How Much Does Umrah Cost in 2026? Complete Budget Breakdown
One of the most common questions anyone planning Umrah asks is simple: how much will it actually cost? The answer depends on where you are travelling from, how long you plan to stay, what level of comfort you want, and whether you book a package or arrange everything yourself.
This guide breaks down every major expense category with real 2026 price ranges — from the most budget-friendly options to the best luxury experiences available. Whether you are a student saving up for your first Umrah or a family planning a comfortable two-week pilgrimage, this guide will help you budget accurately.
Quick Summary: Total Umrah Cost Per Person (2026)
Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview of what Umrah costs per person for a 10-day trip in 2026:
| Budget Level | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Estimated Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,200 – $2,000 | £950 – £1,600 | PKR 350,000 – 550,000 |
| Mid-Range | $2,500 – $4,000 | £2,000 – £3,200 | PKR 700,000 – 1,100,000 |
| Luxury | $5,000 – $10,000+ | £4,000 – £8,000+ | PKR 1,400,000 – 2,800,000+ |
These ranges include flights, visa, accommodation, transport, food, and basic shopping. Now let us break down each category.
1. Flights to Saudi Arabia
Flights are typically the single largest expense for Umrah, and they vary enormously depending on your departure country, booking timing, and whether you fly direct or with stops.
From the United States
- Budget (1-stop flights): $600 – $900 round trip
- Mid-Range (direct or premium economy): $900 – $1,400
- Premium/Business Class: $2,500 – $5,000+
- Airlines: Saudia, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad
- Major departure cities: New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX)
From the United Kingdom
- Budget (indirect flights): £180 – £400 round trip
- Mid-Range (direct flights): £400 – £700
- Premium/Business Class: £1,500 – £3,500+
- Airlines: Saudia, British Airways, flynas, Wizz Air (indirect via Europe)
- Direct flight time from London: Approximately 6 hours
From Pakistan
- Budget: $170 – $300 (PKR 47,000 – 85,000)
- Mid-Range: $300 – $500 (PKR 85,000 – 140,000)
- Airlines: PIA, Saudia, flynas, flyadeal, Air Blue
- Direct flight time from Lahore/Islamabad/Karachi: 3 to 5 hours
From India
- Budget: $200 – $400 (INR 17,000 – 34,000)
- Mid-Range: $400 – $650 (INR 34,000 – 55,000)
- Airlines: Saudia, Air India, IndiGo, flynas, flyadeal
- Direct flight time from Delhi/Mumbai: 4 to 5 hours
From Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia)
- Budget: $350 – $600
- Mid-Range: $600 – $1,000
- Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Saudia, Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia X
Money-Saving Tips for Flights
- Book 3 to 4 months in advance for the best fares
- Avoid Ramadan and school holidays — prices can double or triple during peak seasons
- Fly midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) for lower fares
- Consider flying into Madinah (Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport) if fares are cheaper, then travel overland to Makkah
- Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to track prices over time
- Off-peak months like January, February, May, and October generally offer the lowest fares
2. Visa Fees
Visa costs for Umrah depend heavily on your nationality and the type of visa you apply for. Saudi Arabia has significantly simplified the visa process in recent years, but the fees still vary.
Saudi Tourist eVisa (Available for 60+ Nationalities)
- Fee: SAR 535 (approximately $142 / £115)
- Includes: Mandatory health insurance
- Validity: 1 year, multiple entry
- Stay: Up to 90 days per visit
- Eligible countries include: USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and others
- How to apply: Online through the official Saudi eVisa portal or through the Visa on Arrival facility at Saudi airports
This is the simplest and most cost-effective option for eligible nationalities. You do not need a separate Umrah visa if you hold a tourist eVisa — you can perform Umrah on a tourist visa.
