No gift is better for a Muslim family than an Umrah together. The pilgrimage strengthens your bonds not only among yourselves but also with the Creator. It is the most faith-reviving and transformative experience for Muslims, and sharing it with loved ones is truly life-changing. If you want to experience it soon, you might need an Umrah budget guide for UK families. The total Umrah cost can vary throughout the year. So it is important to budget your family Umrah properly, considering your travel dates to avoid unnecessary surprises.
There is no denying that Umrah can be costly, especially when you are travelling with family. But by budgeting properly and making the right decisions, you can save a significant amount of money on your family Umrah. So, if you are searching for the best family-friendly Umrah packages from the UK and don’t know how to budget properly, here is a complete budget guide.
How Much Should a UK Family Budget for an Umrah
There is no fixed price for family Umrah. The cost can vary significantly, depending on various factors. From the time of your visit and the number of family members to your preferred experience in the holy cities, there are numerous things that you must consider as you budget for your pilgrimage.
Here is an overview of some of the things that you must budget for and how much you might have to spend on them on a family Umrah.
| Expense | Estimated Family Cost |
| Return flights | £1,600–£3,600+ |
| Hotels | £1,000–£3,000+ |
| Saudi transport | £250–£600+ |
| Food and drinks | £400–£800+ |
| Visa, insurance, and other costs | £200–£500+ |
| Approximate total | £3,450–£8,500+ |
These figures are just rough estimates. They can vary significantly depending on the time of your visit, such as Ramadan, school holidays, and December holidays.
Your final budget will also depend on whether children require separate beds, whether you choose a hotel within walking distance of the Haram, and whether your package includes flights, transfers, meals and other services.
Budgeting for the Flights From the UK to Saudi Arabia
Flights are a major expense in a family Umrah. UK families can travel from airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and other regional airports, depending on available routes and airlines.
When comparing flights, look beyond the headline fare. A cheaper ticket may not include checked baggage, seat selection or meals, which can increase the final cost for a family.
Direct vs Connecting Flights
One of the main things to consider is whether you prefer direct or connecting flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia. Direct flights can save time and reduce the stress of travelling with children. However, connecting flights may sometimes offer lower fares.
When comparing the two, consider:
- Total journey time
- Baggage allowance
- Number and length of stopovers
- Airport transfer requirements
- Meal and seat-selection charges
- Flight schedules
- Flexibility for changes
When are UK to Saudi Arabia Flights More Expensive?
UK to Saudi Arabia flights are generally more expensive during high-demand times. Some of the most popular times for the Umrah are:
- Ramadan
- Christmas and New Year
- UK school holidays
- Easter holidays
- Half-term breaks
- Peak Umrah periods
You can expect higher flight costs during this time.
Accommodation Costs in Makkah
Accommodation is another major expense of an Umrah. Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the comfort and luxury you expect. From the most budget-friendly hotels to luxurious 5-star accommodation, you will have all sorts of options available in Makkah. Youwill need to decide which best suits your preferences and budget.
Along with star rating and comfort, another factor to consider in Makkah accommodation is location. Hotels close to Masjid al-Haram generally cost more, especially during busy periods. But they are among the most convenient options for pilgrims.
As you will be travelling with family, you will need to balance price, comfort, and location when choosing Makkah accommodation. It is surely possible. Compare options and book early to get the best deals.
Accommodation Costs in Madinah
Choosing the perfect accommodation in Madinah is equally crucial. Hotels around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi can vary considerably in price depending on their distance from the mosque and the time of year.
Some families choose to spend more nights in Makkah and fewer nights in Madinah, while others prefer a more balanced itinerary. So youwill need to decide on accommodation and book it after confirming your itinerary.
Budgeting for Transport Between Makkah and Madinah
You will have at least one intercity travel during your Umrah. You will have to travel to and from Makkah and Madinah. Therefore, be sure to include this transport cost in your budget. You will have numerous transport options to travel between the two cities, including:
- The Haramain Train
- Private transfers
- Shared transfers
Choose your preferred mode of transportation, check the cost, and add it to your budget.
Local Transport in Makkah and Madinah
Local transport is another expense that families sometimes overlook.
You may need transport for:
- Airport transfers
- Hotel transfers
- Ziyarat
- Restaurants and shopping
- Intercity travel
- Visits to attractions or religious sites
Set aside a daily transport allowance rather than assuming every journey will be inexpensive.
Summing Up
Budgeting for a family Umrah comes with its challenges. But you can easily plan an affordable family Umrah by budgeting properly and choosing the right time for your pilgrimage. Makkah Travel can help you plan an affordable family Umrah from the UK. We can also guide you through flight, hotel, and transport options to help you budget for your pilgrimage properly. Contact us now!
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