London to Medina (LHR–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.

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.