Should you do Umrah by yourself or with a group? This is a common question many people have when planning to do Umrah. There are many things to consider. Which option will give you a better experience? Which option is cheaper? Our aim is to give you a completely honest assessment of both options from the experience of people who've done Umrah both by themselves and with groups. For the purposes of this post, we'll assume that when we say "a group" we're referring to an experienced group and when we say "by yourself" we're referring to you going alone or with your family.
When doing Umrah by yourself, you have autonomy. This means you can do what you want, when you want for the most part. Want to go to Makkah first instead of Madinah? Go ahead! Want to stay at Pullman Zamzam instead of Movenpick? The choice is yours! You get to plan the trip how you want. You also don't have to stick to any group's agenda or itinerary throughout the trip.
When going by yourself, you're often left figuring things out as you go along. Here's is where the limited guidance is most likely to affect your trip:
If you go with an experienced group, you'll never be confused about what to do as you'll have someone with you every step of the way. When it comes to how to do Umrah, sightseeing in Makkah, sightseeing in Madinah, etc you'll always have someone with you to answer questions you have. This is especially helpful for people who don't know how to do Umrah or want to benefit the most from their time in Makkah and Madinah.
For transportation and hotel expenses, experienced Umrah groups usually partner with airlines and hotels to get cheaper prices for their customers. So rather than paying out of pocket for each expense separately, you'll be paying the group directly and they'll take care of every other expense for you.
When going with an experienced group, all the logistics are taken care of, which means realistically, you can have a nice experience simply following the group leader, and not have to worry about hotels, transportation, flight times, train bookings, and so on.
Traveling with a group means adhering to the group’s schedule. If the group itinerary doesn’t align with your personal preferences, you may feel constrained. For example, you might have less time for personal worship or to explore certain sites that interest you.
Being part of a group often means moving with many other people. This can lead to delays and a lack of privacy, especially during check-ins, transportation, or group meals.
While group packages are cost-effective for standard options, upgrading to premium hotels or services might not always be possible within the package. Customizing your experience could result in additional fees.
When deciding whether to go for Umrah with a group or by yourself, cost is one of the most important factors to consider. Here's a detailed breakdown of the costs for each option:
If you decide to perform Umrah without a travel agent or group, here’s what you should budget for:
Overall, the total cost of Umrah by yourself can range from $1,500 to $3,500 per person, depending on your preferences and travel style.
Traveling with a group often includes bundled pricing, which can save money on accommodation, transportation, and other logistics. Here’s what you can expect:
For first-time travelers, going with a group is often more cost-effective. Experienced Umrah groups have partnerships with airlines, hotels, and local transportation providers, which allow them to offer lower prices than what you might find independently.
However, if you’re familiar with Saudi Arabia, speak Arabic, and can book budget accommodations and flights, doing Umrah by yourself may be slightly cheaper—especially if you’re traveling with family and can split certain costs.
| Expense | By Yourself | With a Group |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $800–$1,500 | Included in package |
| Hotels | $50–$300 per night | Included in package |
| Transportation | $100–$200 per trip | Included in package |
| Meals | $10–$30 per day | Often included |
| Guided Tours | $50–$100 per trip | Included in package |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,000–$4,000 |
By including this comparison, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the costs and whether it’s better to go to Umrah with a group or by yourself.
Now that we've given you a breakdown of the pros and cons, here's our opinion. If you know what you're doing and value autonomy, going by yourself can be a good option for you. However, if you want to have the best experience, go with an experienced group.
