London to Medina (LGW–MED) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia. The eVisa costs SAR 535 (about $142) including insurance, is processed within minutes, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per visit over a 1-year validity period with a maximum of 180 days total. Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com. The eVisa covers tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), and visiting family or friends.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry with at least one blank page. The eVisa application requires a passport photo page scan, a digital photograph, and basic travel details. No hotel booking or flight proof is needed for the application itself. Hajj requires a separate visa through an authorized Hajj operator, with its own process and quotas.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh (RUH) run about 6 hours 30 minutes, to Jeddah (JED) about 6 hours 15 minutes. Saudia and British Airways operate the routes. The Saudi riyal (SAR) is pegged at 3.75 SAR per $1. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals on standard tourist visits. Meningitis ACWY vaccination is required for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Dress codes are relaxed compared to a decade ago but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected in public spaces.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.