For many British Muslims, performing Umrah is about more than completing the pilgrimage itself. Once the main rites are complete, visiting the important Islamic landmarks of Makkah and Madinah can help bring the history of the Seerah, the lives of the Sahabah and the early Muslim community much closer to life.
But planning Ziyarat in Saudi Arabia can raise practical questions: Which sites are actually worth visiting? How far are they from the Haram? How much does a taxi cost? Can several sites be visited on one route? Is a Ziyarat tour better than taking separate taxis?
At Package Umrah LTD, we eliminate the stress of local transport. All our bespoke affordable Umrah Packages can include pre-booked, private, air-conditioned Ziyarat transfers with dedicated drivers, ensuring you focus entirely on your worship.
This 2026 Ziyarat guide for UK Umrah pilgrims covers the main sites in Makkah and Madinah, approximate distances, estimated taxi costs, practical routes and important considerations before setting off.
Important: Ziyarat is not one of the obligatory rites of Umrah. These visits are generally undertaken to learn about Islamic history, remember the sacrifices of earlier generations and reflect on the Seerah.
What Is Ziyarat During Umrah?
Ziyarat means visiting places of religious, historical or personal significance. During an Umrah journey, this commonly means visiting locations associated with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his companions, the early Muslim community and major events in Islamic history.
Some locations are mosques, some are mountains or historical landmarks, and some are cemeteries.
It is important to distinguish Ziyarat from the actual rites of Umrah. Visiting these locations is not a requirement for Umrah to be valid. You should therefore avoid feeling that you have to visit every site, particularly if you are travelling with elderly family members, young children or anyone with limited mobility.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah itself highlights a number of historical destinations in Makkah for visitors after completing Umrah, including Jabal Al-Noor.
Makkah & Madinah Ziyarat: Quick Comparison
| Location & Tour Type | Vehicle Type | Duration | Typical Cost (SAR) | Typical Cost (£ GBP approx.) | Best Time to Visit |
| Makkah Full Ziyarat Circuit | Sedan (Camry/Sonata) | 3–4 Hours | 200 – 250 SAR | ~£42 – £53 | After Fajr or 8:00 AM |
| Makkah Full Ziyarat Circuit | Family Van (Staria/H1) | 3–4 Hours | 300 – 350 SAR | ~£63 – £74 | After Fajr or 8:00 AM |
| Makkah Full Ziyarat Circuit | VIP SUV (GMC Yukon) | 3–4 Hours | 400 – 450 SAR | ~£84 – £95 | After Fajr or 8:00 AM |
| Madinah Full Ziyarat Circuit | Sedan (Camry/Sonata) | 3 Hours | 150 – 200 SAR | ~£32 – £42 | 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Madinah Full Ziyarat Circuit | Family Van (Staria/H1) | 3 Hours | 250 – 300 SAR | ~£53 – £63 | 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Makkah to Miqat (Masjid Aisha) | Sedan / Taxi | 1.5 Hours return | 80 – 100 SAR | ~£17 – £21 | Any time outside prayer hours |
*These are indicative 2026 planning ranges, not fixed fares. Actual prices can vary according to your hotel’s location, traffic, vehicle size, demand and whether you use an app, street taxi or private Ziyarat vehicle.
Must-Visit Sacred Ziyarat Sites in Makkah
Makkah al-Mukarramah is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the cradle of Islam. The terrain is mountainous, and historical sites are spread around the city basin.
1. Jabal Al-Noor & The Cave of Hira (Ghar Hira)
- Historical Significance: The mountain where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spent long periods in solitude and received the very first revelation of the Holy Qur’an (Surah Al-Alaq) from Angel Jibreel (AS).
- Distance from Masjid Al-Haram: ~5.2 km (3.2 miles) Northeast.
- Travel Time: 15–20 minutes by vehicle.
- Taxi Cost: 40–50 SAR (£8–£11) one-way, or included as part of a full-day Ziyarat package.
