Madinah First or Makkah First for Hajj & Umrah? Best Route from UK
Updated: Sep 3
Madinah First or Makkah First for Umrah? Which Is Better from the UK?
For many first-time pilgrims travelling for Umrah from the UK, one of the first questions is:
Should we visit Madinah first or go directly to Makkah?
Both routes are valid. Visiting Madinah is not a condition of Umrah, and your Umrah is complete whether you visit Madinah before Makkah, afterwards, or not during the same journey.
However, from a practical point of view, the order can make a major difference to your journey — particularly if you are travelling with children, elderly family members or performing Umrah for the first time.
At Hisar Tour UK, we generally find that Madinah first is the easier and more comfortable option for first-time pilgrims.
Option A: Madinah First — Why Many Umrah Groups Prefer It
1. Travel Without Worrying About Ihram
One of the biggest advantages of travelling to Madinah first is that you normally do not need to begin your international journey in Ihram.
You can travel in your normal comfortable clothes, rest during the flight and focus on reaching Madinah.
There is no need to worry about:
changing into Ihram during a flight,
exactly when the aircraft will cross the Miqat,
making your intention at the correct time,
or managing Ihram garments during a long journey.
This can make a significant difference for first-time pilgrims.
2. Madinah Gives You Time to Recover
International travel can be tiring.
Once you arrive in Madinah Al-Munawwarah, you can settle into your hotel, rest and adjust before performing Umrah.
Spending several days in Madinah gives pilgrims the opportunity to pray in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, visit important Islamic sites and prepare spiritually for Makkah.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah highlights Masjid an-Nabawi, Masjid Quba and other important locations among the principal places visited in Madinah. (Hajj Ministry)
For many families, these first few days completely change the experience.
Instead of arriving in Makkah exhausted and immediately performing Umrah, you arrive prepared.
3. Learn How to Perform Umrah Before Reaching Makkah
Another major benefit of a guided Madinah-first package is preparation.
During our group journey, pilgrims can receive guidance covering:
Ihram → Miqat → Talbiyah → Tawaf → Sa'i → Halq or Taqsir
This is particularly valuable for someone performing Umrah for the first time.
By the time the group leaves Madinah, pilgrims understand what they are going to do and can concentrate more fully on their worship.
For a detailed explanation, see our How to Perform Umrah guide.
4. Enter Ihram at Dhul-Hulayfah
When travelling from Madinah towards Makkah, pilgrims use Dhul-Hulayfah, also known as Abyar Ali, as their Miqat.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially identifies Dhul-Hulayfah as the Miqat for residents of Madinah and those passing through it on their journey towards Makkah. (Hajj Ministry)
Before travelling, pilgrims can prepare themselves at the hotel.
Men put on the Ihram garments, while women remain in their normal modest Islamic clothing. The group then makes the intention for Umrah and begins the Talbiyah at the appropriate point under the guidance of the group leader or scholar.
For first-time pilgrims, this is generally far easier than trying to manage the Miqat while travelling by air.
5. Arrive in Makkah Ready for Umrah
After spending a few peaceful days in Madinah, the journey towards Makkah Al-Mukarramah begins.
For many pilgrims, this creates a beautiful progression:
Madinah → Ihram → Talbiyah → Makkah → First sight of the Kaaba → Tawaf → Sa'i → Completion of Umrah
Instead of experiencing your first Umrah immediately after a long international flight, you arrive spiritually and physically prepared.
For many pilgrims, that first sight of the Kaaba becomes one of the most unforgettable moments of their lives.
6. Finish Your Journey Near Jeddah Airport
Another practical benefit of Madinah first is that the journey usually finishes in Makkah.
From there, pilgrims can transfer to Jeddah Airport for their return journey to the UK.
This can make the final day straightforward without travelling all the way back from Makkah to Madinah before flying home.
Is There a Downside to Madinah First?
There can be.
If your flight arrives into Jeddah before travelling overland to Madinah, your first travel day can be long.
For families with young children or elderly passengers, this needs to be planned carefully.
A comfortable coach, appropriate rest stops and a relaxed first day in Madinah are important.
Alternatively, UK travellers may choose a connecting itinerary that flies into Madinah.
As of September 2026, current scheduled-flight data shows no regular nonstop London Heathrow–Madinah service, although several one-stop options are available. Flight schedules can change, particularly around peak Umrah periods, so travellers should always check their specific departure dates. (FlightConnections)
Option B: Makkah First — When Does It Make Sense?
Makkah first can also be an excellent choice.
It may suit experienced pilgrims, shorter journeys or travellers who simply prefer to perform Umrah immediately.
1. Complete Your Umrah at the Beginning
Some pilgrims do not want to wait several days before performing Umrah.
They prefer to arrive, perform their Umrah and then spend the remainder of their journey praying peacefully in Makkah and Madinah.
For an experienced pilgrim who already understands Ihram, Miqat, Tawaf and Sa'i, this can work very well.
2. Short Umrah Packages
For a short 7-, 8- or 10-night Umrah package, going to Makkah first can sometimes make practical sense.
