Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Saudi Arabia.

National Trains [القطار]

Saudi Railways — The Saudi Railway Company operates the main network connecting Riyadh, Dammam, and Khobar. Trains are modern, comfortable, and significantly cheaper than flying, though journey times are lengthy (8+ hours Riyadh to Dammam).
Booking tickets — Purchase tickets online via the Saudi Railways website or mobile app, or at station counters. Book in advance during peak travel times, especially weekends and holidays.
ID verification is required at check-in; carry your passport or Iqama (residence permit). Luggage allowances are generous but oversized bags may incur fees.
Train strikes occasionally occur without much notice; check recent travel updates before planning a long journey. The network is limited compared to other GCC countries.

Riyadh Metro — The modern Riyadh Metro (opened 2020) covers six lines with stations across the city. It's fast, air-conditioned, and far cheaper than taxis; single journeys cost 1–3 SAR depending on distance.
Hayat card — Get a reloadable Hayat card from metro stations for convenience; tap to enter and exit. Tourist cards are also available at kiosks in main stations.
Bus networks — SAPTCO operates intercity coaches; local city buses run in Riyadh (SAPTCO), Jeddah, and Dammam. Buses are affordable and air-conditioned, though schedules can be irregular.
Women-only sections exist on metro cars and buses; respect these designations. During prayer times, some services may pause briefly.
Metro stations are gender-segregated during peak hours in some cases; families and couples can share spaces. Congestion is heaviest during morning and evening commutes.

Uber and Careem — Both apps operate widely in major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, etc.). Prices are transparent upfront, rides are tracked in real-time, and payment is digital—far preferable to unmarked street taxis.
White taxis — Official metered white taxis exist but are becoming rare; if using one, insist the meter is on or negotiate the fare beforehand. Many drivers prefer Uber/Careem as it's clearer for both parties.
Unmarked black taxis often overcharge tourists significantly; avoid hailing them on the street. Always use an app or call a licensed company if you don't know the driver.
Women traveling alone should use registered apps with driver tracking; avoid sitting in the front seat with strange drivers. Share your trip details with a trusted contact.
Surge pricing is common during peak hours and events; check the quoted fare before confirming. Some drivers may cancel rides if the price seems low; this can be frustrating but is normal.

You must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license; local driving licenses are required for residents. Rental companies will ask for both documents.
Saudi driving can be chaotic and aggressive; expect high speeds, sudden lane changes, and minimal signaling. If you're not an experienced defensive driver, using taxis or ride apps is safer.
Speed limits are enforced by camera and police; fines are substantial (500–3,000 SAR) and sometimes deducted from rental car deposits. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Driving under the influence, using a phone while driving, and parking violations all carry heavy fines. Traffic accidents can result in police detention; have comprehensive travel insurance.
Fuel and rentals — Petrol is extremely cheap (roughly 0.9 SAR/liter). Car rentals are available at airports and city centers; compare Hertz, Europcar, and local firms. Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended.

Major hubs — King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), and King Fahd International Airport (Dammam) are the main gateways. All are modern, well-organized, and have good ground transport links.
Getting to/from airports — Use Uber or Careem from airports (usually cheaper than official taxis). Riyadh airport has a rapid transit rail link to the city center; check if it's operational. Hotels often offer shuttle services.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; check with the Saudi embassy beforehand. E-visas are available for many nationalities and can be obtained online before arrival.
Airport queues can be long during peak hours; arrive early. Duty-free allowances are standard; alcohol and pork products are strictly prohibited on entry.
Prayer rooms and facilities — All major airports have prayer rooms, restaurants, prayer spaces, and family rest areas. Plan accordingly during prayer times when some facilities may be busy.

Limited ferry services — Saudi Arabia has few passenger ferry routes compared to other Gulf countries. The main option is the Dammam-Bahrain causeway crossing, primarily served by buses and cars rather than dedicated ferries.
Regional crossings — Some cruise services operate from Jeddah and Dammam to neighboring countries, but these are typically tourist cruises rather than practical transport. Check local operators for current schedules.
Ferries to other GCC countries are not a standard transport option for tourists; flights and the causeway are far more common. Don't rely on ferries as a primary means of regional travel.

Hayat smart card (Riyadh) — This reloadable card works on the Riyadh Metro and some bus services. Load it at kiosks or via the Hayat app; prices are discounted compared to single journey tickets.
Booking in advance — Purchase train and intercity bus tickets online via the Saudi Railways app, SAPTCO website, or apps like Almosafer and Klook. Early booking often yields discounts and guarantees seating.
Printed or digital tickets are both accepted; keep your booking reference and ID handy. Cancellation and refund policies vary; read terms carefully when booking.
Ticket prices surge during peak seasons (Eid holidays, summer vacation). Plan trips during off-peak times if you're budget-conscious.

Major providers — STC, Mobily, and Zain are the three main mobile operators with extensive 4G/5G coverage nationwide. All offer prepaid and postpaid plans; visitor packages are available at airports and retail shops.
Getting a SIM card — Purchase a local SIM at airport kiosks, shopping malls, or convenience stores with your passport. Activation is usually instant; data plans are inexpensive (often 30–100 SAR for generous data bundles).
Internet speed — Saudi Arabia has excellent mobile internet coverage and speeds in cities. Wifi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, malls, and public spaces; download maps offline if traveling to remote areas.
Some government websites and banking apps may require a local phone number; having a local SIM simplifies verification and two-factor authentication.
International roaming can be expensive; a local SIM is far cheaper for extended stays. Certain apps and content may be restricted or filtered depending on local regulations.