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Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia in a Nutshell
Saudi keeps catching people off guard. The rock-carved tombs of AlUla feel like another planet. Jeddah's old town is all coral-stone alleys and lantern light. Riyadh is slick and fast. And the Red Sea coast? Clear water and quiet reefs most people don't even know are here. Tourism only opened up in 2019, so you're still getting in early. That's rare.
6–7 hrs
Direct from the UK
Nov–Mar
Best time to visit
Arabic + English
English common in cities
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
100 SAR ≈ £21 / $27 / €24
Watch First
See Saudi Arabia in 60 Seconds
A quick look before you read on. Then read on for the full story.
Saudi Arabia is a country of vast deserts, ancient landscapes, futuristic cities, and centuries of history waiting to be discovered. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the modern skyline of Riyadh, the ancient rock formations of AlUla, the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, the dramatic Empty Quarter, and historic sites that reveal a fascinating side of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether you’re travelling for adventure, culture, history, or extraordinary landscapes, Saudi Arabia offers a destination that feels both timeless and completely new.
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When to go
Best Time To Visit Saudi Arabia
Saudi runs on desert weather, so timing really matters. Winter gives you crisp, sunny days made for sightseeing. Summer can turn a quick walk into a personal challenge.
Winter
Nov – Mar
The sweet spot. Warm days, cool nights, ideal for Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the big outdoor sights. Peak season, so book early around Christmas and New Year.
Shoulder Season
Oct & Apr
A solid middle ground. Still warm but far more manageable than full summer, with slightly better prices and fewer crowds. A smart time to go.
Summer
May – Sep
Hot, especially inland. Plan around early mornings and evenings, lean on indoor attractions and air con, or head for the cooler highlands around Abha.
Good to know
What To Expect On The Ground
The practical stuff first-timers always ask about. Quick answers so you can plan without second-guessing.
Capital
Riyadh. Fast, modern, and packed with food and skyline views. The metro makes it easy to cross.
Money & ATMs
100 SAR ≈ £21 / $27 / €24. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in cities. Keep small cash for markets and tips.
Plugs
Type G, same as the UK. 230V, 50Hz. UK plugs work as-is, everyone else needs an adapter.
Safety
Generally safe and well-policed. Standard city smarts apply. The bigger risks are practical: heat, distance, and local etiquette.
Language wins
"Marhaba" (hello), "Shukran" (thank you), "Kam?" (how much?). English shows up on road signs and at major sights.
The heat is real
Don't underestimate it, especially late spring to early autumn. Plan outdoor stuff for mornings and evenings, and drink water constantly.
Right Now
Live Weather in Riyadh
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
44°C
- Temperature
Read before you fly
Essential Saudi Arabia Guides
From AlUla's ancient tombs to the Red Sea coast. The guides worth reading before you book anything. More landing here soon.
Fresh Off The Keyboard
Latest Saudi Arabia Articles
Every Saudi Arabia guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit (coming soon)
Travel Tips
Everything Else
The money bit
How Much Does Saudi Arabia Cost?
Not as expensive as people expect, but costs vary a lot depending on how you travel. Here's the honest daily breakdown, all prices in GBP, USD, and EUR.
Backpacker
£43–£78/day
$55–$99 / €50–€90 / SAR 200–360
- Hostel dorms or budget hotels
- Casual local restaurants and cafes
- Metro and ride-hailing apps
- Free souqs, parks, and viewpoints
Mid-Range
£86–£155/day
$110–$198 / €100–€180 / SAR 400–720
- Good hotels and apartments
- Restaurants, food courts, and cafes
- Domestic flights for longer hops
- Paid museums, tours, and experiences
Upscale
£215+/day
$275+ / €250+ / SAR 1,000+
- Boutique hotels and luxury resorts
- Fine dining and premium experiences
- Private transfers and guided tours
- AlUla luxury camps, Red Sea retreats
Budget
- Hostel dorm£16–£38 / $21–$48 / €19–€43 / SAR 75–180
- Budget hotel£46–£96 / $59–$120 / €52–€107 / SAR 215–450
- Desert camp (basic)£75–£130 / $95–$165 / €87–€150
Mid – Luxury
- Apartment (whole place)£64–£150 / $80–$187 / €74–€173
- Boutique hotel£100–£200+ / $125–$250+ / €115–€230+
- Luxury AlUla camp£255+ / $320+ / €295+
City Travel
- Metro (per ride)£1–£2 / $1–$3 / €1–€2 / SAR 4–9
- Ride-hailing short trip£3–£9 / $4–$11 / €3.50–€10
Long Distance
- Intercity bus£8–£30 / $11–$37 / €9–€35
- Domestic flight (one way)£43–£150 / $53–$187 / €50–€173
- Car rental per day£26–£54 / $32–$67 / €30–€62
Eat Cheap
- Budget meal (local spot)£3–£6 / $4–$8 / €3.50–€7
- Coffee£3–£5 / $3–$7 / €3.50–€6
- Soft drink / juice£1–£2 / $1–$3 / €1–€2
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant£10–£26 / $12–$32 / €11–€30
- Seafood meal£15–£40+ / $19–$50+ / €17–€46+
- NoteAlcohol is not available in Saudi Arabia
Budget Fun
- Museum / heritage site£0–£13 / $0–$16 / €0–€15
- Souq wandering & waterfrontFree
- Self-guided city exploringFree
Big Experiences
- Guided AlUla day trip£54–£195 / $67–$240 / €62–€225
- Desert tour£54–£215 / $67–$270 / €62–€250
- Red Sea snorkel / dive£40–£130 / $50–$162 / €46–€150
Stretch your riyal
Ways to Save Money in Saudi Arabia
Small habits that add up fast. None of these mean roughing it, they just mean not overpaying.
