Travel - International
Note
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. It is suspected that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia. All necessary steps to protect safety and to guarantee strict security arrangements should be undertaken. It should also be remembered that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
Air
Saudi Arabia’s national airline is Saudia (SV) (website: www.saudiairlines.com).
Approximate flight times
From London to Jeddah is five hours 50 minutes, to Riyadh is six hours 25 minutes, and to Dhahran is six hours 45 minutes. From Los Angeles to Jeddah is 18 hours 45 minutes and to Riyadh is 21 hours 15 minutes. From New York to Jeddah is 13 hours and to Riyadh is 16 hours. From Singapore to Jeddah is eight hours 25 minutes.
International airports
Riyadh (RUH) (King Khaled International) airport, 35km (22 miles) north of the city. Dhahran (DHA) (Al Khobar) airport, 13km (8 miles) southeast of Dhahran (travel time – 15 minutes). Jeddah (JED) (King Abdul Aziz) airport, 18km (11 miles) north of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Facilities at all the above airports include bus and taxi services, banks/bureaux de change, duty free shopping, car rental, restaurants and tourist information points. From Jeddah airport, bus and taxi services are available for Mecca, Medina and Taif. Dammam (DMM) (King Fahd International) airport, 30km (19) miles northwest of Dammam (travel time – 45 minutes).
Departure tax
SR50. Children, Hajj and Ummra pilgrims and passengers accompanying human remains are exempt.
Sea
The main international passenger ports are Dammam (Gulf), and Jeddah and Yanbu (Red Sea).
Road
The principal international routes from Jordan are Amman to Dammam, Medina and Jeddah. There are also roads to Yemen (from Jeddah), Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. A causeway links Al Khobar with Bahrain. There are regular international buses between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
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