My DIY Umrah

Here’s a practical breakdown of the cost of doing Umrah yourself (DIY) — meaning: you arrange flights, hotels, visa, transport, etc. without a pre-built travel package. This is based on typical prices for travellers from the United Kingdom (e.g., London, Manchester, Birmingham).


💷 Typical DIY Umrah Cost (Per Person)

✈️ 1. Flights (Return)

  • Economy return flight UK → Saudi Arabia:
    £400 – £700 (depends on season, airline & advance booking)

Tips to save: Flexible dates, stopovers, and booking 2–4 months ahead can lower prices.


🏨 2. Accommodation (7–10 Nights)

Hotels vary widely based on location and star rating:

  • 3★ (budget): ~£30–£80/night

  • 4★ (mid-range): ~£50–£150/night

  • 5★ (premium): ~£150–£300+/night

If staying 7–10 nights, total accommodation may be ~£400 – £800+ depending on hotel choice and how close it is to Masjid al-Haram / Masjid an-Nabawi.


📜 3. Visa & Insurance

Saudi Umrah visa fees (including insurance) can be around:
£80 – £150 (visa issuance + mandatory pre-booked hotel/transport requirements)

Note: New rules require confirmed hotel & transport bookings before visa approval.


🚖 4. Transport in Saudi Arabia

  • Airport → Makkah / Madinah: ~£40–£80 total

  • Inter-city (Madinah ↔ Makkah train or taxi): £20–£50

  • Local taxis / Uber: extra depending on use

Estimate: ~£100 – £200 total for ground transport.


🍽️ 5. Food & Miscellaneous

  • Food, drinks, water, small shopping, snacks: ~£200 – £350
    (cheaper if you eat local / basic meals)


📊 Estimated DIY Umrah Budget Ranges

Category Approx. Cost
Budget DIY (minimal) £800 – £1,200
Standard DIY (comfortable) £1,200 – £1,800
Higher Comfort / Longer Stay £1,800 – £2,500+

These ranges reflect self-booked travel rather than inclusive packages.


💰 Tips to Save Money

➡️ Book flights early — cheap basics can reduce the single biggest cost.
➡️ Stay slightly further from Haram and use shuttles/taxis — hotels close to Haram cost more.
➡️ Avoid peak seasons (e.g., Ramadan, UK school holidays) — prices rise significantly in high demand.
➡️ Compare airline & hotel tools like Skyscanner, Booking.com, and Nusuk.


📌 Hidden Costs People Sometimes Forget

  • Travel insurance (£30-£60)

  • Checked baggage fees on flights

  • SIM card / internet in Saudi

  • Extra taxi fares

  • Zamzam bottles, prayer mats, gifts etc.

Budgeting £200–£300 extra for “miscellaneous” is prudent.


🧠 Quick Summary

DIY Umrah from the UK usually costs approximately:

  • £800 – £1,200 — on a tight budget

  • £1,200 – £1,800 — standard comfort

  • £1,800+ — more spacious hotels or longer stays

This excludes personal spending that depends on your preferences and travel style.