Getting Around Riyadh: Transport Guide

Public transport is available to a limited degree, consisting of minibuses, which ply a few routes and usually operate for men only. Buses that do admit women have a screened off area, separating them from the men. A better option for visitors, though, are taxis (white in colour), which can be booked through the hotel or hired directly from an amenable driver. Fares are reasonable and the taxis are metered. Car hire is also possible, but driving can be a little daunting, despite the deceptively easy-looking wide roads. Directional road signs tend to have English translations, but street signs are in Arabic only. Some traffic rules differ from those in the west, and penalties for speeding or reckless driving are severe.

By Road

There is a limousine service from the airport to the traveller's destination. Travel agents rent out cars. The government decides the rate. The roads are good and it makes a lot of sense to rent a car if you like your independence. An international driving license is suggested although the authorities usually accept licenses of western countries.

There are regular SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company) bus services from the airports to various hotels and the centre of town. You will need identification to buy your tickets. Queues are long. Single women tourists, beware that unaccompanied women are not allowed to travel by bus.

The buses and mini buses marked airport go to the old airport.

There are two kinds of taxis: white and orange and yellow taxis. They are metered. The drivers of the white and orange speak English.