- Practical Advice: A modern cable car service and paved climb options have been developed to improve accessibility. If you plan to climb to the cave itself, allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the steep ascent. Visit right after Fajr to avoid the intense heat.
2. Jabal Thawr & The Cave of Thawr (Ghar Thawr)
- Historical Significance: The mountain sanctuary where the Prophet ﷺ and his companion Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RA) hid for three days during their Migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah, shielded by Allah’s miracle of the spider web and nesting dove.
- Distance from Masjid Al-Haram: ~12 km (7.5 miles) South.
- Travel Time: 20–25 minutes.
- Taxi Cost: 50–70 SAR (£11–£15) one-way.
- Practical Advice: Most pilgrims view Jabal Thawr from the base observation area. The mountain is steep and rugged; climbing is not recommended for senior citizens, children, or those with mobility concerns.
3. Jabal Al-Rahmah & The Plain of Arafat
- Historical Significance: The Mount of Mercy located on the Plain of Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his famous Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada’) during his final pilgrimage.
- Distance from Masjid Al-Haram: ~21.5 km (13.3 miles) Southeast.
- Travel Time: 30–40 minutes (depending on Makkah ring road traffic).
- Taxi Cost: 70–90 SAR (£15–£19) point-to-point.
- Practical Advice: Arafat is expansive. Your driver will stop near Jabal Al-Rahmah, where you can climb the wide stone steps to the top in under 10 minutes. Combine this visit with Mina and Muzdalifah on the same route.
4. Mina & Muzdalifah (The Hajj Sites)
- Historical Significance: Essential landmarks of the Hajj pilgrimage. Mina is the city of tents where Jamarat (stoning of the pillars) takes place, while Muzdalifah is the open area where pilgrims gather pebbles and spend the night.
- Distance from Masjid Al-Haram: Mina is ~8 km East; Muzdalifah lies between Mina and Arafat (~12 km East).
- Travel Time: 15–20 minutes through the mountain tunnel network.
- Taxi Cost: Usually covered within a complete Makkah Ziyarat booking.
5. Masjid Aisha (Al-Taneem) — The Boundary Miqat
- Historical Significance: The nearest Miqat location for those residing inside Makkah who wish to enter the state of Ihram to perform an additional Umrah. Named after Mother of the Believers, Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA).
- Distance from Masjid Al-Haram: ~7.5 km (4.6 miles) Northwest.
- Travel Time: 15 minutes.
- Taxi Cost: 40–50 SAR (£8–£11) one-way; 80–100 SAR (£17–£21) for a round trip with waiting time while you change into Ihram and pray two Rak’ats.
Must-Visit Sacred Ziyarat Sites in Madinah
Madinah al-Munawwarah is known for its peaceful, serene atmosphere. The main Ziyarat sites are situated relatively close to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi compared to Makkah.
1. Masjid Quba
- Historical Significance: The first mosque built in Islamic history. The Prophet ﷺ personally helped lay its foundation stones upon arriving in Madinah.
- Hadith Virtue: Performing Wudu (ablution) at home/hotel and offering two Rak’ats of Nafl prayer in Masjid Quba carries the reward equivalent to performing an entire Umrah (Sunan Ibn Majah).
- Distance from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: ~3.5 km (2.1 miles) South.
- Travel Time: 8–10 minutes drive, or a 35–45 minute walk along the dedicated pedestrian Quba Walkway.
- Taxi Cost: 20–30 SAR (£4–£6) one-way.
- Golf Cart Option: Electric buggies run regularly along the Quba Avenue walkway for around 10 SAR per seat.
2. Jabal Uhud & The Archery Hill (Jabal Al-Rumah)
- Historical Significance: The site of the historic Battle of Uhud. It houses the Resting Place of the Martyrs of Uhud (Shuhada Uhud), including the Prophet’s beloved uncle, Sayyid al-Shuhada Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA).
- Distance from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: ~5 km (3.1 miles) North.
- Travel Time: 12–15 minutes.
- Taxi Cost: 30–40 SAR (£6–£8) one-way.
