Saudi Arabia is a big country, roughly the size of Western Europe, so the airport you choose shapes your whole trip. Fly into the city closest to what you want to see first, and use domestic flights or trains for the rest. Before you book, check you have the right visa: most Western visitors can get a tourist eVisa online in minutes.
The main international airports
| Airport | Code | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| King Khalid International, Riyadh | RUH | The capital, Diriyah, the Edge of the World |
| King Abdulaziz International, Jeddah | JED | Jeddah, the Red Sea coast, Taif, Umrah travel |
| King Fahd International, Dammam | DMM | The Eastern Province, Al-Ahsa, Bahrain |
| Prince Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz, AlUla | ULH | AlUla and Hegra |
| Red Sea International | RSI | The resorts of the Red Sea Project |
Riyadh and Jeddah handle the vast majority of long-haul flights. Jeddah's modern Terminal 1 has its own station on the Haramain high-speed railway, and Riyadh's terminals are linked to the city by the Yellow Line of the metro (see airport transfers). AlUla and Red Sea International are smaller airports with mostly domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, plus a handful of seasonal or regional international routes that change from year to year. Madinah (MED), Abha (AHB), Taif (TIF) and Tabuk (TUU) also receive some international flights.
Airlines
- Saudia, the long-established flag carrier, flies from Riyadh and Jeddah to Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, and has the largest domestic network.
- Riyadh Air, the new national airline, began full commercial service in June 2026 with Boeing 787-9s. Its network from Riyadh is growing fast, with London, Manchester, Madrid, Dubai, Cairo and several Asian cities among the first routes. Check the latest schedule, as routes are still being added.
- flynas and flyadeal are the low-cost carriers, with dense domestic networks and short-haul routes across the Gulf, the Middle East, Türkiye and parts of Europe and Asia.
Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad connect Saudi cities with the rest of the world via their hubs, and many European and Asian airlines fly direct to Riyadh and Jeddah. Compare dates and routings on Trip.com.
By land
The King Fahd Causeway links Bahrain with Al Khobar in the Eastern Province. It is about 25 km long and is one of the busiest land crossings in the Gulf; expect queues on Thursday evenings and at weekends, when many Saudis visit Bahrain. Buses run between Manama and Dammam or Al Khobar, and taxis can take you across. There are also road borders with the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Jordan.
Check that your visa allows entry by land before you set off: tourist eVisa holders can normally use land borders, but some visa types are air-only. If you are driving a hire car across, you will need written permission from the rental company and border insurance.
Arriving
Saudi Arabia is on UTC+3 all year, with no daylight saving. Immigration at the big airports is usually efficient, and you can buy a local SIM in the arrivals hall, though an eSIM bought before you fly saves time. Remember that alcohol and pork products may not be imported. Planning the season? Read our guide to the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport should I fly into for a first trip to Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh (RUH) or Jeddah (JED). They have the most international flights, and from either you can reach AlUla, the Red Sea or the mountains by domestic flight.
Is Riyadh Air flying yet?
Yes. Riyadh Air began full commercial flights in June 2026 and is adding routes from Riyadh every few months. Check its website for the current network.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia by land from Bahrain?
Yes, over the King Fahd Causeway to Al Khobar. Check that your visa allows land entry and allow extra time at weekends.
Are flights to Saudi Arabia running normally?
Not always. In October 2026 attacks on airports caused closures and many cancellations. Check government travel advice and your airline before you travel.
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