Flight to Makkah Guide

Knowing that Makkah has no airport is crucial when arranging a trip. Usually, tourists fly into King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, the nearest major airport. This airport is approximately one hundred kilometres from Makkah, making it an ideal access point. Other available airports include Ta’if Regional Airport, depending on your location.

Woking Travel makes your journey easier by directly providing transfer services from these airports to your Makkah hotel (Mecca). This service lets travellers easily reach their destination without worrying about local transport. For more information and reservation of an airport transfer, please visit the Woking Travel transfers page. Thus, you can commence your pilgrimage with convenience and peace of mind.

Woking Travel offers a broad range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences when planning a pilgrimage to or visiting the holy city of Makkah. Whether you want luxurious living or cheaper options, Woking Travel has it all. If you want more convenient trips, check out your hotel choices at Woking Travel Hotels or enjoy full packages at Woking Travel Packages.

1. Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah: This high-class hotel is near Masjid Al Haram and King Fahad Gate. It provides its customers with good service and clean rooms with beautiful views. It has various breakfasts available and is adjacent to a shopping centre with several dining places, making it suitable for those looking for comfort and convenience.
   
   
2. Address Jabal Omar Makkah: This stylish property offers a free 24/7 shuttle to the Kaaba, clean, modern rooms, and an exceptional dining experience. With the most helpful staff and a great location, this property receives high scores from satisfied pilgrims.
   
   
3. Swissotel Makkah: Located within the Clock Tower complex, this hotel offers stunning Kaaba views while still offering direct access to the mall. Known for its spacious accommodation units and excellent service delivery, this place provides invaluable experiences for faith-based travellers seeking closeness to worship sites.
   
   
4. Pullman ZamZam Makkah: The mosque is nearby, making it easy for people who prefer praying in Kaaba-view hotels with local facilities. It has lovely views of the Kaaba from almost all the rooms and a quality food and beverage-inclusive lobby lounge; hence, it is ideal for guests who prioritise proximity.
   
   
5. Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel: This luxury hotel offers Hilton Diamond privileges, such as an executive lounge and Azure restaurant, making it a top choice among those seeking high-quality hotels in Makkah. Its central location and outstanding service make this option perfect for guests who prefer a luxurious stay in the city.
   
   
6. Makkah Clock Royal Tower: A Fairmont Hotel that offers excellent service, tasty breakfasts, and exclusive golden lounge experiences. It also has a mall with prayer rooms and a splendid view of the Kaaba from certain parts.
   
   
7. Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah: Offering impressive sights of the Kaaba and comfortable bedrooms, it is highly recommended for its exceptional customer service and location centrality. This destination suits people who want to be close to God and have everything they need within reach while in Makkah.
   
   
8. Hilton Suites Makkah: This property is found near Haram and has access to a shopping mall where guests can eat at various restaurants and enjoy a famous breakfast buffet. Exceptional personnel’s service delivery and professionalism define this place as an abode where you’ll always feel comfortable during your stay.
   
   
9. Makkah Towers: Situated right next to the Haram boundary, it offers spacious rooms with magnificent views. This facility is known for its professional services, delivered by friendly staff members. People looking for decent places to live near religious sites will also find this a good option.
   
   
10. Anjum Hotel Makkah: This hotel enjoys an ideal location near Haram, providing wonderful scenery alongside simple ways into the holy city. It has different dining options, clean facilities, and helpful staff, making it popular among visitors to Umrah.

