Quick answer: Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected around 9–10 March 2027 (final dates depend on the moon sighting). Ramadan Umrah transport needs more planning than usual: you need a Nusuk permit for your Umrah slot, private cars are restricted near the Grand Mosque at peak times, shuttle buses and park-and-ride car parks carry most people, and airport and intercity trips should be booked well in advance.
Ramadan 2027: expected dates
Astronomers expect Ramadan 1448 AH to start on or around Monday 8 February 2027. Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 or 10 March 2027. Saudi Arabia confirms the dates after the moon sighting, so keep a day or two of flexibility in your plans, especially for flights around Eid.
Umrah permits in Ramadan
- You need a digital Umrah permit booked through Nusuk, and you should arrive at the Grand Mosque at your permit time.
- In recent years, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has asked pilgrims to perform only one Umrah during Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights, so that everyone gets a chance. Check the official rules for 2027 when they are announced.
- In Ramadan 2026, gates showed green when open and red when full, and pilgrims were guided to other entrances.
Getting around Makkah in Ramadan
Makkah is at its busiest in Ramadan. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Ramadan 2026 saw around 64 million passenger trips on shuttle buses to and from the Grand Mosque, using 2,600 buses across seven central stations. On the 27th night of Ramadan 2025, about 3.4 million worshippers were reported at the Grand Mosque.
- Private cars: at peak times, private cars are restricted in the central area. Taxis drop passengers at the nearest permitted point, and you walk the rest of the way.
- Park-and-ride: car parks on the edge of the city, such as Kudai, connect to the Grand Mosque by shuttle bus.
- Taraweeh and Qiyam: traffic is heaviest after Isha and Taraweeh, and after the night prayers in the last ten nights. Leave earlier than you think, or wait for crowds to ease before heading back.
- Iftar time: many drivers stop to break their fast at sunset. Avoid planning a long journey that ends right at Maghrib.
Tip: stay in a hotel within walking distance of the Haram if you can. In the last ten nights, walking is often faster than any vehicle.
Airport and intercity travel
- Airport arrivals: passport control can be much slower in Ramadan. Book a pickup where the driver tracks your flight and waits for you, such as our Jeddah to Makkah taxi or Madinah Airport taxi.
- Haramain train: in Ramadan 2026, the train ran more than 100 trips a day, with over 140 a day in the last ten nights, and timings matched to prayer times. Book tickets early on the official railway website.
- Makkah to Madinah by road: a Makkah to Madinah taxi is a good choice for families with luggage. Plan the journey after Fajr or after Taraweeh, and ask for a stop for Iftar if you travel near sunset.
- Eid travel: demand for transport is very high around Eid. Book your departure transfer as soon as your flight is confirmed.
A simple Ramadan transport plan
- Book flights with a day of flexibility around the expected start and Eid.
- Book your Nusuk Umrah permit as soon as slots open.
- Pre-book your airport pickup and your Makkah ⇄ Madinah transfer.
- Choose a hotel within walking distance of the Haram if your budget allows.
- Plan Ziyarat for the first half of Ramadan, when the city is a little calmer.
- Book your departure transfer early if you are leaving around Eid.
Read our month-by-month Umrah guide to compare Ramadan with quieter months.
Official sources: Saudi Press Agency – Ramadan shuttle buses · Saudi Press Agency – Haramain train in Ramadan · Nusuk
Frequently asked questions
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start around 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected on 9 or 10 March 2027. Final dates depend on the moon sighting.
Can I perform more than one Umrah in Ramadan?
In recent years, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has asked pilgrims to perform only one Umrah in Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights. Check the official rules on Nusuk for 2027.
Can taxis drive to the Grand Mosque in Ramadan?
At peak times, cars are restricted in the central area. Taxis drop passengers at the nearest permitted point, and shuttle buses run from car parks on the edge of the city.
Should I book airport transfers in advance for Ramadan?
Yes. Demand is very high, especially in the last ten nights and around Eid, so book your airport and intercity transfers as early as possible.
Ramadan dates, permit rules and transport arrangements are announced each year by the Saudi authorities. Always check the latest official information before you travel. This guide was last reviewed in October 2026.
