Saudi Arabia — Transport & Getting Around

Careem and Uber operate in all major cities and are the sensible default, avoiding the fare disputes common with street taxis. Women have been legally permitted to drive since June 2018, and car rental is straightforward for visitors with the appropriate licence or an international permit. The Riyadh Metro, a six-line network, opened in phases from late 2024 and has transformed movement in the capital, while the Haramain High-Speed Railway links Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City and Medina at up to 300 km/h. Domestic flights on Saudia and flynas connect the main cities cheaply and frequently. Principal airports are Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED) and Dammam (DMM). Road access to Mecca is restricted to Muslims, with checkpoints on the approaches.