What Is This Guide About?
This guide shows you *how to do Umrah without spending too much money. You will learn *simple tips to save on flights, hotels, food, and transport during your pilgrimage. Whether you are a student, a family, or saving for other things, these ideas will help make your spiritual journey affordable.
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Why Timing Matters Most for Saving Money
When you travel changes the price more than anything else.
Cheapest Times to Go:
- January and February (after Hajj season, before Ramadan)
- May and early June (before summer holidays)
- Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday flights are often cheaper)
Expensive Times to Avoid:
- Ramadan (prices can triple)
- Hajj season (Dhu al-Hijjah month)
- School holidays (summer, winter breaks)
- Eid celebrations
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How to Find Cheap Flights for Umrah
Do not book the first flight you see. Follow these steps:
- Use flight websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak
- Check different airports:
- Jeddah (JED)
- Medina (MED)
- Sometimes flying to Riyadh is cheaper, then take a bus
- Try budget airlines: Flynas, Flyadeal, Air Arabia
- Book early (2-3 months before) OR look for last-minute deals
- Fly with stops instead of direct flights (saves money but takes longer)
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Where to Stay Without Spending Too Much
You do not need to stay right next to the Haram to have a good Umrah.
In Makkah:
- Aziziyah area: Hotels here are much cheaper. It is 3-4 km from the Haram. Take a taxi or bus to the mosque.
- Shared apartments: Rent with family or friends. Websites like Airbnb work in Saudi Arabia.
- Old hotels in central Makkah: Basic but clean rooms at lower prices if you book early.
In Madinah:
- Hotels a 10-15 minute walk from the Prophet’s Mosque cost less.
- Areas behind the mosque often have good prices.
Price Examples:
- Expensive: 5-star hotel next to Haram = $200-$500 per night
- Budget choice: Hotel in Aziziyah = $30-$60 per night
- Cheapest: Shared apartment room = $15-$40 per night
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How to Get Around Saudi Arabia Cheaply
Transport does not need to cost much.
Between Cities:
- SAPTCO buses from Makkah to Madinah cost about $15-$20
- Shared taxis (split with 3-4 people)
In the City:
- Walk when you can (good for health and free)
- Local buses are very cheap
- Share regular taxis with others going the same way
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How to Eat Well on Little Money
You can eat good food without restaurant prices.
- Local small restaurants: Arabic, Indian, Pakistani places away from the Haram area
- Supermarkets: Buy bread, fruit, cheese, snacks from BinDawood, Carrefour, or Tamimi Markets
- Free Zamzam water: Bring a bottle and fill it at the mosque
- Avoid hotel restaurants (very expensive)
Daily Food Budget Example:
- Breakfast from supermarket: $3
- Lunch at local restaurant: $5
- Dinner at simple restaurant: $7
- Total per day: $15 (much less than eating at hotels)
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Visa and Paperwork Savings
Do not overpay for your visa.
- Apply online yourself through the official Saudi visa website
- Some countries get free transit visas (96 hours) if flying with Saudia or Flynas
- Check the Nusuk website (official Saudi Umrah site) for latest rules
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What to Pack to Avoid Buying There
Bring these to save money:
- Ihram clothes (buy before travel)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Basic medicines (headache, stomach, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
- Prayer mat
- Power adapter (Saudi uses Type G plug)
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A Sample 7-Day Budget Umrah Plan
This shows how cheap it can be:
Day 1: Fly to Jeddah, bus to Makkah, check into Aziziyah hotel
Day 2-3: Perform Umrah, pray at Haram, eat at local restaurants
Day 4: Bus to Madinah ($20), check into hotel near mosque
Day 5-6: Pray at Prophet’s Mosque, visit historical sites (free)
Day 7: Fly home from Medina
Total Cost (not counting international flight):
- Hotel (7 nights): $200
- Food (7 days): $100
- Local transport: $50
- Visa: $80
- Total: around $430
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Common Money Mistakes to Avoid
- Exchanging money at the airport (bad rates)
- Shopping in stores around the Haram (higher prices)
- Taking private taxis everywhere (use buses instead)
- Booking through expensive agents (do some planning yourself)
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Helpful Free Apps for Budget Umrah
- Google Maps (download offline maps)
- Skyscanner (for flights)
- Booking.com (for hotels)
- XE Currency (for exchange rates)
- Nusuk (official Saudi app for Umrah info)
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Remember What Matters Most
Allah looks at your intention, not how much you spend. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions performed Umrah with very little. Your sincerity and devotion matter more than expensive hotels or flights.
Final Simple Tips
- Travel when few people are traveling (off-season)
- Stay a short drive from the Haram (not right beside it)
- Use buses instead of taxis
- Eat where local people eat
- Book flights and hotels yourself online
- Focus on worship, not shopping
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Start Planning Your Affordable Umrah Today
With these tips, you can perform Umrah without spending all your savings. The journey is about your connection with Allah, not showing off wealth. Plan carefully, be flexible, and your budget Umrah can be just as blessed as any expensive trip.
May Allah make your journey easy, accept your Umrah, and reward you for your sincere efforts. Ameen.

