✨ Smart Umrah Savings Guide:
Compare Basic Costs & Flights for Maximum Savings!
Assalamualaikum & Greetings!!
Are you planning to perform Umrah but worried about the high costs? The truth is, with smart planning and strategic selection of travel components, you can save up to 40-50% of your total sacred journey costs!
In this guide, we will reveal how to optimize your travel budget by comparing fixed basic costs and variable flight costs to help you make the best decisions.
🏗️ FIXED BASIC COSTS (Ground Costs)
These components typically have more stable prices and can be planned in advance.
🛂 Visa
- Saudi Tourist e-Visa: SAR 395 (≈ RM 443)
- Saudi Tourist e-Visa Application - Official Saudi Arabia tourism website (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ )
- Note: This visa is valid for 1 year and can be used for DIY Umrah
🚐 Land Transportation
BUS Option (Economy)
- Jeddah → Madinah: SAR 96-105
- Madinah → Makkah: SAR 122-131
- Makkah → Jeddah: SAR 40
- Total Bus: SAR 258-276 (≈ RM 289-309)
- Bus ticket booking website : NwBus ( https://nwbus.sa/en/ )
TRAIN Option (Comfort)
- Jeddah → Madinah: SAR 150-250
- Madinah → Makkah: SAR 150-300
- Makkah → Jeddah: SAR 70-100
- Total Train: SAR 370-650 (≈ RM 400-728)
- Train ticket booking website : Haramain High Speed Railway ( https://sar.hhr.sa/web/booking/ )
Taxi/Uber/Careem
- Base rate: SAR 10-15 + SAR 2-3 per km
- Suitable for short trips within the city
🏨 Accommodation (Price Per Person Per Night)
MADINAH
- ⭐ Premium (4-5 star): RM 200-700 (Quad sharing)
Examples:- Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick ( RM1,465-2,825 per night - Quad)
- Pullman Zamzam (RM834-1,551 per night - Quad)
- ⭐⭐⭐ Mid-Range (3 star): RM 110-150
Examples:- Al Ritz Al Madinah ( RM564-594 per night - Quad)
- Odest (RM466+491 per night - Quad)
- ⭐ Budget (2 star & below): RM 50-100
Examples:- Dyafat Al Mokhtara ( RM348 per night - Quad)
- Hayah Plaza Hotel ( RM434 per night - Quad)
MAKKAH
- ⭐ Premium (4-5 star): RM 350-750
Examples:- Makkah Clock Royal Tower ( RM1,600-2,600 per night - Quad)
- Swissotel Makkah ( RM1,569-2,794 per night - Quad)
- ⭐⭐⭐ Mid-Range (3 star): RM 70-250
Examples:- Three Pearls Musalli Hotel ( RM273-314 per night - Quad)
- Manarat Ghaza Hotel ( RM304 per night - Quad)
- ⭐ Budget (2 star & below): RM 60-100
Examples:- Nasamat Makkah Hotel ( RM253-632 per night- Quad)
- Al Tawfiq Plaza Hotel ( RM221-268 per night - Quad)
✈️ FLIGHT COSTS
This is where the biggest savings can be achieved! Ticket prices can vary by up to RM3,000 for the same route!
🎯 Tips for Finding Best Tickets on Trip.com
1. Use "PRICE GRAPH" 📊
- This feature shows price charts for different dates
- Example: For Dec 2-9 travel, prices can range from RM 2,031 to RM 5,192
- Choose dates with the lowest prices for maximum savings
2. "RECOMMENDED" Filters ✅
- ☑️ Direct (Direct flights)
- ☑️ Checked baggage included
- ☑️ Hide budget airlines
- ☑️ Student tickets
- ☑️ Carry-on baggage included
- ☑️ Hide codeshare flights
3. Choose "ALLIANCE" 🤝
- Star Alliance: Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, dll.
- Oneworld: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, dll.
- SkyTeam: Saudia, Emirates, dll.
💰 Sample Flight Price Comparison (KL → Jeddah)
| Flight | Type | Price | Baggage | Travel Time |
| AirAsia X | Direct | RM 2,031 ✅ | Budget | 9h 30m |
| Malaysia Airlines | Direct | RM 3,251 | 30kg | 9h 40m |
| Saudia | Direct | RM 3,863 | 2×23kg | 9h 5m |
| Hainan Airlines | Transit | RM 2,063 | 30kg | 17h 45m |
| Etihad Airways | Transit | RM 2,442 | 25kg | 11h 35m |
📌 Important Notes:
- Transit flights are typically RM 500-1,000 cheaper than direct
- AirAsia offers the best price for direct flights
- Always read terms & conditions before booking
|
🔄 FLIGHT TICKET SELECTION PROCESS
The flight ticket selection process is the most critical step for saving on your travel budget. Let's look step-by-step at how to make smart choices using Trip.com.
🔍 Step 1: Outbound Flight (Kuala Lumpur → Jeddah)
After clicking 'search' for Kuala Lumpur → Jeddah route (Dec 2-9, 2025), search results will be displayed in 2 sections:
✈️ Direct Flight
- Summary
| Airline | Duration | Type | Checked Baggage | Price (RM) |
| AirAsia X | 9h 30m (Direct) | Budget | Add-on | 2,031 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 9h 40m (Direct) | Full service | 30kg | 3,251 - 5,192 |
| Saudia | 9h 5m (Direct) | Full service | 2×23kg | 3,863 - 4,519 |
|
🔄 Flights with Transfers
- Summary
| Airline | Duration | Type | Checked Baggage | Price (RM) |
| Hainan Airlines | 17h 45m (Transit Haikou) | Full service | 23kg | 2,063 |
| IndiGo | 11h 50m (Transit Bengaluru) | Budget | 30kg | 2,355 |
| Etihad Airways | 11h 23m (Transit Abu Dhabi) | Full service | Add-on | 2,442-2,460 |
| Turkish Airlines | 19–37h (Transit Istanbul) | Full service | 2×23kg | 2,756–3,181 |
📌 Selection Example:
- If choosing AirAsia X at RM2,031, you only get 7kg carry-on (no checked baggage, meals, or inflight entertainment)
- Alternative: Hainan Airlines at RM2,063 include 23kg checked baggage and full service
🔍 Step 2: Return Flight (Jeddah → Kuala Lumpur)
After selecting the outbound flight, you'll be taken to the next step to choose the return flight.
