Umrah & Hajj Airport Transfers from Birmingham & the Midlands: Heathrow, Manchester & BHX

An Umrah airport taxi from Birmingham takes you, your family and your luggage from your front door to your departure airport, at a fixed price agreed in advance. For most pilgrims in the Midlands, that means Birmingham Airport, Manchester or Heathrow. Saudia lists direct flights to Jeddah from all three, although the Birmingham route runs on fewer days each week. Many pilgrims also fly with one stop, via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul.

On the way home, you’ll be tired after an intense journey, with suitcases and often Zamzam water to carry. This guide compares the three airports and explains how to plan your transfer for Umrah and for Hajj. It also covers the practical details that matter for pilgrims and their families.

Umrah and Hajj airport transfers at a glance

Flight schedules change by season, especially around Ramadan and Hajj, so check the latest times with your airline or travel agent. Road journey times are typical and depend on traffic.

Choosing your departure airport

Flying from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is the closest option for pilgrims in the Midlands. Saudia lists direct flights to Jeddah from Birmingham on selected days each week, and Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines offer one-stop routes via their hubs. If your package or flight leaves from Birmingham, the trip to the airport is short, which makes a real difference for elderly relatives and young children. Our Birmingham Airport transfers include flight tracking for your return.

Flying from Manchester

Manchester is the main regional airport for direct Saudia flights to Jeddah, with several a week. It’s a good option if the Birmingham dates don’t suit, or if your group or package operator flies from there. The drive from Birmingham usually takes around an hour and a half to two hours via the M6. Our Manchester Airport transfers cover pickups from across the Midlands.

Flying from Heathrow

Heathrow has the widest choice, with daily direct Saudia flights to Jeddah and many one-stop options, and some Umrah and Hajj packages are built around Heathrow departures. The drive from Birmingham usually takes around two to two and a half hours, and longer when the M40 and M25 are busy. Our Heathrow Airport transfers include pickups from home and fixed fares.

Direct or one-stop?

Direct flights are simpler, especially for elderly pilgrims and families, because there’s no connection to manage. One-stop flights via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul can offer more dates, different prices or more flexible times. If you’re connecting through a Gulf hub, check the latest flight status with your airline before you travel, as some Middle East routes have been disrupted this year.

Planning your Umrah transfer

Working back from your flight time

Check-in for long-haul flights usually closes earlier than for short-haul trips. Start with your airline’s check-in deadline, then add time for bag drop, security and the drive. For Heathrow or Manchester, include a buffer for motorway traffic. We’ll suggest a pickup time when you book.

Travelling in ihram

Some pilgrims change into ihram at home or at the airport before the flight, while others change on board or at the miqat. If you plan to wear ihram on the way to the airport, a comfortable vehicle where you can sit without being cramped helps. Tell us when you book if you’d like extra time at the airport for prayers or preparation before departure.

Prayer times and early departures

Many flights to Saudi Arabia leave early in the morning, in the evening or overnight. If your pickup falls near a prayer time, you can plan the journey so there’s time to pray at home before you leave, or at the airport. Most UK airports have a prayer room or multi-faith room, either airside or landside. Check the facilities at your departure airport before you travel.

Planning your Hajj transfer

Hajj 2027 dates

Because Hajj takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, its date moves earlier each year by around 10 to 11 days in the Gregorian calendar. In 2027, the pilgrimage is expected to fall in mid-May, but the exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon. Your Hajj operator will confirm your flight dates.

Booking Hajj safely

UK pilgrims must book their Hajj package through providers authorised by the Saudi authorities. Before paying, check that your package is booked through an official channel and has appropriate financial protection. Sadly, fraudsters target Hajj and Umrah pilgrims every year, so be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Group departures

Hajj groups often fly on set dates chosen by the operator, with large numbers travelling at the same time. Airports can be particularly busy around these departures. Build in extra time, and agree a clear pickup time and place with your driver for the return, since your group may arrive back together.

Luggage and Zamzam water

Suitcases

Umrah and Hajj trips often involve more luggage than a typical holiday, especially on the way home with gifts for family. Tell us how many suitcases you’re bringing when you book, so we can send a vehicle with enough room. Check your airline’s baggage allowance before you pack, as it varies between airlines and fare types.

Zamzam water

Many pilgrims bring Zamzam water home. Each airline sets its own rules on carrying it, including how much you can take, whether it must be in an official sealed container and whether it counts towards your baggage allowance. Check your airline’s Zamzam policy before you travel, so you know what to expect at check-in in Jeddah or Medina.

Space in the vehicle

On your return, you may have suitcases, hand luggage and Zamzam containers. For families or groups, the Mercedes V-Class seats up to seven passengers, with room for luggage. Smaller parties can travel in a saloon, as long as we know how much luggage to expect.

If you’d like a fixed price for your Umrah or Hajj transfer, you can get a quote online for the outbound journey, the return or both.

Coming home: your arrival pickup

Flight tracking

Flights home from Saudi Arabia can be delayed, particularly at busy times such as the end of Ramadan or after Hajj. We track your flight rather than relying on the scheduled time, so your pickup moves with any delay or early arrival. Share your flight number when you book.

Meeting your driver

At Birmingham Airport, your driver meets you inside the terminal with a name board. For other airports, we’ll confirm the meeting arrangements when you book. Keep your phone switched on when you land, so your driver can reach you if needed.

Tiredness after travel

After Umrah or Hajj, many pilgrims are exhausted, especially older family members. With a pre-booked taxi, nobody has to drive home from Manchester or Heathrow after a long flight, and you can rest on the way back to the Midlands.

Elderly pilgrims and accessibility

Planning for older relatives

Many families travel to Umrah with parents or grandparents. If someone needs a wheelchair or help at the airport, book special assistance through your airline in advance. Tell us when you book, and we’ll plan a drop-off point close to the terminal entrance.

Mobility aids

Let us know about any wheelchair, walker or mobility aid you’re bringing, including its size, so we can confirm it fits alongside your luggage. If several family members are travelling, you may need a larger vehicle.

Busy periods for Umrah travel

Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan are one of the busiest times for Umrah. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in early February, depending on the moon sighting. Flights and accommodation book up early and airports can be busy, so allow extra time.

School holidays

Families often travel for Umrah during school holidays, such as February half-term, Easter and the summer. These are busy times at UK airports generally, so plan your pickup with a generous margin.

Late-night returns

Many return flights land late in the evening or overnight. Our guide to late-night and early-morning taxis explains how these journeys work.

Fixed fares for long-distance journeys

For journeys to Heathrow or Manchester, a fixed fare agreed when you book means traffic and diversions don’t change what you pay. Our guide to fixed-price and metered taxis explains why that matters on longer trips. If several families are travelling together, booking one larger vehicle can also help share the cost.

Pickups across Birmingham and the Midlands

We collect from homes across the region. That includes pickups through our Birmingham taxi service, and from Wolverhampton, Coventry and Solihull. Our coverage area page lists every town we serve.

Book your Umrah or Hajj airport taxi

NET Airport Transfers runs pre-booked, fixed-price taxis from Birmingham and the Midlands to Birmingham Airport, Manchester and Heathrow for Umrah and Hajj, and back again when you return. Tell us your flight details, passenger numbers and luggage, and we’ll plan both journeys for you. Book your airport taxi online, or contact us for family and group bookings.