Jeddah City Guide for Umrah Pilgrims

Jeddah is the gateway city for Umrah. Many pilgrims spend a day or two here before or after Makkah. This short guide covers the main places and how to get around.

The top places for pilgrims in Jeddah are Al-Balad (the historic old town), the Corniche on the Red Sea and the Al-Rahmah “floating” mosque. Jeddah city to a Makkah hotel by private taxi costs from SAR 220 (Sedan), and Jeddah Airport to a city hotel from SAR 150.

On this page

  1. Places to visit
  2. Going from Jeddah to Makkah for Umrah
  3. Getting around Jeddah
  4. FAQs
  5. Related pages

Places to visit

  • Al-Balad: the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with coral-stone houses, old markets and the historic mosques.
  • Jeddah Corniche: a long seafront walk, popular in the evening.
  • Masjid Al-Rahmah: the mosque built over the water on the Corniche, often called the floating mosque.
  • Shopping: large malls and the traditional souqs of Al-Balad.

Going from Jeddah to Makkah for Umrah

If you live in Jeddah or are staying here and then go for Umrah, you enter ihram in Jeddah itself (at your hotel or home) before leaving, because Jeddah is inside the miqat. Read the Miqat points guide.

Getting around Jeddah

For a city day, our hourly car hire with driver is easiest. Prices on request: ask on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Jeddah from Makkah?

About 80 km from the city centre, usually about 1 to 1.5 hours by car.

Where do I put on ihram if I start Umrah from Jeddah?

Pilgrims staying in Jeddah put on ihram in Jeddah before leaving for Makkah.

Is Al-Balad worth visiting?

Yes. It is the historic heart of Jeddah and a short drive from most hotels. Evenings are cooler and livelier.

How much is a taxi from a Jeddah hotel to Makkah?

From SAR 220 per car (Sedan).

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Send your date, time, pickup, drop-off and number of passengers to +966 59 590 1564. We reply 24/7 and confirm a fixed price before you travel.

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