You reach Makkah sooner, complete your Umrah and then continue to Madinah.
The best route depends on the flights, hotels and overall package schedule.
3. Ramadan Umrah
During Ramadan, the order may also depend on where you want to spend the most important nights of your journey.
Some pilgrims prefer:
Madinah first → Makkah last
because they want the final part of Ramadan — particularly the last ten nights — in Makkah.
Others travelling for a shorter period may perform Umrah immediately after arrival.
There is no single route that suits everybody.
4. Flight Arrangements
Sometimes airline schedules determine the most convenient order.
For example:
UK → Jeddah → Makkah → Madinah → UK
may work perfectly with one itinerary.
Another package may be:
UK → Madinah → Makkah → Jeddah → UK
The best option depends on price, connection times, airport availability and the needs of the group.
Important: Ihram When Going to Makkah First
This is the most important difference between the two routes.
If you are flying towards Jeddah with the intention of travelling to Makkah to perform Umrah, you must enter the state of Ihram before your aircraft passes the applicable Miqat.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah specifically instructs Umrah pilgrims to enter Ihram from their Miqat before entering Makkah. (Hajj Ministry)
For men, this normally means preparing and putting on the Ihram garments before the Miqat.
Women do not have a special Ihram uniform; they continue wearing appropriate modest clothing.
The intention and Talbiyah must also be made at the correct point before crossing the Miqat.
Do not wait until Jeddah Airport.
A pilgrim who already intends to perform Umrah should not deliberately pass the relevant Miqat and only then enter Ihram at Jeddah.
This is one of the main reasons why Madinah first is easier for beginners.
What About Flying Directly to Madinah?
Flying into Madinah is one of the most comfortable ways to begin an Umrah journey.
You arrive close to your Madinah hotel and avoid travelling from Jeddah to Madinah by road immediately after your international flight.
For UK pilgrims, Madinah can generally be reached through connecting services via hubs such as Istanbul and other Middle Eastern cities.
At present, regularly scheduled nonstop flights between London Heathrow and Madinah are not shown, although schedules can change seasonally. (FlightConnections)
A good itinerary could therefore be:
London → Connecting Airport → Madinah
followed by:
Madinah → Makkah → Jeddah → London
For elderly pilgrims or families, paying slightly more for a convenient itinerary may sometimes be worthwhile.
Does Islam Require Madinah First or Makkah First?
No.
Madinah is immensely important to Muslims and visiting Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ is one of the great spiritual experiences of the journey.
However, visiting Madinah is not one of the rites of Umrah.
The order of Makkah and Madinah is therefore not what determines whether your Umrah is valid.
What must be observed is the Miqat requirement when travelling towards Makkah intending Hajj or Umrah. The Ministry's current guidance states that pilgrims must enter Ihram at the Miqat applicable to the route they are travelling. (Hajj Ministry)
Madinah First vs Makkah First: Quick Comparison
Madinah First | Makkah First |
Easier for first-time pilgrims | Good for experienced pilgrims |
No need to manage Ihram on your international flight towards Saudi Arabia when Madinah is genuinely your first destination | Ihram must be managed before crossing the Miqat |
Time to rest before Umrah | Perform Umrah earlier |
Group can receive Umrah guidance beforehand | Suitable for some shorter trips |
Easy Miqat journey from Madinah | Flight planning is particularly important |
Finish journey in Makkah/Jeddah | Madinah can provide a peaceful ending |
Which Should You Choose?
Ask yourself two simple questions.
Have you performed Umrah before?
If the answer is no, Madinah first will often be the easier option.
Would you rather perform your first Umrah immediately after travelling, or after several days of rest and preparation?
For many first-time pilgrims, the answer is clear.
They would rather arrive in Makkah rested, properly prepared and confident about what they need to do.
That is why Hisar Tour UK generally recommends Madinah first for first-time pilgrims whenever the package and flight schedule allow it.
Experienced pilgrims may prefer either route.
Both can provide a beautiful Umrah journey when properly organised.
How Hisar Tour UK Plans Your Umrah Journey
At Hisar Tour UK, our aim is not simply to arrange your flight and hotel.
We want pilgrims to understand their journey and feel supported throughout it.
Depending on the selected Umrah package, our group services can include:
Return international flights
Makkah and Madinah hotels
Airport and intercity transfers
Guided Umrah support
Ihram and Miqat guidance
Ziyarah arrangements
Experienced group leaders
Pre-departure information
Support throughout the journey
From your departure from the UK until your return home, our team aims to make the practical side of the journey easier so that you can concentrate on your Ibadah.
Your Ibadah, Our Amanah.
Hisar Tour UKHajj & Umrah Services www.hisartour.co.uk
Madinah First or Makkah First for Umrah? Best Route from UK
Should you visit Madinah or Makkah first for Umrah? Compare both routes, Ihram and Miqat requirements, flights and advice for UK pilgrims with Hisar Tour UK.
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Madinah first or Makkah first for Umrah
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