Umrah Visa (For Nationalities Not Eligible for eVisa)
- Fee: $100 – $300 depending on the processing country and agency
- Processing: Must be arranged through a licensed Umrah travel agent
- Validity: Typically 30 to 90 days, single entry
- Countries that typically require this route: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and many African and South Asian nations
- Additional costs: Travel agents may charge service fees of $50 – $150 on top of the visa fee
Visa Fees by Region (Approximate)
| Region / Nationality | Visa Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada | Tourist eVisa | $142 (SAR 535) |
| Pakistan | Umrah Visa via agent | $100 – $250 (PKR 28,000 – 70,000) |
| India | Umrah Visa via agent | $100 – $200 (INR 8,500 – 17,000) |
| Bangladesh | Umrah Visa via agent | $150 – $300 |
| Nigeria | Umrah Visa via agent | $150 – $300 |
| Egypt | Umrah Visa via agent | $100 – $200 |
| Indonesia, Malaysia | Tourist eVisa or Umrah Visa | $142 – $250 |
Mandatory Health Insurance
Saudi Arabia now requires all international pilgrims to have health insurance covering their stay. For eVisa holders, this is included in the visa fee. For Umrah visa holders, travel agents typically bundle insurance into the visa processing cost. If arranging separately, expect to pay $20 – $50 for a basic travel insurance policy covering a 2-week trip.
3. Accommodation in Makkah
Accommodation is where your budget choices have the biggest impact. A hotel room 100 metres from Masjid al-Haram costs many times more than one a 15-minute walk away. Here is what to expect in 2026.
Budget Hotels (2-3 Star, 10-20 Minute Walk from Haram)
- Per night: $20 – $60 (SAR 75 – 225)
- What to expect: Basic rooms, clean but minimal, often shared bathrooms in the cheapest options, free Wi-Fi, breakfast may or may not be included
- Areas: Aziziyah, Misfalah, and streets behind the clock tower area
- Examples: Small local hotels and apartment-style lodgings
Mid-Range Hotels (3-4 Star, 5-15 Minute Walk)
- Per night: $60 – $180 (SAR 225 – 675)
- What to expect: Private bathrooms, better furnishings, often includes breakfast buffet, some with Haram views, air conditioning, prayer mats in rooms
- Areas: Ajyad, Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street, areas surrounding Abraj Al-Bait
Luxury Hotels (5 Star, Adjacent to Haram)
- Per night: $200 – $500+ (SAR 750 – 1,875+)
- What to expect: Direct Haram views, premium dining, concierge services, shuttle services, spa facilities, and sometimes private prayer areas
- Notable options: Hotels in the Jabal Omar complex, Abraj Al-Bait towers area, Hilton Suites, Conrad, Swissotel, and Raffles Makkah Palace
Ultra-Luxury (Clock Tower & Premium Properties)
- Per night: $500 – $1,500+ (SAR 1,875 – 5,625+)
- What to expect: Suites with direct Kaaba views, butler service, exclusive floors, fine dining, and the most prestigious addresses in Makkah
- Notable options: Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Raffles Makkah Palace
Ramadan Premium
During Ramadan, hotel prices in Makkah increase 50% to 200% above regular rates. The last 10 nights of Ramadan are the most expensive period of the year. If you plan to perform Umrah during Ramadan, book accommodation 4 to 6 months in advance to secure reasonable rates.
4. Accommodation in Madinah
Hotels in Madinah are generally 20% to 40% cheaper than equivalent properties in Makkah, making it a good place to allocate more nights if you want to save.
Budget Hotels (2-3 Star)
- Per night: $15 – $45 (SAR 55 – 170)
- Areas: Streets behind the Masjid an-Nabawi area, further from the central zone
Mid-Range Hotels (3-4 Star)
- Per night: $45 – $130 (SAR 170 – 490)
- Areas: King Faisal Road, areas within 10-minute walking distance of Masjid an-Nabawi
Luxury Hotels (5 Star)
- Per night: $150 – $400+ (SAR 560 – 1,500+)
- Notable options: Oberoi Madinah, Dar Al Taqwa, Shaza Al Madinah, Pullman Zamzam
5. Ground Transportation
Getting between cities and airports in Saudi Arabia is a significant cost to plan for. Here are the main options.