1. Haramain High-Speed Railway: It is one of the most famous, clean, and punctual options for those who wish to leave Jeddah airport and reach Mecca. Thus, it has helped many people reach Mecca faster and more comfortably.
2. UmrahLimo: UmrahLimo runs shuttle services from the airport to different parts of the city, including Makkah. Sometimes, passengers might be delayed because of long queues at immigration, but UmrahLimo waits for passengers to arrive safely.
3. Private Transfer from Jeddah Airport to the City of Makkah/Mecca: For a more personal travel experience, private transfers from Jeddah Airport to Makkah are recommended. This service is perfect for solo travellers or those travelling with family members away from crowds directly to their residence in Makkah.
4. Umrah Shuttle: Through Umrah Shuttle, you have several options available when travelling to Makkah, ranging from popular apps like Uber or Careem to catching taxis at Makkah Gate, which makes finding transport that suits your needs easy.
5. Hujjaj Umrah Taxi: Hujjaj Umrah Taxi is known for being very reliable. They do not keep their customers waiting; hence, they always ensure a smooth journey by offering transportation that is always on time and respectfully treated to clients, making them an ideal choice for private tours in Makkah.
6. Rekab Solution Company: Rekab Solution Company offers trusted shuttle services in Makkah. They focus on providing comfortable and efficient transport that can easily move individuals throughout the city.
7. Talixo—Jeddah: Talixo provides dependable taxi and shuttle services across Jeddah town, enabling tourists to move easily within the region without any hassle. Such convenience will be necessary at any time of day or night when needed by its clients.
8. Limowide: Limowide provides comfortable, customer-focused airport shuttle services. Makkah has different transportation options, and they all vary in size.
9. NAYLAM: NAYLAM is another service provider that offers a dependable shuttle transfer in Makkah. It assures a safe journey for the passengers and maintains their comfort while they travel, thus enhancing their experience within the city.
10. Airport Transfers in Saudi Arabia: Airport transfers in Saudi Arabia ensure travellers’ smooth movement to and from the airport. Its goal is to make your journey as easy as possible through professional drivers who come promptly.

1. Masjid al-Haram and Kaaba: Masjid al-Haram, or the Sacred Mosque, includes the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine. Pilgrims from all over the world come here, making it the centre of spiritual activity.
   
   
2. Maqam Ibrahim: This pilgrimage destination near the Kaaba is said to contain the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), a revered figure in Islam.
   
   
3. Cave of Hira: The Cave of Hira, located in Jabal al-Nour, is historically significant since it was here that Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations from Allah.
   
   
4. Hills of Safa and Marwa: These hills represent Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma’il and are essential to the Hajj and Umrah rites.
   
   
5. Clock Towers (Abraj Al Bait): The Clock Towers, which dominate Makkah’s skyline, provide modern accommodations and house the Clock Tower Museum, which provides insights into Islamic history and legacy.
   
   
6. Masjid Aisha (al-Taneem): Masjid Aisha serves as a Miqat (border station) for pilgrims arriving from outside Makkah, where they put on their Ihram clothes before entering the city.
   
   
7. Hira Cultural District:  This district provides a glimpse into Makkah’s cultural past by displaying traditional architecture, arts, and crafts.
   
   
8. Mount Arafat: Mount Arafat, located somewhat outside of Makkah, is an important landmark to visit during the Hajj pilgrimage because it represents the location where Prophet Muhammad gave his last address.
   
   
9. Jabal Al-Nour: Jabal Al-Nour, also known as the Mountain of Light, is home to the Cave of Hira and provides visitors with spectacular trekking opportunities.
   
   
10. Al-Mualla Cemetery: This cemetery is historically significant because it contains the graves of various famous figures in Islamic history, providing insight into Makkah’s past. 

1. Rustic Grill: Rustic Grill is a fun place in Mecca where you can enjoy delicious steaks and burgers. They also have tasty sides like fries and salads. It’s a good place to eat when you’re very hungry!
   
   
2. Gurkan Sef: Gurkan Sef is a restaurant that serves good steaks. It’s a nice spot to eat with your family and enjoy meaty dishes. The place looks beautiful and curates a cosy experience.
   
   
3. Do5na: Do5na serves special food from the Hijazi region, which is part of Saudi Arabia. You can try different traditional dishes that are tasty and nutritious. It’s a great spot to learn about what people from this area eat.
   
   
4. Al Shorfa: At Al Shorfa, you can look out at the beautiful Holy Mosque while you have your meal there! They serve Middle Eastern dishes such as kebabs and tabbouleh, which are very juicy.
   
   
5. ALBAIK: ALBAIK is a popular fast-food outlet in Saudi Arabia that originated in the Hijaz region. It is reputed for its signature chicken dishes, which they only serve. It’s an exciting place to dine if fast food happens to be your preference.
   
