Ever think of touching the sacred Kaaba, but are worried about the price tag? Let’s break down the cost of fulfilling this pilgrimage. Umrah is a very holy prayer that every Muslim wishes to perform at least once in his life. The reason lies in the wide range of benefits and perks of this prayer. However, among various factors, budget is another element that may impact your decision.
This article will throw light on the Umrah cost from the UK. On top of that, we’ll also learn about many factors that may affect the Umrah prices, including Umrah flight ticketsand lodgings. On top of that, there will also be some tips that may help you learn how to sort out your budget as well as some ways to save money while going on your religious trip. Let’s explore more.
How Much Money Should I Take to Umrah?
The cost of Umrah from the UK for 2024 is roughly around £1000-£1300 per person for 10 days (5 days in Makkah and 5 days in Madinah). However, this is not the exact price that every one of you will avail of, as this depends on various factors as well as the nature of the package you are choosing. The following is a breakdown of prices based on the type of bundles:
3-Star 10-Day Package
A 3-star 10-day package costs around £1000 – £1050 per person for 10 days. These include Makkah staying for 5 days and Madinah staying for 5 days. Here is a breakdown for this bundle:
- Cost of ticket: £500 per person
- Transport cost: £100 per person
- Visa price: £50 per person
- An average Makkah hotel booking: £120 – £130 per person
- An average Madinah hotel booking: £170 – £180 per person
- *Margin: £100 per person
4-Star 10-Day Package
A 4-star package could cost you around £1600 – £1650. This is the price for 1 person who is travelling from the UK for Umrah purposes for 10 days. Find a division of this bundle below:
- Cost of ticket: £300 per person
- Transport cost: £100 per person
- Visa price: £50 per person
- An average Makkah hotel booking: £190 – £200 per person
- An average Madinah hotel booking: £200 – £210 per person
- *Margin: £200 per person
5-Star 10-Day Package
The price for a 5-star 10-day package is approximately £2100 – £2150 per person. Again, this includes a 10-day stay in Saudi Arabia, containing 5 nights in Makkah, and 5 nights in Madinah. Here is a breakdown of this deal:
- Cost of ticket: £1000 per person
- Transport cost: £100 per person
- Visa price: £50 per person
- An average Makkah hotel booking: £480 – £500 per person
- An average Madinah hotel booking: £330 – £350 per person
- *Margin: £150 – 200 per person
*Margin refers to the expenses of the travel agency you are working with. It ranges between £50 – £500, depending on the customizations and facilities you are seeking.
Factors Affecting Umrah Costs
As explained earlier, Umrah prices are not fixed as they vary on a wide range of factors. These elements collectively accumulate to influence the overall cost of pilgrimage. The following is a detail:
Travel Season
The date of your travel month also affects the total cost for Umrah from the UK. In the peak seasons, you are supposed to pay high prices for your flights. Sometimes, it could even go higher, depending on the month you are choosing. For instance, peak days like Christmas or Easter could pose you more prices due to high demands. During these days, a 5-star deal is sold for around £3400 – £3500 per person.
Airline Type & Class
The type of airline and class also affect the price of the Umrah package. Companies such as Ryanair offer low rates. In the same essence, the type of flight class you are choosing would also influence the overall budget. Obviously, a first-class will be higher than an economy class in terms of prices. Similarly, the city of arrival also matters. Going to Jeddah will be cheaper than directly landing in Makkah; although, it could cost you more transit charges.
Hotel Type
Your Umrah budget could also be directly affected by the choice of your hotel. A 3-star lodging would be way cheaper than its 5-star equivalent. Not to mention the customization you are looking for, as these will also make your budget fluctuate. On top of that, the distance of the hotel from the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah also matters. The closer a residence is to Haram, the more expensive it will be.
Transport Charges
The transit charges also affect the price of your Umrah packages. If you are looking for personalised and private transport, you have to pay more. In contrast, shared or group tours are often cheap. Plus, if you hire a guide during the travel process, the overall budget could go even higher.
Tips to Save Money on Umrah
Undoubtedly, Umrah travel is not cheap, especially with today’s high inflation rates. On top of that, if you are going for the first time, you may struggle to find ways to save on costs and manage your budget. The following tips can help you in this regard, helping you save valuable bucks while keeping the travel smooth:
Travel in Off-Peak Seasons
This is one of the best ways to save on your Umrah travel. Choose the days when there is comparatively less demand. For example, avoid booking during the Hajj and Ramadan seasons or during Christmas and Easter.
Book Early
Another way is that you should try booking in advance. Book a package for at least 6 months of your travel. The benefit is that you can find the best dates without compromising on your budget. On top of that, various travel agencies also offer early bird discounts with the goal of attracting more people. You can avail of these promos and sales to get the best possible rates.
Be Flexible
Be flexible in terms of your date selection. This serves dual purposes. For instance, you may find the best rates on a date that you are not looking for. However, opting for this period may save your budget. Similarly, if you book in advance, agents may request you to replace your dates with someone else who wants to opt for your window. In return, they can offer you some discounts.
Consider DIY Booking
This is the best way to save on your Umrah travel. However, DIY booking may involve a hefty process and could consume a lot of time. Here, you will be directly contacting hotels and flights to Mecca, while handling the process by yourself. The benefit is that you are bypassing the travel agency, which can charge you £100 – £500 per person for one deal.
The TL;DR is that if you are travelling to Umrah and are not sure of the budget, the above article offers a complete guide. However, to get hands-on help, you can contact Muslims Holy Travel. We offer one of the most competitive prices in the UK, along with the option of paying via instalments. Contact us now to avail of our ATOL-protected services.
Contributing author to Weird Italy, a platform dedicated to the exploration of unique and unusual aspects of Italian culture, history, and contemporary phenomena.