King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah’
October 29, 2024
Exploring Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel in Makkah
October 30, 2024
About 50 million people use the King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) every year. Most of them cross the Miqat boundary in a state of Ihram before entering Makkah. But the confusion around Miqat from Jeddah Airport, with its distance, proper route, the tolls, and traffic, can hinder your travel.
We are trying to remove this confusion with this guide.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a first-time Umrah or Hajj Pilgrim, travelling with family, group, or solo, we will help you understand the nearest Miqat from Jeddah, Jeddah Airport to Miqat Distance, and transport to ensure your pilgrimage journey remains a blissful experience, spiritually and literally.
What Is Miqat, and Why its important for Pilgrims Arriving in Jeddah?
Miqat is a sacred boundary according to Islamic teachings, where Pilgrims enter a state of Ihram before travelling to Makkah for Umrah or Hajj. Crossing this boundary without Ihram is a severe violation that demands a dam (penalty)
For Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia by air, especially to Jeddah, Miqat is a sensitive and mandatory requirement. Its significance:
– Miqat rules apply regardless of your nationality or visa
– Ihram to be assumed before crossing Miqat, not after
– Ignorance of Miqat Location doesn’t exempt the obligation
This is why knowing Miqat near Jeddah is crucial before you even leave the airport.
The Officially Recognized Nearest Miqat from Jeddah Airport
Dhul Helayfah or Abyr Ali is the nearest and most convenient Miqat for most pilgrims arriving at the Jeddah airport. The Dhul Hulayfah is 9-10 km away from Jeddah Airport, travel time is between 10-15 minutes, and it’s ideal for Air travelers entering the Makkah region as it has all facilities like Mosque, and ihram changing area. This location is recommended by both the scholars and the Saudi Authorities. It’s the ideal Miqat from Jeddah Airport if you need easy physical access.
Addressing Common Misconceptions about Miqat Jeddah
Jeddah itself is not a Miqat, most people mistook Jeddah for being a Miqat. It’s not as Jeddah is a Hil, basically a non-Miqat Zone. Some residents of Jeddah may enter Ihram from their city under some conditions, but international pilgrims arriving for Umrah or Hajj don’t treat Jeddah as Miqat (by default).
This is the reason why airlines announce Miqat crossing mid-flight. But if you are a pilgrim and you need physical entry, then you’d better travel to Dhul Hulayfah, it is the safest and most convenient option.
Miqat Rules for International Pilgrims Arriving at the Jeddah Airport
For international pilgrims arriving via King Abdulaziz International Airport, you should know its important to avoid common Umrah mistakes all the way, covering Miqat from Jeddah Airport.
Long-distance flights announce the Miqat Point mid-flight for pilgrims who need to enter the Ihram. But for travelers who land in Jeddah without Ihram, must go to the nearest Miqat from Jeddah. They can go to Masjid Ayesha (Tan’neem), before heading to Makkah. Islamic scholars agree that crossing Miqat without Ihram needs expiation (Dam), so planning pays off.
Jeddah Airport to Miqat Distance and Travel Expectations
Understanding the following travel logistics can help pilgrims plan their Ihram timing properly:
Jeddah Airport to Miqat Distance Overview
Route | Distance | Travel Time | Best Option |
Jeddah Airport – Dhul Hulayfah | 9-10 Km | 10-15 Mins | Private Taxi |
Jeddah Airport – Alternative Miqat Points | 70-90 Km | 1-1.5 Hrs | Not Recommended |
You should know that, during peak Umrah seasons, traffic congestion can add another 10-15 minutes, but you can avoid the delay and risk of Miqat Crossing with a pre-booking.
Why do pilgrims choose Private Transport to Miqat from Jeddah?
After Landing, Pilgrims are:
- Tired from long flight hours
- Carrying a bit of luggage
- Often travelling with groups, especially with elderly people
Here, a pre-booked taxi service cuts uncertainty and assures they have a comfortable ride.
Why Book a Miqat Taxi in Advance?
- You won’t have to wait at the airport or haggle on the spot
- Drivers know the Miqat Route and Rulings
- Clean and air-conditioned vehicles
- Direct Drop off at Dhul Hulayfah
Companies like UmrahCabs4U specialize in Pilgrimage routes. Our drivers understand both the religious sensitivity and timing important to your trip, and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a top-notch experience.
For instance, a family of five arrived from Indonesia in Ramadan 2024 and landed at Jeddah Airport at 2:30 a.m. Instead of getting an on-site taxi, they pre-booked a Miqat from Jeddah Airport Transfer. This helped them:
- Reach Dhul Hulayfah in 12 minutes
- Change into Ihram without an issue
- Proceed to Makkah without any stress or penalty
This is very common. Umrah transport operators report that more than 60% international pilgrims now pre-book their Miqat transfers to avoid procedural and travel hurdles.
FAQs
Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali), approximately 9-10 km from Jeddah Airport, is the nearest point used for Miqat by arriving Pilgrims.
Jeddah Airport is not a Miqat itself; some pilgrims enter Ihram onboard their flights, still, physical entry is required to travel to Dhul Hulayfah.
If you take a private taxi, it takes about 10-15 minutes. But if you travel during peak season, you may need up to 25 minutes.
Yes, dedicated Umrah transport providers offer pre-booked taxis, especially for Miqat Travel.
Tips for Before You Leave Jeddah Airport
- Keep the Ihram accessible in your hand luggage
- Use airport washrooms for preparation, not the Ihram entry
- Confirm your route before departure
- Don’t rely on any last-minute thing, especially on-site taxis during peak hours
Final Word
Crossing the Miqat from Jeddah Airport is more than a logistical step; it’s more of a spiritual threshold. A proper start brings peace to your mind from the very first step of your worship journey.
As you understand the nearest Miqat from Jeddah and Jeddah Airport to Miqat Distance, you can easily arrange a reliable and cost-effective taxi service or transport, so you can fully focus on your Ibadah.
Fore more details contact us on WhatsApp (+966 59 920 7901).