   
6. Shobak Pie: Shobak Pie is known for its mouth-watering pies and other baked goods. They still offer a variety of things like salads and tacos, among others, or so it seems. It’s like heaven for pie lovers who want to taste various pies.
   
   
7. Yabroud: Yabroud offers food from Turkey, such as grilled meats with pie crusts on top. Their menu contains many options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an awesome place when you love sampling new meals.
   
   
8. Section-B: Section-B is a burger place where you decide what goes into your burger, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or a fried egg. It’s cool and exciting to make your own kind of burger.
   
   
9. Relish: Relish is a restaurant that serves food from Lebanon. You can eat things like hummus and shawarma there. It’s good to try out the taste of Lebanon through this place.
   
   
10. Ahad Abdullah Café: Ahad Abdullah Café is a cosy café where you can drink many kinds of coffee. They serve traditional Saudi coffee with dates, which is a sweet treat. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy a drink.

1. Perform Umrah Or Hajj: Muslims mainly travel to Makkah to do Umrah or Hajj. Participating in Tawaf, Sa’i, and other acts of prayer at Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba is a spiritually rewarding experience.
   
   
2. Visit Kaaba: The Kaaba is Makkah’s centre point and Islam’s holiest site. Devotees can walk around the Kaaba, offering prayers and supplications as part of their spiritual pilgrimage.
   
   
3. Explore The Masjid Al-Haram:  The spacious Masjid al-Haram provides several chances for prayer and thought. Visitors can explore its architectural marvels.
   
   
4. Ascend Jabal Al-Nour: Hike up Jabal al-Nour, the Mountain of Light, to see the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation. 
   
   
5. Perform Sa’i Between Safa And Marwa: Follow in the footsteps of Hajar, Prophet Ibrahim’s wife, by performing Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This rite recounts her search for water, which is essential to Umrah and Hajj.
   
   
6. Attend Religious Lectures And Sermons:  Many academics and imams provide lectures and sermons in Makkah, providing spiritual direction and insight into Islamic principles. 
   
   
7. Visit Mount Arafat: Despite being just outside Makkah, visiting Mount Arafat is extremely important, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage. It is the site of Prophet Muhammad’s last lecture and holds great spiritual significance.
   
   
8. Explore Historic Landmarks: Discover Makkah’s rich history by visiting the Clock Tower Museum, which provides insights into Islamic legacy, and the Al-Mualla Cemetery, where prominent personalities in Islamic history are buried.
   
   
9. Participate In Charitable Activities: Participate in acts of charity and compassion by supporting local projects and organisations that meet the needs of both pilgrims and inhabitants.
   
   
10. Reflect And Pray:  Spend some quiet time reflecting and praying in Makkah’s serene surroundings. Prayer and reflection can provide peace and spiritual restoration, whether inside Masjid al-Haram or in the natural splendour of the mountains.

The Makkah weather is significant in helping decide on activities and experiences. For instance, visiting outdoor historical places is better enjoyed during moderate weather. Therefore, one should look for cheap flights to Makkah during periods of favourable weather conditions when planning his/her trip.

Summer (April to September):

• Very hot, over 40°C (104°F)
•  Little rain
• Ideal for indoor activities.

Winter (October to March):

• Cooler, 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
• Great for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
  
  

If you need to know the weather in detail, consult a local guide. Here is a trustworthy weather guide for Makkah.

Makkah uses Arabian Standard Time (AST). Below is how it corresponds with British time zones:

• From GMT to AST: Makkah is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
• From BST to AST: During British Summer Time (BST), Makkah is two hours ahead.

Currency:

• The official currency of Makkah is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Cash and cards are acceptable means of payment, although having some cash on hand is recommended for small purchases.
  
  

Language:

• Arabic is the primary language spoken through English, and it is widely understood in hotels, major shops, and by tour guides.

Local Customs:

In Makkah, visitors should dress modestly, particularly when visiting sacred places. The best thing for both genders is wearing loose, long garments covering the shoulders and knees.

Laws:

To get more information on tourist-related local legislation or more reliable updates, consider these sources:

• UK Government Travel Advice for Makkah Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Tourism Authority – Tourist Information