Saudi Transport 2026 — Riyadh Metro, Driving & Costs

Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a car-dependent country, with wide highways and inexpensive fuel shaping the transport landscape. However, the Kingdom is investing heavily in public transport infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 modernisation plan. The landmark opening of the Riyadh Metro in 2024 marked a turning point, and further projects in Jeddah and other cities are in various stages of planning and development.

The historic decision to allow women to drive in June 2018 significantly expanded transport options for all residents. Ride-hailing services, particularly Uber and Careem (a regional platform acquired by Uber), have become essential parts of daily transport in Saudi cities. These apps offer convenient, affordable, and air-conditioned travel and are widely used by expats who do not own a car.

Fuel prices in Saudi Arabia remain among the lowest in the world, though gradual subsidy reforms have brought prices closer to market rates. As of 2026, petrol costs approximately SAR 2.18 (~€0.52) per litre for 91-octane fuel. Owning and operating a car is affordable compared to most countries, and many expats choose to purchase or lease a vehicle. Driving licences from many countries can be converted to a Saudi licence, though the process varies by nationality. Expats should be aware of Saudi traffic laws, including strict speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and the demerit-point system managed by Moroor (the traffic police).

Riyadh

Riyadh is experiencing a transport revolution. The Riyadh Metro, which opened in late 2024, is a six-line network spanning 176 kilometres with 85 stations, making it one of the largest metro systems built from scratch in the world. The lines connect major residential areas, business districts, universities, and the airport. The metro features three classes of travel: single, family, and first class. Fares are affordable, and integration with a network of feeder buses is designed to provide last-mile connectivity.

In addition to the metro, SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Company) operates an expanding network of public buses across the city. The Riyadh bus network covers key routes between residential districts and commercial centres, though frequency and coverage are still developing. The introduction of a unified smart card for metro and bus travel has simplified multi-modal commuting.

For many expats, private cars remain the primary mode of transport in Riyadh. The city's road network is extensive, with major arteries including King Fahd Road, Makkah Road, and the Northern Ring Road handling heavy traffic volumes. Rush-hour congestion is significant, particularly along the north-south corridors, so planning commute times is important. Parking is generally available and often free, though premium areas in Al Olaya and the DQ may have paid parking.

Ride-hailing via Uber and Careem is extremely popular in Riyadh and often more convenient than navigating traffic and parking. A typical cross-city trip costs SAR 25 to SAR 60 (~€6-14). Traditional metered taxis are also available, though ride-hailing apps are generally preferred for their reliability and cashless payment. For longer intercity travel, Riyadh is well-connected by road to Jeddah (approximately 950 km), Dammam (approximately 400 km), and other cities, with SAPTCO operating intercity bus services and the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) running trains on the Riyadh-Dammam line.

Jeddah

Jeddah does not yet have a metro system, though plans for a mass transit network have been discussed for years. The city relies primarily on private cars, taxis, and ride-hailing services for daily transport. Jeddah's road network is extensive but often congested, particularly along the main coastal highway (Corniche Road) and the commercial corridors in the city centre.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a significant transport asset for Jeddah residents. This 450 km/h train connects Jeddah (via King Abdulaziz International Airport station) with Makkah, Madinah, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The journey from Jeddah to Makkah takes approximately 30 minutes, and Jeddah to Madinah takes around two hours. Tickets can be booked online and range from SAR 50 to SAR 300 (~€12-72) depending on class and distance.

SAPTCO operates limited public bus services within Jeddah, primarily serving routes between the city centre, the airport, and major residential districts. However, coverage is not comprehensive, and most expats rely on personal vehicles or ride-hailing. Uber and Careem are widely available and commonly used, with fares comparable to Riyadh.

Driving in Jeddah requires awareness of local driving habits, which can differ from what Western expats are accustomed to. Lane discipline is loosely observed, and roundabout navigation can be challenging for newcomers. The city's flood risk during winter rains can also disrupt traffic, as drainage infrastructure has historically struggled with heavy downpours. Expats are advised to avoid driving through flooded areas. For travel to Makkah, non-Muslim expats should be aware that entry to the city is restricted, and road checkpoints are in place on approach routes.

Dammam

The Dammam metropolitan area is highly car-dependent, with no metro or rail-based urban transit system. The region's transport infrastructure centres on a well-maintained highway network connecting Dammam, Al Khobar, and Dhahran, with the three cities forming a closely linked metropolitan triangle. The King Fahd Causeway, a 25 km bridge linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, is a major transport corridor and one of the busiest border crossings in the Gulf.

SAPTCO operates limited bus services in the Eastern Province, mainly connecting the three main cities and providing intercity links to Riyadh and other destinations. The Saudi Railway Company (SAR) operates a passenger service on the Dammam-Riyadh line, with the journey taking approximately four hours. A new station in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh has improved connectivity on this route.

Most expats in the Eastern Province own or lease a car. Traffic is generally less congested than Riyadh or Jeddah, making driving more pleasant. Fuel costs are low, and parking is widely available and usually free. The road from Al Khobar to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway is a popular weekend route, though delays at the border crossing can be significant on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings. An electronic toll system (SPAN) is used for causeway crossings.

Uber and Careem operate in the Dammam-Khobar-Dhahran area, though availability may be lower than in Riyadh and Jeddah, particularly in less central locations. Traditional taxis are available but less regulated. Within the Aramco residential community in Dhahran, company-operated shuttle buses provide transport between residential areas, office complexes, and community facilities. Expats working for Aramco typically receive transportation support as part of their employment package.