Haramain High-Speed Train
The Haramain Railway connects Makkah, Jeddah (Airport and city), and Madinah. It is the most modern and efficient way to travel between the holy cities.
| Route | Economy Class | Business Class | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 150+ ($40+) | SAR 250+ ($67+) | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | SAR 50+ ($14+) | SAR 99+ ($27+) | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Jeddah to Madinah | SAR 115+ ($31+) | SAR 200+ ($54+) | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Jeddah Airport to Madinah | SAR 150+ ($40+) | SAR 250+ ($67+) | 2 hours |
Tip: Book train tickets through the official HHR website or the SAR app. Prices use dynamic pricing — book early for the lowest fares.
Private Taxi / Car Transfer
Private transfers offer door-to-door convenience, especially for families with luggage.
| Route | Sedan (1-3 pax) | SUV/Van (4-6 pax) | Large Van (7-10 pax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | SAR 250 – 350 ($67 – $93) | SAR 350 – 600 ($93 – $160) | SAR 500 – 800 ($133 – $213) |
| Jeddah Airport to Madinah | SAR 500 – 650 ($133 – $173) | SAR 600 – 1,000 ($160 – $267) | SAR 900 – 1,400 ($240 – $373) |
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 500 – 650 ($133 – $173) | SAR 600 – 900 ($160 – $240) | SAR 800 – 1,200 ($213 – $320) |
| Makkah to Jeddah City | SAR 200 – 300 ($53 – $80) | SAR 300 – 500 ($80 – $133) | SAR 400 – 700 ($107 – $187) |
SAPTCO Bus Service
The most budget-friendly intercity option.
| Route | Standard | VIP | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 85 ($23) | SAR 100 ($27) | 5 to 6 hours |
| Jeddah to Makkah | SAR 35 – 50 ($9 – $13) | SAR 60 – 75 ($16 – $20) | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Local Transport Within Cities
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber/Careem): SAR 10 – 40 ($3 – $11) per trip within Makkah or Madinah
- Local taxis: SAR 15 – 50 ($4 – $13) depending on distance and negotiation
- Hotel shuttles: Many mid-range and luxury hotels provide free shuttle services to the Haram
6. Food and Dining
Food costs in Makkah and Madinah range from surprisingly affordable to moderately expensive, depending on where and what you eat.
Budget Eating (Street Food and Local Restaurants)
- Per meal: SAR 10 – 25 ($3 – $7)
- Daily total: SAR 30 – 60 ($8 – $16)
- What to eat: Shawarma, falafel, ful medames, tamees bread, biryani plates from local restaurants, fast food value meals (Herfy, Al Baik, KFC value boxes)
- Al Baik deserves special mention — this Saudi fast food chain serves excellent fried chicken meals for SAR 15 – 25 and is a pilgrim favourite
Mid-Range Dining
- Per meal: SAR 30 – 80 ($8 – $21)
- Daily total: SAR 80 – 180 ($21 – $48)
- What to eat: Restaurant meals, hotel breakfast buffets (if not included), grilled meats, mandi rice, seafood restaurants
Luxury / Hotel Dining
- Per meal: SAR 100 – 300+ ($27 – $80+)
- Daily total: SAR 200 – 500+ ($53 – $133+)
- What to eat: Hotel restaurant buffets, international cuisine, fine dining
Grocery Shopping and Self-Catering
- Weekly groceries: SAR 100 – 200 ($27 – $53)
- Supermarkets: BinDawood, Panda, Carrefour, and local grocery shops
- Tip: If your accommodation has a kitchenette or microwave, buying bread, cheese, fruit, and snacks from supermarkets can cut food costs significantly
Water and Beverages
- Zamzam water is available free throughout both Harams and is one of the great blessings of Umrah
- Bottled water: SAR 1 – 3 from shops
- Tea/Coffee from street vendors: SAR 2 – 5
7. Ziyarat (Holy Site Visits)
Visiting the sacred historical sites in Makkah and Madinah is highly recommended and adds spiritual depth to your Umrah.
Shared/Group Ziyarat Tours
- Makkah (half-day): SAR 15 – 50 per person ($4 – $13)
- Madinah (half-day): SAR 15 – 30 per person ($4 – $8)
Private Ziyarat Tours
- Makkah (half-day, sedan): SAR 150 – 400 ($40 – $107)
- Makkah (half-day, van for families): SAR 400 – 800 ($107 – $213)
- Madinah (half-day, sedan): SAR 100 – 300 ($27 – $80)
- Madinah (half-day, van for families): SAR 250 – 500 ($67 – $133)
8. Shopping and Gifts
Most pilgrims budget for gifts, Islamic items, and personal shopping. Makkah and Madinah have extensive shopping options.
