London vs Birmingham Umrah : Which UK City Has Better Umrah Deals?

London vs Birmingham: Which UK City Has Better Umrah Deals?

If you choose the wrong starting point, it will impact your entire trip and budget. You may be wondering about choosing between London, the capital and Britain’s principal departure point for many journeys, and Birmingham, a major city with a sizeable Muslim community and numerous options.

London: The Gateway to the World

London, with its numerous major international airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, is often the hub for securing a competitive London Umrah deal, making it a preferred starting point for many pilgrims.

Pros for London Umrah Deals:

• More Flight Options. London airports offer a wider range of airlines. With flights to Jeddah and Medina, this sometimes means lower prices or more convenient departure times for your Umrah package.
• Variety of Agencies: As a global city, London is home to an incredible number of Umrah travel agencies. Companies catering to budget-friendly and high-end luxury can be found here. Due to more competition, a diverse selection like this can provide more choices and potentially great deals on Umrah in Ramadan or other high seasons.
• Diverse Packages: You can find a vast selection of Umrah packages that suit every budget and travel style. There are family Umrah packages available for people travelling with children, later which provide services such as babysitting at holy sites. All group Umrah deals accommodate the size of the party (with no upper limit) and offer private drivers for those seeking an intimate experience accompanied by their loved ones. Very special trips, too: If your hands are prepared beforehand, why not consider the premium luxury product?

Cons for London Umrah Deals:

• Higher Costs: Flights from London are more expensive due to higher demand and airport taxes.
• Travel to Airport: For those not living in London, travelling to the airport can add significant time and cost.
• Busy Environment: The sheer volume of travellers and agencies might feel overwhelming for some.

Birmingham: The Heart of the Midlands

Due to its central location and large Muslim community, Birmingham Umrah trips have become an increasingly popular choice. Direct and indirect flights are available from Birmingham Airport all year round, which is why some prefer to fly midland bound.

Pros for Birmingham Umrah Deals:

• Convenience for Midlands Residents: If you are in the Midlands or nearby, a trip from Birmingham will make travelling around the UK much faster and more affordable.
• Competitive Local Market: Many Umrah travel agencies are based in Birmingham, which caters especially to the local community. Birmingham has a long-established reputation for offering competitive Umrah packages.
• Potentially Lower Prices: Birmingham, especially when comparing flight components to London, is sometimes marginally cheaper overall than the metropolis. This is particularly so off-peak.
• Community Focus: Community-oriented and service-oriented, many of the agencies based in Birmingham are known for their distinctive characteristics.

Cons for Birmingham Umrah Deals:

• Fewer Direct Flights: Although Birmingham offers direct Umrah flights, the frequency and choice of airlines are less extensive than those in London, potentially limiting your options for specific dates or luxury carriers.
• Less Variety in Ultra-Luxury: For highly specialized or ultra-luxury Umrah packages, London might still offer more niche options.

When to Book Your Umrah (Especially for Ramadan!)

Timing is key for getting the best Umrah deals.

• Ramadan Umrah: This is the most popular time for Umrah because of the great spiritual rewards. However, it is also the most expensive and crowded. If you opt for Umrah during Ramadan, then arrange it well in advance prices and good smoking hotels by 6-12 months airflow availability especially.
• Off-Peak Seasons: During Muharram, Safar, and Rabi al-Awwal (outside of school holidays) and after the Hajj season concludes, stores typically offer more affordable Umrah packages with smaller crowds.
• School Holidays & December: Due to increased demand, prices tend to rise during the UK school holidays and the Christmas and New Year period (December).
• Last-Minute Deals: Although rare during prime periods, last-minute deals occasionally emerge, but these are often available for less desirable times or basic packages.

What About Hajj?

Umrah can occur throughout the year – in contrast to Hajj, a pilgrimage performed only at specific, set dates in the Islamic calendar. Hajj packages in 2026 will be more complicated and more expensive than Umrah, as Hajj is organized and regulated by the Saudi government to a higher level than Umrah. Agencies selling Hajj packages from London and Birmingham will have similar factors to consider, as highlighted above, with respect to agency reputation and flight availability. However, it is even more important to book Hajj via an ATOL-protected and Ministry of Hajj-approved agency due to the complexities and costs associated with the pilgrimage.

Key Takeaways for Finding Your Best Umrah Deal:

1. Book Early: For any peak Umrah, including Ramadan Umrah, you should book many months in advance.
2. Compare Travel Agencies: Don’t just choose the first agency you find. Obtain quotes from reputable ATOL-protected travel agents in London and Birmingham.
3. Check for Reviews: Research online reviews of agencies to gather feedback from previous pilgrims on aspects such as accommodation and transportation.
4. Know What’s Included: Always check what is included in your Umrah (flight, hotel, visa, transport, Ziyarat, meals, guide) package so you are prepared for any hidden costs.
5. Chance flexibility with date: If you have more flexibility around the date, you are more likely to find better deals, especially off-peak.
6. Where are you based? If you are located in the Midlands (direct flight offered), Birmingham offers much more convenience. However, if you are based in or near London, the sheer number of options may make travelling to London easier.