Between the plane ticket, hotels, visas, food, and expenses on-site, how much does Umrah really cost in 2026? The answer depends on many factors, and it’s easy to underestimate certain expenses. This comprehensive financial guide gives you the real numbers and tips to budget your pilgrimage without any surprises.
✈️ The plane ticket: the first expense
The flight is generally the most expensive part of your pilgrimage. Prices vary considerably depending on your departure city, the season, and the airline you choose.
Price ranges in 2026
- Direct flight Paris-Jeddah: between €550 and €900 return in economy class
- Connecting flight: between €400 and €650 return (Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Oman Air)
- Business class: between €2,000 and €4,000 return
When to book to pay less
The lowest prices are obtained by booking 3 to 6 months in advance, away from high-demand periods (Ramadan, summer). Mid-October to mid-November and February-March offer the best rates. Avoid booking at the last minute — prices can triple in a few weeks.
🏨 Accommodation: the second major expense
The cost of accommodation mainly depends on proximity to the Grand Mosque. Hotels within walking distance of the Haram are the most in-demand and the most expensive.
The different levels
- Budget hotels (3-4 stars, 1-3 km from the Mosque): €40 to €80 per night
- Mid-range hotels (4 stars, 500m-1km): €80 to €150 per night
- Premium hotels (5 stars, Haram view): €150 to €400 per night
- Meillas apartments (kitchen, multiple bedrooms): €80 to €200 per night for 4-6 people
Budget for 7 days
- Budget: €280 to €560 per person
- Mid-range: €560 to €1,050 per person
- Premium: €1,050 to €2,800 per person
Sharing an apartment with a group of 4 to 6 people significantly reduces the cost per person — it’s often the best solution for families.
📲 Visas and taxes
The tourist visa for Saudi Arabia costs approximately €80 to €135 depending on the type. The e-visa can be applied for online on Saudivisaonline. For the Umrah visa specifically (valid 3 months, multiple entries), the cost is approximately 300 SAR (about €75) through authorized agencies.
Local taxes in Mecca and Medina sometimes include a municipal stay tax (about 10-15 SAR per night, or €2-4). Some hotels include it, others don’t — check when booking.
Service fees
If you go through a travel agency for your package, service fees of €50 to €150 may apply. These fees are often included in the package price. Comparing offers and reading the fine print will help you avoid surprises.
🍽️ Food and meals
The food budget depends largely on your habits. Budget options are plentiful.
Daily estimate
- Tight budget: €20 to €35 per day (falafel, shawarma, rice, dates, fruits)
- Moderate budget: €35 to €60 per day (street food + one average restaurant per day)
- Comfortable budget: €60 to €100 per day (varied restaurants, international cuisines)
Where to eat without exceeding the budget
Restaurants around the Mosque offer full meals for 15 to 30 SAR (€4-8). Typical Arabic breakfast (falood, hummus, bread) costs between 10 and 20 SAR (€2.5-5). Spinneys and Carrefour supermarkets offer international products for those who prefer to cook.
Tip: Many pilgrims opt for half-board at their hotel to control costs. It’s generally more economical than eating out for every meal.
💰 Often-overlooked expenses on-site
Transport from Jeddah airport
King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah is about 100 km from Mecca. Options to reach the city:
- Public bus: about 30-40 SAR (€8-10) — cheapest but longest (3-4h)
- Official taxi: about 300-400 SAR (€75-100) for a direct ride
- Rideshare (Uber/Careem): about 200-300 SAR (€50-75)
- Hotel shuttle: often included in premium hotel packages
- High-speed train (Haramain): about 125-185 SAR (€30-45) — fast option (2h) if available
Transport between Mecca and Medina
- Bus: about 80-120 SAR (€20-30) — 4-5h journey
- Shared shuttle: about 150-200 SAR (€35-50)
- Domestic flight: about 200-350 SAR (€50-90) — 1h flight
Tips and staff
In the local culture, tips (baksheesh) are expected for many staff: luggage carriers, security officers, hotel staff. Budget about €50 to €100 for these small expenses. It may seem excessive, but it’s an expected part of the service culture in Saudi Arabia.
🛒 Equipment and preparations
Some equipment is specific to Umrah and should be anticipated in your budget:
Ihram and clothing
- Complete men’s ihram kit: €30 to €80 (2 white cloth pieces, sandals)
- Women’s covering clothing: €40 to €100 (light cotton set, headscarf)
🛒 View women’s clothing on Amazon
Essential items
- Compact prayer rug: €15 to €40
- Insulated Zamzam water bottle: €20 to €35
- Basic medical kit: €20 to €40
- Saudi Arabia power adapter: €10 to €15
🛒 View power adapters on Amazon
📊 Total estimated budget for 2026
For a solo pilgrim, budget trip
- Return flight: €500
- Accommodation (7 nights, budget hotel): €350
- Visa: €80
- Food (7 days): €200
- Local transport: €80
- Equipment: €100
- Tips and miscellaneous: €70
- Estimated total: €1,380 to €1,600
For a couple, mid-range trip
- Return flight (x2): €1,200
- Accommodation (7 nights, mid-range hotel): €1,000 (€500/person)
- Visa (x2): €160
- Food (7 days): €500 (€250/person)
- Local transport: €120
- Equipment: €150
- Tips and miscellaneous: €100
- Estimated total: €3,230 to €3,500
For a family of 4, budget trip
- Return flight (x4): €2,000
- Accommodation (7 nights, shared apartment): €700 (€175/person)
- Visa (x4): €320
- Food (7 days): €600
- Local transport: €150
- Equipment: €200
- Tips and miscellaneous: €120
- Estimated total: €4,090 to €4,400
💡 Tips to reduce the budget
- Book early: plane and hotel rates are lower 3-6 months in advance
- Travel off-season: avoid May-September (high demand and heat)
- Travel together: shared apartments are more economical for families
- Compare agencies: packages are not always more expensive than separate bookings
- Avoid private transfers: buses and shuttles are cheaper than taxis
- Cook when you can: apartments with kitchenettes let you prepare meals
📋 Summary: Umrah 2026 Financial Checklist
- ✅ Plane ticket (book 3-6 months in advance)
- ✅ Accommodation (compare hotels vs apartments)
- ✅ Visa and taxes
- ✅ Airport – Mecca transport
- ✅ Mecca – Medina transport
- ✅ Daily food
- ✅ Ihram and essential equipment
- ✅ Tips and local services budget
- ✅ Medical kit and pharmacy
- ✅ Mandatory travel insurance
A well-budgeted Umrah is a peaceful Umrah. By anticipating every expense, you avoid unpleasant surprises and can devote all your energy to what matters most: your spirituality. May GOD accept your pilgrimage.
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Book your activities and excursions during transit
If your Umrah trip includes a layover or transit in a city (Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul), use Klook to book your halal excursions in advance — guided mosque visits, cultural tours, culinary experiences. View available activities on Klook → (*)
Book your travel and accommodation with Trip.com
Use Trip.com for your flights, hotels, and transfers in your transit destinations. Wide selection of Muslim-friendly hotels. View Trip.com offers → (*)
Book your excursions and guided tours with GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide offers thousands of guided tours and halal excursions worldwide — including in Saudi Arabia (Mecca and Medina visits), Indonesia, Malaysia, and elsewhere in Asia. Discover excursions on GetYourGuide → (*)