Getting around Saudi Arabia
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
Yes
Duration
6h10 to Riyadh, 5h45 to Jeddah (direct)
Indicative round-trip price
400-750 EUR round trip depending on the season
Book
1-3 months ahead, avoid the Hajj and Ramadan for better prices
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
SAPTCO (SAT brand) links the big cities by long-distance bus: Riyadh-Jeddah about 207 SAR, far cheaper than flying.
Train
Train a grande vitesse du Haramain entre Jeddah, La Mecque et Medine. Ligne Riyad-Dammam a l'est. Reseau limite mais confortable.
Taxi
Avoid street taxis with no meter. Uber, Careem and the local app Jeeny (often cheaper) cover the cities at a set price: ~15-25 SAR for a 10 km ride.
Metro
Riyadh metro fully open since January 2025: 6 lines, 176 km, 85 stations. 2h pass at 4 SAR, 7 days at 40 SAR - the most economical way to move around the capital.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyad | Jeddah | Plane (flynas/Saudia) | 2h | 150-400 SAR |
| Jeddah | Medina | Train Haramain (grande vitesse) | 2h | 150-250 SAR |
| Riyad | Jeddah | SAPTCO bus | 10-12h | ~207 SAR |
| Riyad | AlUla | Vol interieur + voiture | 2h flight + shuttle | 250-600 SAR |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
All but non-existent, unsuited to the distances and the heat
Car
150-350 SAR + fuel (petrol is very cheap) / day
International permit recommended along with the national licence
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Taxis de rue sans compteur
Some drivers inflate the price or refuse to use the meter.
Tip :Utiliser Uber, Careem ou Jeeny a tarif affiche avant de monter.
Fake site access
Fake guides offering paid 'special' entries around the heritage sites.
Tip :Book AlUla/Hegra experiences only through the official channels (experiencealula.com).
Practical tips
- Drive on the right; petrol is very cheap, a car is ideal for AlUla and the Asir.
- The Riyadh metro and the Haramain train are modern and economical, favor them when they serve your route.
- Women have driven freely since 2018, no mobility restriction.
Other transport guides
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