Overview
Saudi Arabia holds deep significance for many UK travellers, above all for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims journeying to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Beyond the pilgrimage, the Kingdom is opening up to tourism, with ancient rock-cut wonders at AlUla, Red Sea coastline and the modern cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. Comparing every fare in one place makes planning the journey simpler.
Best time to fly to Saudi Arabia
The most comfortable months run from November to March, avoiding the fierce summer heat. Pilgrimage demand shapes fares strongly: prices rise sharply around Ramadan and the Hajj season, so pilgrims booking outside these peaks — or well in advance — usually find better value. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates on your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The key gateways are Jeddah (JED) — the arrival point for Makkah — and Madinah (MED), both central to Umrah and Hajj, along with the capital Riyadh (RUH) and Dammam (DMM).
Airlines and routes
Saudia and British Airways operate direct flights from London to Jeddah and Riyadh, with flynas and Wizz Air also serving the Kingdom. Direct flights take around 6–7 hours. Many pilgrims and travellers also connect through the Gulf on Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines. Compare carriers for your exact dates for the best fare.
Popular places to visit in Saudi Arabia
- Makkah: the holiest city in Islam and the Masjid al-Haram.
- Madinah: the Prophet's Mosque and a place of great serenity.
- AlUla & Hegra: spectacular Nabataean tombs and desert landscapes.
- Riyadh: museums, the historic Diriyah and modern dining.
- Jeddah: the atmospheric Al-Balad old town and Red Sea corniche.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Saudi Arabia
- For Umrah, book well ahead and, if you can, avoid Ramadan and Hajj peaks.
- Compare direct flights against one-stop Gulf routes for value.
- Fly into the gateway nearest your plans — Jeddah for Makkah, Madinah for the north.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers can apply for a tourist e-visa (which also permits Umrah), while Hajj requires a separate, dedicated visa arranged through approved channels — check the current rules before booking.
- Currency: the Saudi riyal (SAR); dress modestly and respect local customs.
