Getting Around Saudi Arabia: Transport Guide

By Air

All domestic air services are operated by the national carriers. Saudi Arabia has three international airports: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahad International Airport in Dhahran. These airports serve both domestic as well as many international airlines. The most frequent and efficient air service is between Jeddah-Riyadh-Dhahran routes. Because of the long distances, which separate the main towns of the country, air travel is often the most convenient and practical way to travel within the Kingdom. The national airline is reliable and reasonable and operates a comprehensive network of domestic flights. There are about 24 domestic airports in the Kingdom and charter flights are available for transportation to some of the more remote desert sites. 

By Road

From all main airports there is limousine service to the traveller's destination. There is also a regular SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company) bus service from the airports to various hotels and the centre of town.

To drive a car in Saudi Arabia your national driving license will most probably be accepted but it is safer to carry an international driving license. The government controls the rental rates along with the insurance. You can always get a 20, 25 or 30% discount on rents. The collision damage waiver is mandatory. The roads are well maintained and, for most parts, a pleasure to drive in.

The Bus is probably the best means of traveling if you are not in a hurry, and also if you don’t have a car. Buses are operated by SAPTCO, and are comfortable, air conditioned, and usually punctual. You can only book your tickets one day in advance and have to show your identification (for tourists). Service Taxis are available at the bus station in each city and travel to most places for the same price as the buses. But they leave only when they are full. Metered taxis operate in all the main cities of Saudi Arabia.

A very well organized municipal bus system exists in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam-Alkhobar area of the Eastern Province. Local services on a smaller scale operate in cities like Taif and Abha. At Riyadh and Jeddah you can also use the minivan system that also operate along the same routes as the buses.

Hitching a ride is common amongst the Saudis, Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos who are not well off. As it is extremely rare for Westerners to ask for a lift, and if you do, the police may question you. If you hitch in the Hejaz and Asir region, you’ll have to pay the equivalent of the bus fare along the same route.

By Train

A train service with first-class air-conditioned carriages runs daily between Riyadh and Dammam, via Hofuf and Abqaiq on the east coast. It is the only stretch of railway track in the entire Arabian Peninsula lies in Saudi Arabia. Trains leave three times daily in each direction except Thursday, when there is only one train.