The long flight is behind you, you are tired, and you just want to reach your hotel and rest. Knowing exactly what happens when you land takes away the one bit of Umrah travel that makes first timers nervous. Here is the whole arrival, step by step.
Where you land
Most pilgrims from the US arrive at one of two airports.
- Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International (JED). The main gateway for Makkah, which is about an hour and a half away by road.
- Madinah, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International (MED). A smaller, calmer airport, with the Prophet’s Mosque only a short drive away.
Which one is better to fly into is a question in itself, and we cover it in our guide to flying into Jeddah or Madinah.
What happens after you land
- Immigration. You follow the signs to passport control, where your fingerprints and photo are taken and your visa is checked. Have your passport ready.
- Baggage. Collect your bags from the carousel.
- Customs. A simple walk through, usually with nothing to declare.
- Arrivals hall. This is where your transfer or taxi waits.
The whole process is well signed in English and Arabic, and staff are used to helping pilgrims.
Your options to the hotel
A private or group transfer. The easiest by far. Someone is waiting for you with your name, helps with your bags, and drives you straight to your hotel. On our packages this is included, so there is nothing to arrange or pay on arrival.
The Haramain High Speed Railway. A modern, fast train that links Jeddah airport, Makkah and Madinah. It is comfortable and avoids road traffic, especially in busy seasons. You book seats through the Haramain High Speed Railway, then take a short taxi from the station to your hotel.
Taxi or ride app. Regular taxis are available, and apps like Careem and Uber work in Saudi Arabia. If you take a street taxi, agree the fare before you set off.
Simple tips for a smooth arrival
- Save your hotel name and address in Arabic on your phone to show a driver.
- Pick up a local SIM or eSIM at the airport if you want data straight away.
- Keep some cash for a taxi or a porter.
- Agree the price first with any street taxi, or use an app so the fare is fixed.
The easiest arrival of all
The nicest way to land is to not think about any of this. On our group departures, a representative meets you after immigration, handles your transfer, and gets you to a hotel that is only a short walk from the mosque. You step off the plane and, before long, you are standing in front of the Kaaba.
To see trips with transfers included from your airport, visit our Umrah packages page, or request a quote.
