Getting There and Travelling Around

International Airports

Riyadh (RUH): 35 km from the city.
Dhahran (DHA): 13 km from the city.
Jeddah (JED): 18 km from the city.
Full list of airports in Saudi Arabia with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Air travel is the most convenient way of travelling around Saudi Arabia, and there are many domestic airports connecting the main centres. Flights from Riyadh to Jeddah take just over an hour. There are also special flights for pilgrims arriving at or departing from Jeddah during the Hajj.

Dhows may be chartered for outings on both coasts, and a speedy car ferry runs between Duba and Hurghada on most days.

The main railway line is the 570 km (354 mile) long Riyadh-Dammam line, which links Dhahran, Abqaiq, Hofuf, Harad and Al Kharj. An additional line links Riyadh with Hofuf. Children under four travel free.

Saudi's road network is currently being improved and extended, and much of it now is of high quality. However, driving standards tend to be somewhat erratic, particularly in the Eastern Province. Vehicles may be hired through most international car hire agencies; however, the minimum age is 25, and women are not permitted to drive at all. It is also worth bearing in mind that there are restrictions on women travelling by car with men who are not related by blood or marriage.

There is a modern bus service serving both inter-urban and local needs. These vehicles have a screened-off section for the exclusive use of female passengers.