With a growing network of international flights and a well-developed domestic transportation system, travelling to and around Saudi Arabia is surprisingly easy.
The vast country, the 13th largest in the world, boasts four international airports serviced by an increasing range of regional and long-haul flights. Once in the country, fifteen domestic airports and modern highway infrastructure makes exploring its diverse landscapes and rich heritage convenient and efficient.
Read on to learn more, as EXO shares a current snapshot of essential logistical details of travel to and within Saudi Arabia.
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED): Situated in Jeddah, a major commercial and coastal city. The airport boasts a number of direct, non-stop international flights from major global cities including London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO), Frankfurt (FRA), Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD), Washington Dulles (IAD), New York (JFK) and Bangkok (BKK). It is also well-connected to regional hubs such as Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) and Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH): Located in Riyadh, the capital city. Direct flights from many regional hubs, including s Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) and Abu Dhabi (AUHi, as well as longer-haul flights direct from London (LHR) and Istanbul (IST)
- AlUla International Airport (ULH): Located 25 km from AlUla’s main heritage sites and vibrant cultural centre, this airport is served by twice weekly flights from Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH)
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (DMM): Serving the city of Medina, a significant Islamic pilgrimage site. Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) and Istanbul (IST) are among the international, non-stop flight routes to DMM.
- Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport (TUU): Also known as Tabuk Regional Airport, the airport services the northwest of the country with regular flights to regional hubs such as, Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH), and seasonal flights to Amman (AMM)
- Red Sea International Airport (RSI): The gateway to Saudi’s luxurious Red Sea has regular domestic flights as well as twice-weekly flights to/from Dubai (DXB).
Getting Around Saudi Arabia
With its vast and diverse landscape, a Saudi Arabia holiday is best enjoyed with multiple stops. The country boasts an impressive infrastructure that makes domestic travel both easy and convenient.
An extensive network of airports links popular sites, with airlines such as Saudia and Flynas providing the most convenient and efficient way to navigate long distances.
For shorter distances, overland journeys along Saudi’s modern highway infrastructure in the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle with driver are a great way to enjoy the country’s diverse landscapes. Alternatively, self-drive car hire offers the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace.
The country’s high-speed train, known as the Haramain Train, is another great option for fast, efficient and comfortable travel. The train currently links major towns including Jeddah, Mecca and Medina. (Note: non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca thus not use the train between Jeddah and Mecca).
Airlines Serving Saudi Arabia
Several major airlines operate flights to and around Saudi Arabia, including the following prominent carriers include:
- Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia): The award-winning national carrier offers extensive domestic and international routes.
- Flynas: Saudi’s low-cost airline offers a wealth of domestic flight options as well as a growing number of international destinations.
- Wizz: Hungary’s low cost carrier connects Riyadh and Jeddah to many European cities
- Emirates: Emirates operates flights to multiple Saudi cities, connecting passengers from its hub in Dubai to various global destinations.
- Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways provides flights to major Saudi airports, with convenient connections through its Doha hub.
- Etihad Airways: Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways operates flights to Saudi Arabia.
- FlyDubai: Fly Dubai operates regular flights from Dubai to the Red Sea,
- Turkish Airlines: With its strategically-located Istanbul hub, Turkish Airlines offers connections to Saudi Arabia from numerous cities worldwide.
While we strive to offer the most accurate information available, it’s essential to note that travel in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly. EXO Saudi Arabia’s local experts stay up-to-date with new flight routes, schedule changes and other infrastructure developments. Please consult with our travel experts for the latest updates and tailored guidance.
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