Many pilgrims begin their trip in Madinah, and then comes the day they move to Makkah to perform Umrah. That day is unlike an ordinary intercity journey: it involves ihram, a miqat and an intention, a road of around 450 km, and then arrival in Makkah followed by tawaf and sa'i, quite possibly all on the same day. Planned well, it is a calm and blessed day; improvised, it can be exhausting. Here is a practical plan for it, from your Madinah hotel to your Makkah hotel.
The night before
- Pack everything, keeping a small bag with you for documents, medicines and water.
- Men should have their ihram garments ready; many put them on at the hotel before leaving and make the intention at the miqat.
- Confirm the driver's time and check the booking includes the miqat stop.
- Ask your Makkah hotel about check-in time, as you may arrive before it.
Morning of travel: preparing for ihram
It is recommended to take a ghusl before ihram, to apply perfume to the body (not the ihram garments), and to trim nails and the like. Many people do all of this at the hotel, which is more comfortable than the sometimes crowded facilities at the miqat, then change and head out. Women enter ihram in their ordinary modest clothing.
First stop: Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)
The miqat for those coming from Madinah is Dhul Hulayfah, known today as Abyar Ali, on the southern edge of the city a short drive from the central area. The mosque there has facilities for wudu and ghusl. The driver stops, you pray if it is a prayer time or whatever you are able, make the intention for Umrah and begin the talbiyah. This stop is part of the trip and does not change the fare.
The road: about 4.5 to 5 hours
After the miqat comes the long highway to Makkah. A few things to keep in mind:
- At least one break around halfway: for prayer, restrooms and a light snack.
- Mind the restrictions of ihram: avoid scented wet wipes or perfumed creams in the car.
- Rest: sleep if you can; tawaf and sa'i are still ahead of you.
Arriving in Makkah: hotel first or Haram first?
It usually works best to go to the hotel first to drop your bags, renew wudu and rest briefly, then head to the Haram. If time is tight or check-in is delayed, leave your luggage at reception and go straight there. The driver drops you at the closest permitted point to your hotel.
When to leave Madinah
Many prefer to set off after Fajr or after sunrise, praying Dhuhr or Asr on the road and reaching Makkah in the afternoon, then performing Umrah in the cooler evening. Others prefer to travel after Isha and perform Umrah in the small hours, which are often less crowded. Choose what suits the health and ages of those travelling with you.
Car, train or bus?
| Option | Strengths | Things to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Private car | Hotel to hotel, miqat stop built in, flexible timing, room for luggage | Longer journey time than the train |
| Haramain train | Fast and comfortable | Both stations are outside the central areas; you must be in ihram before boarding or by the time the train passes the miqat; tickets can sell out in peak season |
| Bus | Lowest cost | Slower, with fixed times and stops |
Fixed car fares
In Saudi riyals, per car rather than per person, paid on arrival:
| Route | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madinah → Makkah (including miqat stop) | 400 | 600 | 800 |
| Madinah → train station | 100 | 150 | 300 |
Route details are on our Madinah to Makkah taxi page; if you are leaving straight from Madinah airport, see Madinah Airport to Makkah. For getting around Makkah once you arrive, see taxi in Makkah.
Travelling with elderly parents
For older pilgrims, the combination of a long drive and Umrah on the same day can be too much. Consider splitting it: travel and rest on day one, perform Umrah the following morning or night. Remember, though, that once ihram is entered at the miqat its restrictions apply until the Umrah is complete, so a long delay should be planned with that in mind. Wheelchairs are available at the Haram; ask about them on site. And tell us in advance if a folding wheelchair is coming with you.
Frequently asked questions
Will the driver stop at the miqat automatically?
Mention when booking that you intend Umrah so the stop is built into the plan.
Can I put on ihram at the hotel?
Yes, men can wear the ihram garments from the hotel, with the intention and talbiyah made at the miqat.
How long is the stop at the miqat?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on crowds and whether you need to bathe or pray there.
Does the fare rise for a large family?
The fare is per car; what changes it is needing a bigger class, such as a family car.
To book, send your departure time, your hotels in Madinah and Makkah and the number of passengers on WhatsApp +966551796487.