Common Purchases and Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range (SAR) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ihram set (2 white cloths for men) | SAR 30 – 150 | $8 – $40 |
| Prayer mat | SAR 15 – 100 | $4 – $27 |
| Dates (Ajwa, 1 kg) | SAR 80 – 300 | $21 – $80 |
| Dates (Mabroom/Safawi, 1 kg) | SAR 20 – 60 | $5 – $16 |
| Attar (perfume oil) | SAR 20 – 500+ | $5 – $133+ |
| Prayer beads (Tasbih) | SAR 5 – 200 | $1 – $53 |
| Zamzam water (5 litre container for travel) | SAR 10 – 30 | $3 – $8 |
| Abayas/Thobes | SAR 50 – 500+ | $13 – $133+ |
| Quran (various sizes) | SAR 10 – 100 | $3 – $27 |
| Souvenirs and keychains | SAR 5 – 30 | $1 – $8 |
Budget for Shopping
- Minimal (essentials only): SAR 200 – 500 ($53 – $133)
- Moderate (gifts for family): SAR 500 – 1,500 ($133 – $400)
- Generous (extended family gifts): SAR 1,500 – 3,000+ ($400 – $800+)
Shopping Tips
- Negotiate prices at the street-level shops around the Haram — starting prices are often inflated for tourists
- Buy dates from wholesale markets rather than tourist shops for much better prices
- BinDawood supermarket near the Haram in Makkah is excellent for dates, Zamzam containers, and everyday items at fair prices
- Madinah generally offers slightly lower prices than Makkah for the same items
9. SIM Card and Connectivity
Staying connected during Umrah is important for navigation, ride-hailing apps, Rawdah bookings on the Nusuk app, and keeping in touch with family.
- Tourist SIM card (STC, Mobily, or Zain): SAR 50 – 150 ($13 – $40) for 10 to 30 days with data
- eSIM (if your phone supports it): SAR 40 – 100 ($11 – $27)
- Wi-Fi: Available free in most hotels and within the Haram areas
10. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ihram belt / money pouch | SAR 10 – 30 ($3 – $8) |
| Toiletries (unscented for ihram) | SAR 20 – 50 ($5 – $13) |
| Laundry (per load at hotel/laundry shop) | SAR 20 – 50 ($5 – $13) |
| Barber (head shaving after Umrah) | SAR 10 – 30 ($3 – $8) |
| Currency exchange fees | Varies (1% – 3% of total) |
| Tips and gratuities | SAR 50 – 200 ($13 – $53) total |
| Emergency / contingency fund | SAR 200 – 500 ($53 – $133) |
Complete Budget Scenarios (10-Day Umrah)
Here are three fully worked-out scenarios for a 10-day Umrah trip (5 nights Makkah, 4 nights Madinah, 1 night travel) for a single person:
Scenario 1: Budget Umrah
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Flights (economy, 1-stop from South Asia) | $250 |
| Visa | $150 |
| Hotels Makkah (5 nights x $30) | $150 |
| Hotels Madinah (4 nights x $20) | $80 |
| Transport (bus + local rides) | $80 |
| Food (10 days x $12/day) | $120 |
| Ziyarat (shared tours) | $20 |
| Shopping & gifts | $80 |
| SIM card + miscellaneous | $50 |
| Total | $980 – $1,200 |
This budget assumes flights from a nearby country (Pakistan, India, Egypt). From the USA or UK, add $400 – $800 for flights.
