Pilgrims have traditionally performed Hajj and Umrah in groups, often travelling long distances in caravans. By the early 19th century, the rise of steamships led to a decline in overland travel, making sea routes more popular for reaching Makkah. This trend continued until air travel became the dominant method of transport. In 1937, Egypt introduced the first airline service for Hajj pilgrims, marking a turning point in pilgrimage history.
Today, thousands of international flights arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah). Both airports have dedicated Hajj terminals designed specifically to ease the arrival and immigration process for pilgrims coming for Hajj and Umrah from around the world.
The United Kingdom has over 24 international airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, connecting pilgrims to Jeddah and Madinah via major airlines. Heathrow remains the busiest hub and offers multiple direct or connecting flights to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj travellers. Many pilgrims choose Umrah Al-Amanah for their travel arrangements, trusting its reputation for reliability, comfort, and spiritually enriching experiences.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) has 3 terminals:
International Terminal
Saudi Airlines Terminal
Hajj Terminal (Madina-tul-Hujjaj) – mainly used during Hajj season
During Umrah, if arriving by any airline other than Saudi Airlines, pilgrims will land at the Hajj Terminal.
Those continuing to Madinah by air must transfer to the Saudi Airlines terminal.
Pilgrims travelling to Makkah or Madinah by road will be greeted by our team and escorted via private transport services.
During Hajj season, it does not matter which airline you fly. Pilgrims are transferred to hajj terminal and from there they either fly/go by road to Madinah/Makkah. For pilgrims travelling by road towards Makkah or Madinah in buses, the Saudi government has established the general vehicles syndicate in 1952 which was given special responsibility in the hajj transportation system. The responsibility is about transporting external pilgrims from their entry ports (e.g. Airports) to the sacred places (e.g. Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa) including transportation towards hotels in Makkah and Madinah. The membership of the Syndicate is comprises more than 20 transport companies (e.g. Qawafel, Rwahell, Rabitet Makkah and so on) working in co-ordination with competent government agencies.
Therefore, transportation from an entry point towards hotels in Makkah or Madinah although the transportation from hotels in Makkah towards and between the sacred places must be done through or provided by the General Vehicles Syndicate. Buses provided by the syndicate may/not in the best conditions. Nevertheless, buses used in transporting towards VIP tents in the sacred places, or in transportation between Makkah to Madinah and vice versa, can be upgraded to higher standard in terms of condition by signing a contract with the desired transport company and under the supervision of the syndicate by paying additional sum per pilgrim.
King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz ordered the construction of the sacred places train network in order to assist in the transport of pilgrims between the sacred places and thereby reduce the problem of traffic jams and all other negative aspects which accompany them.
At the present time, the train connects Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat. Its primary aim is to lessen dependence on buses to move pilgrims between the sacred places.
The Haramain high speed railway is operational linking the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The link continues to Jeddah connecting to King Abdul Aziz Airport.
The line is designed for a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour (190 mph). Service offers Economy and business class cabins.
We offer private transport, group transfers, luxury buses, and VIP vehicles for travel within Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and other cities.
Yes, we provide reliable airport pickup and drop-off services from King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah).
Absolutely! We offer private cars, SUVs, and luxury vans that are ideal for families and small groups looking for comfort and privacy.
Yes, we arrange smooth intercity transfers between Makkah and Madinah with professional drivers and comfortable vehicles.
Many of our Umrah packages include transportation; however, you can also book it separately according to your needs.
Yes, our transport services are available round the clock to accommodate flight schedules and prayer times.
All our vehicles are regularly sanitized, air-conditioned, GPS-equipped, and operated by licensed, experienced drivers.
Yes, luxury transport options like GMC, Hyundai H1, and Coasters are available for VIP clients and larger groups.
Yes, we provide transport specifically for Ziyarat tours in both Makkah and Madinah, with flexible timing and expert guides.
You can reserve your transport online through our website or contact our team via phone or WhatsApp for personalized arrangements.
Empowering pilgrims with seamless, sacred journeys to Makkah’s heartland.
Saudi Airlines