How Many Days Do You Need for Umrah?
The ideal number of days depends on your travel plans and flight times, how fast you’ll be moving, your health, budget, and whether you’d like to visit both Makkah and Madinah. A 5-day trip can be perfect if you’re looking for a short, Makkah-focused trip. However, 7 days will give you more time to include Madinah. 10 days will give you more time to take things slowly and enjoy both cities.
The suggested trip lengths below are just guidelines. There are no specific requirements to have multiple-day trips for Umrah. However, your overall trip will include travel arrangements, transfers, rest, worship, and Makkah-to-Madinah travel.
Consider how many days you will actually have. If you’re arriving late or leaving early, your 5-day trip can feel like a very short trip. Most trips to Makkah involve arriving via one of the nearby airports (Jeddah, Madinah, etc.) and travelling to Makkah via road or train. See our official Nusuk Umrah guide for more details.
5-, 7- or 10-Day Umrah Trip: Quick Comparison

| Trip Length | Best For | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | Limited time or budget | Makkah focus (enough time to complete your Umrah and rest) |
| 7 Days | Wanting to visit both holy cities | Makkah and Madinah (good balanced time) |
| 10 Days | Families, elderly, or taking things slow | More time in both cities (rest and flexibility) |
Pick the length that allows you enough time to complete your travel arrangements. Try not to plan everything to the minute—allow time to rest, pray, and adjust based on your travel times.
Suggested 5-Day Umrah Itinerary: Makkah
Most people will plan their 5-day trip around Makkah. If you wanted to include Madinah in your 5-day trip, it can feel rushed.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer: On arrival in Saudi Arabia, collect your luggage and head to your hotel. Several options exist to get from Jeddah airport to Makkah, including the Haramain train, buses, taxis, and pre-arranged transfers or airport pickup. Ensure you know your arrival terminal, transfer arrangements, and train departure schedules. Once checked in, rest, eat, and familiarize yourself with the route to the Haram. If entering Ihram during travel, verify correct timing with a trusted scholar or Umrah provider.
Day 2 – Umrah & Rest: Spend this day completing your Umrah. Avoid over-scheduling and take plenty of breaks. If arriving late or feeling fatigued, consult your group leader or religious guide to complete your rites at a suitable time.
Day 3 – Makkah: Spend the day praying, resting, and enjoying the Haram. If interested in local visits, consult your provider on itinerary options. Keep this day flexible for children, elderly family members, or anyone needing regular rest.
Day 4 – Makkah: Focus on prayer, rest, and essential shopping or planned visits. Avoid scheduling too much as departure approaches. Confirm hotel check-out times and transfer details.
Day 5 – Departure: Ensure adequate time to reach the airport. Early flights may require leaving Makkah before dawn. Confirm hotel departure times and transfer services.
Best For: Those wanting to complete their Umrah in Makkah with limited time.
Note: With only 5 days, you may not have enough time to enjoy Madinah comfortably.
Suggested 7-Day Umrah Itinerary: Makkah and Madinah
With 7 days, you can spend time in both cities. Below is an example itinerary including travel between the two cities.

Day 1 – Arrival & Travel: Arrive in Jeddah (or another suitable airport) and travel to Makkah. Check in, eat, and rest. If arriving on a long-haul flight, keep plans minimal.
Day 2 – Umrah: Complete your Umrah. Keep the day flexible and schedule regular breaks under guidance from your Umrah organizer or religious advisor.
Day 3 – Makkah: Spend the day at a relaxed pace—praying, resting, or including a planned local visit.
Day 4 – Travel to Madinah: Travel to Madinah using the Haramain High-Speed Rail, bus, or private vehicle. Compare travel times and check required station/hotel transfers. For seamless multi-city bookings, explore halal-friendly holiday packages.
Day 5 – Madinah: Spend your day in Madinah visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Allocate time for meals, prayer, and rest.
Day 6 – Madinah: Dedicate the day to worship, rest, and any planned visits. An extra day makes your time in Madinah feel relaxed.
Day 7 – Departure: Depart directly from Madinah or transfer back to Jeddah for your return flight. Confirm transit logistics well in advance before finalizing accommodation bookings.
Best For: Those wanting to visit both holy cities without an extended stay.
Note: Your departure airport choice directly impacts your final day—plan your route before locking in transport and hotel bookings. You can also review halal-friendly hotels and protect your trip with halal insurance & takaful prior to departure.
Suggested 10-Day Umrah Itinerary: A More Relaxed Visit
Having 10 days can give you more flexibility. This can be a great option for families, elderly travellers, or anyone who doesn’t want to move hotels too often.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer: Head to your hotel and get settled. This day should be kept flexible, especially if you had a long flight.
Day 2 – Umrah: Complete your Umrah. This day should be kept flexible and allow time to recover. Ensure you know the Ihram arrangements for your route and follow current guidance.
Days 3–5 – Makkah: Spend a few days in Makkah. This can include praying, resting, and optional visits. As you have multiple days to keep flexible, you don’t have to fit everything in. Families may appreciate having time to go back to their hotel. You can also explore halal-friendly hotels that offer close proximity to the Haram.
Day 6 – Travel to Madinah: Travel to Madinah via train, bus, car, or flight. Ensure you know what transport you’ll be using for your luggage, what transfers you’ll need to do, and when you’ll be checking in at your hotel.
Days 7–9 – Madinah: Spend 3 days in Madinah. This can include visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Ensure you have time to pray and rest. Any planned visits can be completed at a pace that suits your group. Ensure you check current guidance for any permits or appointments. Official sources such as Nusuk can help.
Day 10 – Departure: Leave Madinah or return to Jeddah. If you’re returning to Jeddah on the same day as your international flight, ensure you have plenty of time to connect. Ensure you know what transport times you’ll be doing, or pre-arrange your transfers or airport pickup.
Best For: Those wanting to take their time, have more time in each city, or want some flexibility for families and health.
What Can Affect Your Umrah Trip Length?
Flight Times: The number of days listed for your trip will be calendar days. If you have late arrival times and early departure times, this can reduce the amount of time you actually have. Compare flight times carefully.