Scenario 2: Mid-Range Umrah
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Flights (economy direct, from UK) | $550 |
| Visa (eVisa) | $142 |
| Hotels Makkah (5 nights x $100) | $500 |
| Hotels Madinah (4 nights x $70) | $280 |
| Transport (train + private transfers) | $200 |
| Food (10 days x $30/day) | $300 |
| Ziyarat (private tours) | $120 |
| Shopping & gifts | $250 |
| SIM card + miscellaneous | $80 |
| Total | $2,400 – $3,000 |
Scenario 3: Luxury Umrah
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Flights (business class, from USA) | $3,500 |
| Visa (eVisa) | $142 |
| Hotels Makkah (5 nights x $400) | $2,000 |
| Hotels Madinah (4 nights x $250) | $1,000 |
| Transport (private car throughout) | $500 |
| Food (10 days x $80/day) | $800 |
| Ziyarat (private luxury tours) | $250 |
| Shopping & gifts | $600 |
| SIM card + miscellaneous | $150 |
| Total | $8,900 – $10,000+ |
DIY Umrah vs Package: Which Saves More?
Umrah Packages
Travel agencies bundle flights, visa, hotel, transport, and sometimes ziyarat into a single price. Typical package costs:
- Budget 3-star package (from USA): $1,500 – $2,500 per person
- Mid-range 4-star package (from USA): $2,500 – $4,000 per person
- Luxury 5-star package (from USA): $4,000 – $8,000+ per person
- Budget package (from UK): £1,300 – £2,000 per person
- Budget package (from Pakistan): PKR 250,000 – 450,000 per person
Advantages of packages: Less planning, visa handled for you, group support, guided ziyarat, airport transfers included.
Disadvantages: Less flexibility, fixed hotels, fixed dates, and sometimes lower hotel quality than advertised.
DIY (Do It Yourself)
Booking everything separately gives you maximum control and can save 15% to 30% compared to packages, especially if you are a savvy traveller.
DIY works best when:
- You hold a passport eligible for the Saudi eVisa (no agent needed)
- You are comfortable booking international flights and hotels independently
- You have been to Saudi Arabia before or are travelling with someone who has
- You want to choose your exact hotels and travel dates
DIY is harder when:
- Your nationality requires an Umrah visa through an agent (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, etc.)
- You are a first-time traveller unfamiliar with Saudi Arabia
- You do not speak Arabic and are not comfortable navigating independently
How to Save Money on Umrah
- Travel during off-peak months — January, February, May, September, and October offer the lowest prices across flights and hotels
- Book everything 3 to 6 months in advance — last-minute bookings are almost always more expensive
- Share rooms — travelling with family or friends and sharing hotel rooms dramatically reduces per-person accommodation costs
- Use the Haramain train instead of private transfers between cities
- Eat at local restaurants — Al Baik, shawarma shops, and local biryani restaurants offer excellent food at a fraction of hotel restaurant prices
- Stay slightly further from the Haram — a 10-minute walk from Masjid al-Haram can save you 50% to 70% on hotel costs
- Buy a local SIM card instead of using international roaming
- Shop at BinDawood and wholesale markets instead of tourist shops for dates and gifts
- Consider spending more nights in Madinah where hotels are cheaper, then fewer nights in the more expensive Makkah
- Fly into whichever airport is cheapest — compare Jeddah and Madinah airport fares, as one is often significantly cheaper
When Is the Cheapest Time for Umrah?
| Period | Price Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ramadan (especially last 10 nights) | Highest | Prices can be 2-3x normal rates |
| Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah) | Highest | Makkah hotels at peak pricing |
| School holidays (June-August) | High | Family demand drives prices up |
| December / New Year | Moderate-High | Winter holiday demand |
| January – February | Low | Post-holiday quiet period |
| May | Low | Hot weather reduces demand |
| September – October | Low | Post-Hajj, pre-Ramadan window |
The January to February window is often called the "hidden season" by experienced Umrah travellers — the weather is mild, crowds are manageable, and prices are at their lowest across the board.
Final Thoughts
Umrah is a deeply personal spiritual journey, and there is no single "right" budget. Some pilgrims find immense meaning in a simple, budget-conscious trip where they focus entirely on worship. Others prefer the comfort and convenience of luxury arrangements so they can devote their energy fully to prayer without logistical stress.
Whatever your budget, the key is to plan early, research thoroughly, and set realistic expectations. The costs outlined in this guide reflect real 2026 market rates gathered from airlines, hotels, transport services, and travel agencies. Use the budget scenarios as starting points and adjust based on your specific departure country, travel dates, and personal preferences.
May your Umrah be accepted and your journey be blessed.