadan nights. For Makkah to Madinah, the Haramain high-speed train takes about 2 hours 15 minutes (roughly SAR 150–300) and is far more comfortable than the 5–6 hour road journey. Private cars and family vans can be booked through hotels or Umrah agents.
Safety and practical tips
Makkah is very safe, but crowds and heat are real challenges. Drink water often, use an umbrella in the sun, wear comfortable sandals and agree a fixed meeting point (for example a numbered gate) with your group. Keep passports in the hotel safe and carry a copy plus your hotel card.
Elderly pilgrims can hire wheelchairs or electric carts for tawaf and sa'i inside the mosque. The emergency number is 911. Plugs are type G (230 V), the Saudi riyal is fixed at about 3.75 to the US dollar, cards are widely accepted, and tipping is appreciated but not expected. Photography inside the mosque is discouraged — focus on your worship.
Where to stay in Makkah
Distance from the Haram decides both price and comfort, so choose based on your group's walking ability.
Steps from the Haram with views of the Kaaba from some rooms; the most expensive area.
0–300 m · luxuryMany mid-range and upscale hotels within an easy walk.
300–700 m · mid to highPopular with South Asian pilgrims; good food and lower prices.
500–1,000 m · budget to midSpacious, cheaper hotels with shuttle buses; close to Mina.
4–6 km · budgetA simple 3-day plan in Makkah
Day 1: arrive, rest, and perform Umrah after a meal and a short sleep, ideally late at night or after Fajr. Day 2: prayers at the Haram and a ziyarat tour of Mina, Arafat, Jabal al-Nour and Jabal Thawr. Day 3: quiet worship, a visit to the Clock Tower Museum or the architecture exhibition, then the train to Madinah. Our Makkah guide has a detailed day-by-day plan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Jeddah airport to Makkah?
Take the Haramain high-speed train from the airport station (about SAR 50–90, plus a short taxi to the Haram), a shared Umrah coach, or a taxi or private car, which takes about 70–90 minutes.
How long does Umrah take?
The rituals usually take three to four hours, depending on crowds. Most pilgrims spend 3–5 nights in Makkah and 2–4 nights in Madinah.
Can non-Muslims visit Makkah?
No. Only Muslims are permitted to enter Makkah. Non-Muslim visitors to Saudi Arabia can visit Jeddah, Riyadh, AlUla and many other places.
Which hotels are closest to the Haram?
Hotels in the Ajyad and Clock Tower area are within about 300 metres. Ibrahim Khalil Road and Misfalah are a short walk and cost less.
When is the best time to perform Umrah?
November to February offers cooler weather. Ramadan is the most rewarding but also the busiest and most expensive time.
Prices and transport details were checked 7 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.