- Practical Advice: Pilgrims can climb Jabal Al-Rumah (the small hill of archers) in 2 minutes for a clear view of the battlefield and the fenced cemetery of the 70 martyrs.
3. Masjid Al-Qiblatayn (The Mosque of the Two Qiblas)
- Historical Significance: The mosque where Divine revelation (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144) was sent down to change the direction of prayer (Qibla) from Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to the Holy Ka’bah in Makkah during a Congregational Dhuhr prayer.
- Distance from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: ~5 km (3.1 miles) Northwest.
- Travel Time: 10–12 minutes.
- Taxi Cost: 25–35 SAR (£5–£7).
4. The Seven Mosques (Sab’u Masajid / Battle of the Trench Site)
- Historical Significance: Located on the western edge of Mount Sela, this complex marks the strategic area where the Muslims dug a trench to defend Madinah during the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq). It features historical mosques associated with key Sahaba, centered around the modern Masjid Al-Fath.
- Distance from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: ~2.8 km (1.7 miles) Northwest.
- Travel Time: 7–10 minutes.
- Taxi Cost: 20–30 SAR (£4–£6).
5. Jannat al-Baqi (Baqi al-Gharqad)
- Historical Significance: The primary cemetery of Madinah adjacent to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where thousands of Sahaba (Companions), members of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family), and mothers of the believers are buried.
- Distance: Immediately adjacent to the eastern courtyard of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
- Cost: Free (Walking distance).
- Visiting Hours: Open to men after Fajr and Asr prayers. Women can view the cemetery from the outer perimeter fence near the courtyard.
When Is the Best Time to Do Ziyarat?
The best time depends on the location and your own circumstances. For indoor or nearby sites, your itinerary can be more flexible. More importantly, don’t allow Ziyarat to take priority over your main worship.
If you have just performed Umrah, give yourself time to rest. If you’re travelling with elderly relatives, choose accessible locations and avoid unnecessarily difficult climbs. A good Ziyarat itinerary should support your Umrah rather than exhaust you.
Recommended Ziyarat Routes & Itineraries
To minimize transit times and control transport costs, follow these structured routes:
The Efficient Makkah Morning Route (Total Duration: 3.5 Hours)
- 07:30 AM — Pickup: Hotel pickup near Haram.
- Stop 1: Jabal Al-Noor (Cave of Hira Base): Photo stop & historical briefing (20 mins).
- Stop 2: Plain of Arafat & Jabal Al-Rahmah: Climb Mount Mercy & make Dua (45 mins).
- Stop 3: Muzdalifah & Mina: Drive-through historical narration (20 mins).
- Stop 4: Jabal Thawr Base: Photo stop & reflection (20 mins).
- 11:00 AM — Drop-off: Return to hotel before Dhuhr prayer.
The Recommended Madinah Morning Route (Total Duration: 3 Hours)
- 08:00 AM — Pickup: Hotel pickup near Masjid an-Nabawi.
- Stop 1: Masjid Quba: Perform Wudu in advance, offer 2 Rak’ats Nafl (40 mins).
- Stop 2: Jabal Uhud & Shuhada Cemetery: Pay respects and view archery hill (45 mins).
- Stop 3: Masjid Al-Qiblatayn: Short visit and prayer (20 mins).
- Stop 4: The Seven Mosques (Khandaq Site): Historical tour (30 mins).
- 11:00 AM — Drop-off: Return to hotel.
Transportation Options Compared: Taxis, Rideshare & Private Transfers
Private Pre-Booked Transfers (Recommended for UK Families): Booking a private driver through your Umrah provider ensures a clean, air-conditioned vehicle (Camry, Staria, or GMC) with fixed rates, avoiding negotiations or hidden surcharges.
Uber / Careem: Widely available in both cities. Expect price surges around prayer times and during peak Umrah months.
Street White Taxis: Plentiful near major hotels, but drivers often refuse meter use for Ziyarat, requiring clear fare agreement before entering the car.
Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: Costs ~80 SAR per person (£17). Useful for solo travelers, though less cost-effective for families of 3 or more compared to a private taxi package.