Bring a reusable bottle and refill from hotel or cafe filtered water. Tap isn't reliable.
Use Riyadh's metro where you can. It's cheap, air-conditioned, and beats the traffic.
Travel midweek in November, early December, or late January for better prices.
Book hotels or apartments just outside city centres and save a noticeable amount.
Eat at packed local grill spots and cafes. Cheaper, tastier, and usually faster.
Stock up at supermarkets for breakfast, snacks, and water before road trips.
Self-guided souq and city wandering costs nothing and delivers some of the best moments.
Check online for discounted tickets or off-peak slots before booking attractions.
Desert sunsets, coastal walks, and mountain viewpoints are free. Plan around them.
Book AlUla accommodation and experiences early. Good-value options go fast in peak season.
Pay by card almost everywhere, but keep small cash for tips and local market stalls.
Aim for October or April. Shoulder season means fewer crowds and slightly better rates.
Getting around
How To Get Around Saudi Arabia
Saudi is enormous, roughly a quarter the size of the USA. Getting the transport right makes the whole trip work better. Here's the breakdown.
Domestic Flights
Best for long distances. Riyadh to Jeddah is an hour in the air versus a full day on the road.
- Frequent routes between major cities
- Budget airlines from £43 (~$55/€50) one way
- Book early, peak winter prices spike
Car Rental
Best for flexibility and reaching desert areas, AlUla, and highland routes. Highways are excellent.
- Freedom to go off the beaten track
- From £26/day (~$32/€30)
- Distances are deceptive, build in buffer time
Public Transport
Modern, clean, and genuinely useful for crossing Riyadh without traffic. Worth using.
- From around £1 (~$1.30/€1.20) per ride
- Air conditioned (this matters here)
- Currently only covers Riyadh
Ride-Hailing
The default way most visitors get around cities. Easy, reliable, and no negotiating.
- Works well in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam
- Short rides from £3–£4 (~$4–$5)
- Less useful outside city limits
Intercity Bus
Budget-friendly for routes between major cities. SAPTCO is the main operator.
- Cheapest intercity option from £8 (~$11)
- Overnight buses save on accommodation
- Long journey times between distant cities
Airport Transfer
Main airports are Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and AlUla (ULH). Ride-hailing from arrivals is usually easiest.
- All major airports have good road access
- Ride-hailing available from arrivals
- Pre-book private transfers for remote areas
Exploring Riyadh or Jeddah
Ride-hailing plus the metro in Riyadh
Getting between cities fast
Domestic flight, book early
AlUla and desert areas
Car rental or a guided tour
Tight budget, flexible timing
Intercity bus plus ride-hailing
Quick wins
Four Things Worth Knowing
Download Apps Early
Get your ride-hailing app set up at the airport before you actually need it.
Plan Around the Heat
May to September means mornings and evenings only. The midday sun is not joking.
AlUla Needs a Car
Ride-hailing doesn't really reach AlUla. A rental or guided transfer is essential.
Save Addresses in Arabic
Especially outside city centres. It helps drivers and avoids confusion.
Do More
Book Tours & Tickets
Skip-the-line entries, desert trips, and AlUla day tours.
Before you go
Related Resources
The guides worth bookmarking for when something goes sideways, because sometimes it does.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially with no healthcare agreement here. We compare policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyBefore you book
Saudi Arabia Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?
Can women travel to Saudi Arabia solo?
Is alcohol available in Saudi Arabia?
What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?
When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
Do I need travel insurance for Saudi Arabia?
What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?
Can I drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia?
How long do I need in Saudi Arabia?
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