Jeddah

Your arrival city, the old town of Al-Balad, and the corniche.

Jeddah is the arrival point for almost every Umrah traveller from India, through King Abdulaziz International Airport. Makkah is 92 km east, about 75 minutes by road. Most itineraries pass straight through, but half a day in Al-Balad is worth building in.

Jeddah at a glance

Jeddah key facts for Umrah travellers
AirportKing Abdulaziz International (JED)
To Makkah92 km, ~75 min
To Madinah420 km, ~4h 30m
WorthHalf a day

What to see

Al-Balad

The UNESCO-listed old town, with coral-stone houses and roshan woodwork. Best after Maghrib.

The Corniche

30 km of waterfront, and the King Fahd Fountain.

Floating Mosque

Masjid Al-Rahmah, built out over the Red Sea.

Souq Al-Alawi

The old market in Al-Balad, good for gifts at better prices than Makkah.

Getting there

Jeddah is your arrival point. King Abdulaziz International (JED). Makkah is 92 km east, about 75 minutes by road; Madinah is 420 km north, about 4h 30m.

If you want half a day in Al-Balad, take it at the end of the trip rather than on arrival. On arrival you should be heading to Makkah in ihram, not sightseeing.

Questions

What is there to see in Jeddah?

Al-Balad: The UNESCO-listed old town, with coral-stone houses and roshan woodwork. Best after Maghrib. The Corniche: 30 km of waterfront, and the King Fahd Fountain. Floating Mosque: Masjid Al-Rahmah, built out over the Red Sea.

How long should I spend in Jeddah?

Half a day. Your arrival city, the old town of Al-Balad, and the corniche.