Why Book Your Umrah & Ziyarat Package with Package Umrah LTD?
At Package Umrah LTD, we recognize that an Umrah pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual milestone. Negotiating with street taxis, managing peak-hour traffic, or worrying about unvetted drivers should never take away from your devotion.
As a fully accredited UK travel provider (ATOL Protected 11203 | Company Reg: 17334660), we offer complete financial protection, local ground expertise, and total transparency.
Ready to Plan Your Pilgrimage? Explore our customized 5-Star, 4-Star, and cheap Umrah Packages today or contact our expert UK Umrah team for a personalized quote.
May Allah accept your Umrah, your Ziyarat and every sincere dua made in the blessed cities of Makkah and Madinah. Ameen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makkah & Madinah Ziyarat
1. What are the most important Ziyarat sites in Makkah?
The most commonly visited sites include Jabal Al-Noor and Cave Hira, Jabal Thawr, Jannat Al-Mu’alla, Masjid Al-Jinn, Masjid Aisha at Tan’im and the historic areas of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
2. What are the best Ziyarat sites in Madinah?
The main sites include Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud and the Martyrs’ Cemetery, Masjid Al-Qiblatain, the Seven Mosques, Jannat Al-Baqi and Masjid Al-Ghamamah.
3. How far is Cave Hira from Masjid Al-Haram?
Jabal Al-Noor is approximately 4 km from Masjid Al-Haram, although the exact road distance depends on your starting point. Cave Hira itself is at the summit area and requires a physical climb.
4. How much does a taxi to Jabal Al-Noor cost?
As a general 2026 planning estimate, allow around SAR 15–30 each way, although actual prices depend on traffic, demand, vehicle type and where your hotel is located.
5. Can elderly pilgrims climb Jabal Al-Noor?
The climb is physically demanding and should not be assumed to be suitable for elderly or mobility-limited pilgrims. You can visit the surrounding Jabal Al-Noor/Hira area without necessarily attempting the full climb.
6. How far is Masjid Quba from Masjid an-Nabawi?
Masjid Quba is approximately 3–4 km from Masjid an-Nabawi, making it one of the easiest major Madinah Ziyarat sites to reach.
7. How much does a Madinah Ziyarat taxi cost?
Short Madinah journeys may cost around SAR 10–20, while a longer multi-stop journey or private vehicle will generally cost more. Treat these as estimates rather than fixed prices.
8. Can I visit Quba, Qiblatain and Uhud in one day?
Yes. These sites can comfortably form part of a half-day Madinah Ziyarat route, provided you allow enough time at each stop and account for traffic.
9. Is Ziyarat compulsory for Umrah?
No. Ziyarat is not a compulsory part of Umrah. It is undertaken to visit historically and religiously significant locations and learn about Islamic history.
10. Is it better to book a private Ziyarat taxi or an organised tour?
For families and larger groups, a private vehicle can provide greater flexibility. An organised tour may be more convenient for first-time visitors who want a planned route covering the main locations.
11. Can I do Ziyarat without a tour guide?
Yes. You can arrange transport independently, but researching each site’s history beforehand will make the experience considerably more meaningful.
12. What should I take with me for Ziyarat?
Take water, your phone, power bank, comfortable footwear, identification and some Saudi Riyals. For mountain visits, suitable clothing and footwear are particularly important.
13. Can Ziyarat be included in an Umrah package from the UK?
It depends on the package and operator. Some Umrah packages include or offer Saudi ground transport and optional Ziyarat arrangements, while others require pilgrims to arrange excursions separately.
14. How long should I allow for Ziyarat in Madinah?
A typical multi-site tour can take around 3–5 hours, depending on the route, traffic and how much time you spend at each location.
15. What is the best way to plan Ziyarat from the UK?
Plan it before travelling, but leave some flexibility. Choose your priority sites, consider your family’s mobility, compare private transport with organised tours and avoid filling every free hour with excursions. Your primary purpose is worship, so your Ziyarat itinerary should complement—not compete with—your Umrah.
