How to Get Around Saudi Arabia

Flying is how the country is crossed. Saudia and flynas connect Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla, Abha and the rest, and the distances make this the sensible default — Riyadh to AlUla is a very long drive.

The Haramain high-speed railway links Jeddah, Mecca, Medina and King Abdulaziz airport at 300 km/h, and there is a separate line from Riyadh to Dammam and north to Qassim and Hail. Comfortable and good value.

Driving is easy on excellent roads and a hire car is the best way to see AlUla, Asir and the Edge of the World. Women have been permitted to drive since 2018. Fuel is very cheap. Drive defensively — speeds are high and the accident rate is poor — and avoid driving at night outside cities because of camels on the road.

Ride-hailing — Uber and Careem — works well in every city and is the easiest way around town. Riyadh’s metro opened recently and covers much of the capital.

Note that non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca, and the route bypasses are signposted.