By Air
Saudi Arabia has three main international airports. King Khalid International (RUH) is 35km north of Riyadh and handles the most traffic. King Abdulaziz International (JED) is 18km north of Jeddah and is the main entry point for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as well as Red Sea visitors. King Fahd International (DMM) serves Dammam and the Eastern Province.
The national carrier is Saudia, which flies to most major cities in Europe, Asia, and North America. flynas is a well-established low-cost carrier with an extensive domestic and regional route network. Riyadh Air, launched in late 2025, is scaling up as a full-service premium airline based in the capital.
Approximate flight times: London to Riyadh is around 6.5 hours; New York to Riyadh is about 15 hours (often with a connection); Dubai to Riyadh is just 2 hours. Dozens of European, Asian, and American carriers serve Saudi Arabia directly — the number of routes has grown rapidly since 2019.
By Land
A causeway connects Al Khobar in the Eastern Province to Bahrain, a popular crossing for Gulf residents. Road crossings from Jordan and the UAE exist but are used mainly by residents and truckers. The Yemen and Iraq borders are not practical entry points.
By Sea
The main international passenger ports are Jeddah and Yanbu on the Red Sea, and Dammam on the Gulf. Cruise ships stop at Jeddah with increasing frequency.
Visas
Citizens of 49 eligible countries — including most of Europe, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan — can obtain an e-visa online before departure or a visa on arrival at major airports. The tourist e-visa is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits cumulative stays of up to 90 days. It costs around USD 130 and includes mandatory travel insurance.
Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa. The eligibility list expands periodically — check the current requirements at visitsaudi.com before booking.