Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUS
Saptco
( 800 124 9999;
www.saptco.com.sa
)
offers the best international bus services and other companies from
surrounding countries also cover the same routes for similar prices. Saptco prices are kept low by the government. De-
partures are primarily from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. There are currently no buses to Iraq, while you'll need to
change in Dubai if travelling to Oman.
FROM TO
PRICE (SR)
DURATION (HRS)
FREQUENCY
Riyadh
Amman
200
22
three weekly
Riyadh
Kuwait
210
eight
three weekly
Riyadh
Bahrain
120
six
three daily
Riyadh
Dubai
140
12
daily
Jeddah
Amman
200
18
daily
Jeddah
Sana'a
175
24
three weekly
Dammam
Bahrain
60
60
five daily
Dammam
Doha
220
220
daily
Dammam
Kuwait
120
120
four weekly
Dammam
Abu Dhabi
125
125
daily
Dammam
Dubai
125
10
daily
Getting Around
AIR
Most domestic air routes in Saudi Arabia are still best served by Saudi Arabian Airlines
(
Click here
)
but the national carrier also has a low-cost domestic rival in the form of
Nas
(
www.flynas.com
)
.
The competition has increased already with frequent flights between major towns. Un-
like international tickets (which travel agents can sell at discounted prices) domestic
Saudia tickets cost the same price whether bought from an agency or direct from Saudia.
Domestic tickets can be bought from abroad. Tickets can be changed as often as you
like (though SR20 is sometimes charged) and you can get refunds (minus an administra-
tion charge of SR20) even on missed flights. Putting yourself on the waiting list is well
worthwhile as there are so many no-shows.
Checking in 1½ hours prior to departure is advised for domestic flights. Note that Med-
ina airport lies outside the
haram
(forbidden) area so it can be used by tourists.
