MED · 24.47° N · 39.61° E · Saudi Arabia
The city of the Prophet's Mosque, where many Umrah travellers spend a few quiet nights before or after Makkah. A hotel close to the mosque, arranged from London.
Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, and for many Umrah travellers it is the calmer part of the journey, a few nights before or after Makkah. We choose hotels close to the Prophet's Mosque so that prayers are only a short walk away.
Al Masjid an Nabawi, with its green dome and white marble courtyards shaded by giant umbrellas, is at the heart of the city. Beyond it you can visit Quba Mosque, the first mosque in Islam, and Mount Uhud, the site of the battle of Uhud. Date farms around the city sell the famous Ajwa dates.
There are no direct flights from the UK. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport has flights from across the region, and the Haramain high speed railway links Madinah with Makkah and Jeddah. Our five nights at Pullman Zamzam Madina fly from Heathrow with Qatar Airways, changing in Doha. See Umrah with NCL Tours to plan both cities together.
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Please read its latest travel advice for Saudi Arabia before you book.
Entry rules depend on your passport and why you are travelling, so check the official sources below before you book. Pilgrims use Nusuk, the official Saudi platform, for Umrah permits. As of 21 October 2026, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, including Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, and against all travel within 10 km of the Yemen border: read its advice before you book.
See a travel health professional well before your trip and read TravelHealthPro's Saudi Arabia page and its Hajj and Umrah advice, as pilgrims have their own health entry requirements. Summers are very hot and dry, so drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun. Winter nights can be cool, so pack a warm layer. Wash your hands often, as coughs and colds spread easily in crowds.
The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR). Carry some cash for markets and small purchases, tell your bank before you travel and check what your card charges abroad.
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.
Checked on 24 October 2026
The mildest time is November to March, with average highs of about 24 to 31°C, and nights in December and January average about 12 to 14°C. From June to September average highs are about 42 to 44°C.
Dress modestly and behave quietly and respectfully, above all in and around the mosques. Photograph people only with their permission, and never photograph government or military buildings.
Checked on 23 October 2026
November to March is the mildest time, with average highs of about 24 to 31°C and cool nights in midwinter. From June to September average highs are about 42 to 44°C, so drink plenty of water and stay out of the midday sun.
Checked on 23 October 2026
Umrah itself is performed in Makkah, and many Muslims also visit Madinah to pray at the Prophet's Mosque. Pilgrims use Nusuk, the official Saudi platform, for Umrah information and permits. The rules change, so please check it before you book.
Checked on 23 October 2026
The high speed railway links the two cities by way of Jeddah, with a branch to Jeddah's main airport. You can also make the journey by road.
Checked on 23 October 2026
Madinah has its own international airport, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. You can also arrive by high speed railway from Jeddah or Makkah.
Checked on 23 October 2026
