Umrah planning has a lot of moving parts, but most of them fall into three buckets: getting around, where you sleep, and what you bring. Here's a practical checklist for each.
Transport Checklist
- ☐ Decide your Miqat point before you fly — if you're flying into Jeddah, you'll usually enter Ihram on the plane or shortly before landing; if you're coming from Madinah, it's Masjid Dhul-Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)
- ☐ Book your airport pickup in advance, especially during Ramadan and Hajj season when demand is high
- ☐ Have your flight number ready when you book — it lets your driver track your landing and adjust for delays
- ☐ Pick the right vehicle for your group size: sedan for 1–3, Hyundai Staria for families of 4–7, GMC Yukon for extra comfort or VIP groups
- ☐ Confirm the fixed price for each leg of your trip before you travel (airport transfer, Makkah–Madinah, any Ziyarat tours) so there are no surprises
- ☐ Save your driver's WhatsApp number so you can reach them directly for pickup times or changes
Hotel Checklist
- ☐ In Makkah, decide how close to the Haram you want to be — Ajyad and Misfalah are walking distance, while Al-Aziziyah is more affordable but a short ride away
- ☐ In Madinah, the Central Area around Masjid an-Nabawi puts you within walking distance of the mosque
- ☐ Share your hotel name and room number with your driver in advance for smooth pickup and drop-off
- ☐ Book hotels early if traveling during Ramadan or Hajj season — availability drops fast and prices rise
- ☐ Confirm your check-in time against your arrival time so your ride doesn't drop you off hours before your room is ready
What to Pack
- ☐ Ihram clothing (2 sets recommended for men), plus a small bag to carry it separately for the Miqat stop
- ☐ Comfortable, easy-to-remove sandals for the many times you'll enter and exit the mosque
- ☐ A small daypack for your phone, wallet, and prayer mat that you can carry on foot around the Haram
- ☐ Unscented toiletries (required in the state of Ihram)
- ☐ A printed or downloaded copy of your flight and hotel confirmations, in case you lose signal
- ☐ Empty space or a foldable bag for Zamzam water and gifts on the way back — this affects which vehicle you should book (the GMC Yukon and Staria have more luggage room than a sedan)
- ☐ A portable charger — you'll use your phone heavily for prayer times, maps, and staying in touch with your driver
Putting It Together
Sort your transport and hotel bookings first, since your Ihram timing and packing depend on your route (flying into Jeddah vs Madinah changes your Miqat point). Once those are set, packing is straightforward — pack light, keep Ihram accessible, and leave room in your bag for the trip home.
Saudi Cabs GMC handles airport pickups, Makkah–Madinah transfers, and Ziyarat tours with fixed prices agreed before you travel. See our Umrah Travel Guide for route and transport details, or message us on WhatsApp with your flight details to arrange your Umrah transport in advance.
