Before starting Umrah, you need to enter ihram at one of the designated Miqaat boundaries. For most visitors staying in Makkah, this means travelling to Masjid Aisha (Masjid Al-Taneem), the nearest Miqaat point, located about 7-8 km north of Masjid Al Haram.
Your options
Taxi or ride-hailing
The most common choice. A taxi from central Makkah to Masjid Aisha typically costs 10-20 SAR. Uber and Careem both work well for this route. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
Tip: Tell your driver you're going to Masjid Aisha for Umrah — they'll know exactly where to drop you.
Hotel shuttle
Many hotels offer free or low-cost shuttle services to Masjid Aisha, especially during Ramadan and peak Umrah season. Ask at reception — this is often the easiest option, particularly for groups or families.
Walking
Some visitors choose to walk, especially those staying in the northern parts of Makkah. The walk takes roughly 1.5-2 hours from the Haram area. Only recommended if you're fit and it's not peak summer heat.
What to expect
- Masjid Aisha has separate prayer halls for men and women
- Wudhu facilities are available
- There are shops nearby selling ihram garments if you need them
- The mosque can get very busy during Ramadan — be patient
- After entering ihram, most people take a taxi or ride-hail back to the Haram to begin Umrah
Coming back
After completing your Umrah at the Haram, you simply walk back to your hotel. No return trip to the Miqaat is needed.
For those arriving from outside Makkah
If you're flying into Jeddah, your Miqaat is likely Yalamlam (if coming from the south) or you'll pass through the Miqaat boundary on the road from Jeddah. Many flights announce when you're passing over the Miqaat so you can enter ihram on the plane. Check with your airline or travel group.