With all of the changes going on in Saudi in recent years, more people than ever are expected to travel there. Ancient sites are being restored and/or renovated, such as Riyadh’s Al MasmakFortress and Mada’in Saleh (Hegra) in AlUla.Modern destinations are being developed, such as the Red Sea Project (leisure and entertainment); Qiddiya (sports, entertainment, and culture); and the AlUla Project (history, heritage, and culture). It is easier than ever to get a Saudi visa. Making Saudi a tourist destination is a key objective of Vision 2030, its comprehensive economic development and diversification plan.

To the north, Saudi is bordered by Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan. To the south, it is bordered by Yemen and Oman; and to the east, it is bordered by the UAE and Qatar. However, many people traveling to and from Saudi will choose to do so by airplane.

Planes
King Khalid International Airport(RUH) is located in Saudi’s capital and largest city: Riyadh.This central location is convenient for foreign visitors, but it is due to have a transformation into what its architects call an “aerotropolis” by 2050. The new airport will have at least six runways—currently, it has only two. Among the airlines serving RUH are Saudi’s Flynas and Saudia, as well as Air France, British Airways, EgyptAir, Emirates (airline), Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), located in Jeddah, is the busiest international airport in Saudi. This is due to the heavy traffic of pilgrims heading to Mecca during the Hajj season; in fact, it has a terminal dedicated to Hajj travelers.It currently has three runways, but it is also set to have an expansion due to be completed by 2035. It is served by the airlines listed for RUH, but with the addition of Air Canada and United Airlines.


The largest airport in the world by area is located in Saudi: King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam.Formerly a U.S. air base during the Gulf War, it has been open commercially since 1999. It has two runways and is served by the airlines listed for RUH minus British Airways, but with the addition of Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Trains
Saudi Arabia has two state-owned train companies that travel to different locations across the country: the Saudi Railway Company (SAR), which operates from Riyadh to Hail, and the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO), which operates from Dammam to Riyadh.While a flight may be quicker, traveling by train provides the opportunity to see Saudi in a way you can’t on a plane.For example, the journey between Dammam and Riyadh includes two stops along the way.The first stop is in Abqaiq, where one of the largest oil fields in Saudi is located. The next stop is Hofuf, which is part ofthe Al Ahsa Oasis—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural beauty.

There is also the HaramainHigh Speed Railway, currently operated by SAR. It links Medina, Jeddah, and Mecca and serves travelers observing the Hajj.These high-speed trains are all filled with comforts such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a ca​fé.

Riyadh has almost finished its metro, which began construction in 2014. The Riyadh Metro will have six lines and 85 stations, covering a total length of 176 kilometers (109 miles). It is expected to start transporting passengers in 2023, and will complement Riyadh’s existing bus system.

Automobiles
You can rent a car in Saudi, but you need to have an international driver’s license in addition to your regular driver’s license. Companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget are conveniently located in airports and major cities. (It is worth noting here that Saudis drive on the right side of the road.) Taxis and rideshares such as Uber are also available. The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates a fleet of more than 2,000 buses operating in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well asin other select cities and towns across the country. 

No matter what your travel needs are, Saudi is ready to accommodate you!