✈️ Direct Flight
- Summary
| Airline | Duration | Type | Checked Baggage | Price (RM) |
| Saudia | 8h 40m (Direct) | Full service | 2×23kg | 2,906 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 8h 40m-9h (Direct) | Full service | 30kg | 3,418 - 3,856 |
|
🔄 Flights with Transfers
- Summary
| Airline | Duration | Type | Checked Baggage | Price (RM) |
| Air India | 18h 40m (Transit New Delhi) | Full service | 25kg | 2,031 |
| IndiGo | 11h 50m (Transit Bengaluru) | Budget | 30kg | 2,342 |
| Etihad Airways | 11h 20m (Transit Abu Dhabi) | Full service | Add-on | 2,499 |
|
💡 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FINAL PRICING
The final decision depends on the return flight price!
Scenario 1: LOWEST BUDGET 💰
- Outbound: AirAsia X (RM2,031)
- Return: Air India (RM2,031) with 7-hour transit in New Delhi
- Final Price: RM2,031 (based on return selection)
Scenario 2: DIRECT FLIGHTS BOTH WAYS ✈️
- Outbound: AirAsia X (RM2,031)
- Return: Saudia (RM2,906) - additional RM875
- Final Price: RM2,906 (based on return selection)
Scenario 3: QUALITY FULL SERVICE 🌟
- Outbound: Hainan Airlines (RM2,063)
- Return: Air India (RM2,031)
- Final Price: RM2,063 (best value for full service)
|
🎯 SMART SELECTION STRATEGIES
1. AIRLINE FLEXIBILITY
- Don't get 'locked in' to one airline only
- Combining different airlines can give the best savings
2. CONSIDER TIME & COMFORT
- Direct flights: faster and easier
- Transit flights: cheaper but longer
3. TRUE SERVICE VALUE
- Compare additional costs for baggage and meals on budget flights
- Sometimes full service with transit is more worthwhile
4. READ TERMS CAREFULLY
- Each price option has different terms
- Make sure you understand what's included and excluded
Remember: This two-step selection process determines the final amount you need to pay. Take time to compare all options before making your final decision!
🧮 OVERALL COST COMPARISON ANALYSIS
Scenario A: Maximum Savings Package 💰
| Component | Cost | Details |
| Flights | RM2,031 | AirAsia X + Air India |
| Visa | RM 443 | Saudi e-Visa |
| Transport | RM 289 | Bus (Economy Option) |
| Accommodation - Madinah (3M) | RM 263 | Budget Hotel (3 nights) |
| - Makkah (4M) | RM 253 | Budget Hotel (4 nights) |
| Total | RM 3,279 | HIGHEST SAVINGS |
Scenario B: Moderate Comfort Package ⚖️
| Component | Cost | Details |
| Flights | RM 2,063 | Hainan Airlines + Air India |
| Visa | RM 443 | Saudi e-Visa |
| Transport | RM 400 | Train (Comfort Option) |
| Accommodation - Madinah (3M) | RM 350 | Mid-Range Hotel (3 nights) |
| - Makkah (4M) | RM 273 | Mid-Range Hotel (4 nights) |
| Total | RM 3,529 | BEST VALUE |
Scenario C: Premium Package ✨
| Component | Cost | Details |
| Flights | RM 4,094 | Saudia (Direct both ways) |
| Visa | RM 443 | Saudi e-Visa |
| Transport | RM 728 | Train + Premium Taxi |
| Accommodation - Madinah (3M) | RM 626 | Premium Hotel (3 nights) |
| - Makkah (4M) | RM 1,600 | Premium Hotel (4 nights) |
| Total | RM 7,491 | LUXURY EXPERIENCE |
💡 TOP SAVINGS TIPS
1. DATE FLEXIBILITY = BIG SAVINGS
- Use Price Graph to choose cheapest dates
- Avoid peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays)
2. STRATEGIC ACCOMMODATION CHOICE
- Hotels 10-20 minutes from Haram are 40-60% cheaper
- Consider hotels with free shuttle access
3. COST-EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT
- Bus for long distances (between cities)
- Train for comfort and time savings
- Uber/Careem for short trips
4. BOOK EARLY
- Flights: 3-4 months in advance
- Hotels: 2-3 months in advance
📝 CONCLUSION: YOU DECIDE
As shown, Umrah travel costs can vary drastically:
💰 RM 3,279 (Maximum Savings) vs ✨ RM 7,491 (Premium Experience)
Difference: RM 4,212!
By understanding cost components and using tools like Price Graph on Trip.com, you can make smart choices according to your budget and preferences.
Remember: The sacred journey is not about luxury, but about sincerity. With smart planning, you can perform your worship with peace of mind without burdening your finances.
Happy Planning Your Sacred Journey! 🕋✨
Note: All prices in this article are for illustration purposes and may change according to season, exchange rates and current promotions. Always check latest prices before making any bookings.
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