Planning Your Umrah Journey the Smart Way

✈️ Madinah First or Makkah First?

Planning Your Umrah Journey the Smart Way

If you’ve ever sat down to plan your Umrah and found yourself asking, “Should I go to Makkah first or Madinah first?” — trust me, you’re not alone.

Every pilgrim I’ve met — whether a first-timer or a seasoned traveler — eventually faces this same question. And the truth is, both routes are beautiful, both are blessed… but each has its own rhythm, comfort, and practical benefits.

Let’s talk about it in a way that helps you decide what fits you best.

🌿 Starting in Madinah — A Gentle Beginning

There’s something special about starting your Umrah journey in Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The city’s calmness eases you into the spiritual mindset you need for Makkah. You’re not rushing to perform rituals right after a long flight — instead, you start by praying at Masjid An-Nabawi, offering salam to the Prophet ﷺ, and spending a few days in peaceful reflection.

And guess what? This route can actually be more practical and time-saving.

If you fly into Madinah International Airport, spend a few days there, and then take the Haramain High-Speed Train to Makkah — you’ll enjoy one of the smoothest travel experiences possible. The train ride takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, gliding through desert landscapes at over 300 km/h.

You can even enter your ihram on the train, about 7 minutes after departure, when passing the Miqat Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali) area. Many pilgrims now do this comfortably — just wear your ihram before boarding and make your niyyah at the right moment.

Once you’ve completed your Umrah in Makkah, you can simply head to Jeddah airport (by car or train) to fly home. No need to circle back to Madinah again.

💡 Pro tip: Book your flights as a multicity itinerary (City → Madinah / Jeddah → City) — sites like Trip.com, Skyscanner, or Google Flights often offer great deals. This setup saves you time, money, and one extra domestic journey.

🕋 Makkah First — Straight to the Heart of Worship

Now, there’s also something incredibly powerful about landing in Jeddah, putting on your ihram before crossing the miqat, and heading straight to Makkah to perform Umrah.

You begin your trip right at the heart of it all — the Kaabah before your eyes, the talbiyah on your tongue, and that indescribable feeling when you make your first tawaf.

After finishing Umrah, you can travel to Madinah by train or car — about 2.5 to 4 hours — and spend your final days in reflection and prayer at Masjid An-Nabawi. It’s a beautiful way to end your journey peacefully, after the emotional intensity of Makkah.

The only catch? This route can be a bit more tiring — especially if you land after a long-haul flight and go straight into Umrah rituals. But for many, that moment of first sighting the Kaabah makes it all worthwhile.

⚖️ Comparing the Two Routes

🚄 The Haramain Train Experience

If you haven’t tried the Haramain High-Speed Train, it’s worth it! The stations are clean and modern, the seats comfy, and the view outside the window feels like part of the journey’s reflection — the changing sands of the Hijaz.

You can book tickets online at hhr.sa or through apps like Nusuk or Trip.com. Many pilgrims love this route because it’s less exhausting than a long bus or car trip.

And if you have time between trains, the Hop-On Hop-Off Madinah Bus Tour even stops near Al Noor Mall, where you can take a coffee break before continuing — your bus pass is valid for 24 hours. Perfect for some qahwa and dates before your next stop!

💬 My Takeaway

If it’s your first Umrah, I’d say — go Madinah first.
It gives you time to breathe, adjust, and center yourself spiritually before Makkah.

If you’re a repeat pilgrim or short on time, Makkah first works beautifully too.

Either way, what matters most isn’t which city you visit first — it’s the intention in your heart and the humility in your steps when you finally walk through those blessed streets.

🌙 Final Tip for DIY Pilgrims

You can easily plan your own Umrah route today:

• Use Trip.com or Google Flights for multi-city booking.

• Book Haramain train tickets early online.

• Check the Nusuk app for accommodation, permits, and guidance.

Technology has made it easier than ever to plan, but the journey remains as spiritual as it’s always been. Whether you start in Madinah or Makkah, every step you take is a step toward Him. 🤍