Airport & Hotel Location: Makkah does not have a commercial airport. Many international travellers will arrive in Jeddah and travel to Makkah via train, bus, or road.
Visiting Madinah: If you’re visiting Madinah, you will need to include travel between the cities and changing hotels. If your flights require you to return to Jeddah, ensure you have time to complete your journey.
Group Pace & Needs: If you have young children, elderly members, or anyone with mobility/health issues, they may want to have more rest. Consider how far your hotels are, what transport you’ll be using, and how quickly your group can walk.
Seasonal Times: Some times can be busier than others. This can affect hotel availability, transport, and how quickly you can complete your trip. Ensure you check current guidance, hotel availability, and any permits. Purchasing comprehensive halal insurance & takaful can also give peace of mind against travel disruptions.
How To Choose The Right Itinerary
If you’re looking to focus on Makkah and can fit everything in, 5 days would be perfect. If you want to include Madinah and your flights allow for travel between the two cities, 7 days would be a good option. If you want some flexibility and extra rest days, 10 days would be perfect.

Before booking, consider:
- Arrival & Departure Airports/Times
- Number of Nights in Makkah & Madinah
- Type of Transfer & Travel Times
- Location of Hotel & Distance from Transport/Haram
- Meals, Transfers & Services Included
- Cancellation & Changes
- Requirements Based On Nationality & Travel Times
Official resources from Nusuk can help you plan. Ensure you check the latest information as services may change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 5 days enough?
It can be if you’re looking for a short, focused trip to Makkah. If you want to include Madinah, it can feel rushed. If you want to visit both cities, add extra days.
Is 7 days enough?
Yes, if planned correctly. You can spend 3 days in Makkah, travel to Madinah, 2 days there, and 1 day for departure. This will depend on your flight and travel times.
How long should I stay in Makkah?
There is no set amount of time. Some people will want to stay for a short period of time. Others will plan to stay for a few days to complete their Umrah, prayers, rest, and local visits. Choose how long you want to stay based on your health, schedule, and travel.
Should I visit Madinah on my 5-day Umrah?
You can, but your trip may feel rushed. Many people will complete a 5-day itinerary for Makkah alone. If you want to include Madinah, 7+ days would be better.
Is 10 days too long?
No! It can give you extra time to rest, accommodate families, and visit both cities. The right amount of days will depend on your budget, time off, and how quickly you want to complete your trip.
Can I travel between Makkah & Madinah by train?
Yes! You can travel between the cities via the Haramain High-Speed Rail. There are also road options and flights. Ensure you know what the current times are, that tickets are available, and what transfers you’ll need to do.
When should I check permits & travel requirements?
Ensure you check current official guidance. Requirements can vary depending on the season, nationality, and travel. Check official Saudi sources and your Umrah provider for the latest information.
Final Thoughts
There is no perfect amount of days for everyone. 5 days can be perfect for a focused trip to Makkah. 7 days can allow you to include both cities. 10 days can give you more time to take things slowly. Choose how long you want to stay based on your flights, health, budget, and family needs. Ensure you have flexibility for transfers and rest.
May Allah make your journey easy and accept your Umrah.
Plan Your Umrah With HalalExplore
Looking to plan your Umrah? HalalExplore can help you find the best travel options for your journey. We assist with accommodation, transfers, and custom packages based on your preferred travel dates, departure city, group size, and family accessibility requirements. You can also explore halal-friendly activities worldwide for post-Umrah travel choices.






