Arriving in Jeddah: A UAE Traveller’s Guide to Airport and Transfer

Quick answer: After landing in Jeddah, you’ll pass through immigration, collect your luggage, and meet your pre-arranged transfer for the drive to Makkah — a journey of roughly 80 kilometres that typically takes just over an hour, depending on traffic and time of day. For most UAE travellers on a package, this entire process is coordinated by your travel provider, so your main job on arrival is simply to stay with your group and follow the guidance you’re given.

Landing day can feel like the most uncertain part of the trip if it’s your first time — this guide walks through what to generally expect.

Before You Land: What to Have Ready

In the last hour before landing, it helps to have a few things easily accessible rather than buried in your check-in luggage:

Your passport and any printed booking confirmation
Your travel provider’s contact number, saved and easily reachable
A pen, if immigration forms are still handed out on your flight
Your phone charged, or a portable charger within reach

Immigration on Arrival

Immigration processes at Saudi airports are managed by Saudi authorities and can be updated from time to time, so specific steps are best confirmed by your travel provider or group leader rather than assumed from general guides. In general terms, arriving pilgrims pass through standard passport control and biometric checks before proceeding to baggage claim. During busier periods — particularly around Ramadan — queues can be longer simply due to volume, so building in some patience for this part of the journey is worthwhile.

If you’re travelling with AlMaqam, our team will have briefed you in advance on what to expect for your specific flight and travel dates.

Collecting Your Luggage

Once through immigration, you’ll head to baggage claim to collect your check-in luggage. A few practical tips:

Keep a small, distinctive tag or ribbon on your suitcase to spot it quickly among similar bags
Do a quick count of your bags against what you checked in with, especially if travelling as a family
If a bag is delayed or missing, report it directly at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the terminal

Meeting Your Transfer

If you’re travelling on an AlMaqam package, your transfer to Makkah is pre-arranged and will be waiting for you after baggage claim, generally with a representative holding a sign with your name or group name. This is one of the biggest practical advantages of booking through a travel provider rather than arranging transport independently — you won’t need to negotiate transport on arrival in an unfamiliar country.

The Drive From Jeddah to Makkah

The journey from Jeddah to Makkah covers approximately 80 kilometres and generally takes just over an hour by road, though this can vary with traffic, time of day, and the time of year. This drive is often a quiet, reflective part of the trip for many pilgrims — a natural transition point between the busyness of travel and the presence of arriving in a sacred city.

Arriving at Your Hotel

On arrival in Makkah, you’ll check in to your hotel and generally have time to rest before beginning your Umrah rituals. Many pilgrims choose to shower, change, and rest briefly after a long flight before entering the state of Ihram and heading to Masjid Al Haram — there’s no need to rush straight from the airport into your rituals if you’re feeling fatigued.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Stay together as a group through immigration and baggage claim, especially if travelling with children or elderly family members
Keep your phone charged and your travel provider’s number saved, not just stored as a contact but written down as a backup
Be patient during busy periods — arrival day can feel long, and building in flexibility rather than a tight schedule helps
Don’t rush your rituals immediately after a long flight — resting briefly first is completely reasonable
Keep your Ihram items accessible in your carry-on if you plan to enter Ihram before or shortly after arrival — see our full Umrah packing list for what to keep within reach

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from Jeddah airport to Makkah? The journey covers roughly 80 kilometres and generally takes just over an hour by road, though this can vary with traffic and time of day.

Is transfer from the airport to Makkah included in AlMaqam Umrah packages? Yes, airport transfers are typically included as part of AlMaqam packages — confirm exact inclusions for your specific package when booking.

Should I enter Ihram before or after landing in Jeddah? This depends on your specific route and the Miqat point relevant to your journey — confirm this detail with your travel provider ahead of time, since it can vary by flight and routing.

What should I do if my luggage is missing on arrival? Report it directly at the airline’s baggage desk before leaving the terminal, and let your travel provider’s representative know so they can assist while you continue your journey to Makkah.

Getting ready for your journey? Explore AlMaqam’s Umrah packages or message our UAE-based team on WhatsApp — we’ll confirm your transfer details ahead of departure.