Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Don't rely on street names (there are often several versions). If you're not going to a well-known place, find out
if it's close to a local landmark. Alternatively, ask someone to write it down in Arabic.
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Check you'll be able to find a cab for the return journey: in many places it's safest to ask the taxi driver to wait.
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Avoid using unlicensed cab drivers at airports.
REGULAR TAXI
The regular taxi (also known as 'contract', 'agency', 'telephone', 'private', 'engaged' or 'special taxi') is found in all
the main Peninsula towns or cities, co-existing alongside less-expensive means of transport (such as shared taxis or
minibuses).
Its main purpose is for transportation within a town or on a short rural trip. It is also often the only way of reaching
airports or seaports and is generally considered safe for women travellers.
SHARED TAXI
Known also as 'collect', 'collective' or 'service taxi' in English, and
servees
in Arabic, most shared taxis can take up to
four or five passengers, but some seat up to 12 and are indistinguishable from minibuses.
Shared taxis are far cheaper than private taxis and, once you get the hang of them, can be just as convenient. They're
usually a little dearer than buses, but run more frequently and are usually faster (they don't stop as often or as long).
They also tend to operate for longer hours than buses. Shared taxis function as urban, intercity and rural transport.
Fixed-route taxis wait at the point of departure until full or nearly full. Usually they pick up or drop off passengers
anywhere en route, but in some places they have fixed stops or stations. Generally a flat fare applies for each route, but
sometimes it's possible to pay a partial fare.
On 'routeless' taxis, fares depend largely on time and distance and the number of passengers on board.
Beware of boarding an empty shared taxi. The driver may assume you want to hire the vehicle as a 'regular taxi' and
charge accordingly. You may also have to wait a long time (sometimes several hours) for it to leave, particularly if it's
destined for a remote place.
Passengers are expected to know where they are getting off.
Shukran
is thank you in Arabic and the usual cue for the
driver to stop. Make it clear to the driver or other passengers if you want to be told when you reach your destination.
Train
The only train services in the region are in Saudi Arabia, which connects the capital with the east of the Kingdom (run-
ning from Riyadh to Dammam, via Hofuf and Dhahran among other places), and a new metro service in Dubai. Plans
are afoot to build a track along the Batinah coast of Oman.
