Updated July 2026
There is no direct flight from Dublin to Jeddah. All itineraries connect via at least one hub — most commonly Dubai (DXB with Emirates), Doha (DOH with Qatar Airways), or London Heathrow (LHR with British Airways or Saudia). Total journey time is typically 12–15 hours. Irish passport holders require a Saudi e-Visa before travel. Jeddah is the gateway city to Mecca and Medina, and Hajj and Umrah seasons cause significant fare spikes. Use the live search below to compare connecting fares, then check the route guide for airline and visa details.
There is no non-stop Dublin to Jeddah service. The most practical routing is via Dubai (Emirates, DUB–DXB then DXB–JED) or via Doha (Qatar Airways, DUB–DOH then DOH–JED). Both offer competitive total journey times of approximately 12–13 hours. Saudia (Saudi Airlines) also operates direct Jeddah services from London Heathrow, making LHR a viable connecting option — particularly for travellers who prefer a European hub.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED/KAIA) opened a modern new Hajj Terminal and main passenger terminal in 2018. The airport is approximately 30 km north of central Jeddah. Jeddah is the commercial and cultural capital of the Red Sea coast and the primary gateway to Mecca and Medina — non-Muslims may not enter the holy city precincts, but Jeddah itself is accessible to all visitors. The historic Al-Balad district (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the main tourist draw.
Jeddah-bound fares are more volatile than Riyadh because Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage demand creates sharp seasonal spikes. Hajj (the annual pilgrimage, typically in June/July but varying with the Islamic calendar) and the Umrah season see the highest demand and prices. Both Eid holidays also drive fare increases. February–March and September tend to offer the most competitive prices. Always cross-reference Islamic calendar dates for the year you are travelling.
Irish passport holders need a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa before travel. Apply through the official Visit Saudi website (visitsaudi.com) — cost is approximately SAR 300 (~€75), valid for 1 year with cumulative stays of up to 90 days. The tourist e-Visa does not permit entry to Mecca for non-Muslims. Separate Hajj and Umrah visas exist for those making the pilgrimage — a licensed Umrah travel agent can arrange these with accommodation packages.
No. There is no direct Dublin to Jeddah service. All itineraries require at least one connection. The most common connections are via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or London Heathrow (British Airways or Saudia). Total journey time is typically 12 to 15 hours.
Yes. Irish passport holders must obtain a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa before boarding. Apply at the official Visit Saudi website (visitsaudi.com). The e-Visa costs approximately SAR 300 (~€75), is valid for 1 year, and allows cumulative stays of up to 90 days.
Dubai (DXB) with Emirates and Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways both offer good connection times and strong baggage allowances. London Heathrow (LHR) is a solid European alternative, particularly with Saudia's direct LHR–JED services.
Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca and Medina. Hajj (the annual pilgrimage, typically in June/July but shifting annually with the Islamic calendar) and the Umrah season drive very high demand and significantly elevated fares. Both Eid holidays also cause fare spikes. Always check the Islamic calendar for the year you are travelling.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), also known as KAIA, serves Jeddah. A modern new terminal opened in 2018. The airport is approximately 30 km north of Jeddah city centre and the historic Al-Balad district.
Yes. Jeddah is open to non-Muslim tourists. The historic Al-Balad area (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Red Sea waterfront (Corniche) are accessible to all visitors. However, non-Muslims may not enter the holy precincts of Mecca or Medina.
February–March and September tend to offer the best fares, avoiding Hajj season, Umrah peaks, and Eid holidays. Fares can double or triple around pilgrimage seasons. Always check the Islamic calendar when planning travel to Jeddah.
Yes. Irish citizens must obtain a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa before travel. Apply at the official Visit Saudi portal (visitsaudi.com). The e-Visa costs approximately SAR 300 (~€75), is valid for 1 year, and allows cumulative stays of up to 90 days. Processing is typically instant to under 24 hours. Note: Jeddah is an open city for international tourists, but Mecca (approximately 80 km from Jeddah) is restricted to Muslim visitors and is not accessible to non-Muslim tourists regardless of visa status.
Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah — the exact Gregorian calendar dates shift earlier by approximately 10–11 days each year. In the weeks leading up to and during Hajj, flights to Jeddah (the main gateway for Hajj pilgrims) experience very high demand and sharply elevated prices, with significant reduction in seat availability. Eid al-Adha (end of Hajj) and Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) also cause fare spikes. Always check the Islamic calendar for the year you are travelling.