Transports in Riyadh
Riyadh is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Saudi Arabia. Discover, in this article, how to get around the city, whether to go to work or for leisure. If you're planning to settle in Riyadh, which is Saudi Arabia's capital city, you will most likely need to move around the city. You can either drive your own vehicle, provided you have a substantial driver's license or choose public transportation. Today, Riyadh has a scope of modes of transportation suiting your requirements: public transport, taxis, limousines, railway, etc.
Regarding the public infrastructure, you will be charmed by the city's cutting edge long and wide streets, including the primary tomahawks which comprise the Mecca and King Fadh thruways. These link the East to the West and the North toward the South respectively
Public transportation
You can pick between SAPTCO, which is the State-owned transport organisation, and private-owned businesses. In general, modest families in Riyadh prefer to use private-owned buses to commute to work and back.
Regarding SAPTCO, these spread over long distances till neighbouring urban areas like Medina, Buraida, Taif, Makkah, Dammam and Hofuf. Some of them even cross Saudi borders till Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Syria.
Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company, provide transportation service from one city to another with 2,000 vehicles. These go from Riyadh to Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Taif, Dammam, Abha, Gaseem, Tabuk and Hael. However, there might be limitations for going close to Yemen borders due to insecurity.
Taxi limousine
Taxicabs limousines can be found anywhere in the city, mostly on main streets. You can wave at them to ask the driver to stop. In any case, charges can't be checked in advance as most cabs are fitted with a taxi meter. In general, rates start from 5 riyals. You can also book a cab in advance if you have chosen a pickup point. Note that most taxi drivers in Riyadh speak English.
Train
Riyadh's railway system links the city to Damman and Hofuf, for example, within 4 hours. Note that married women should be accompanied by their husband when travelling by train. In short, they are not allowed to travel alone or with other men.
The Saudi Arabian Railways Organization operates over 449 km, linking Dammam, Abqaiq, Hofuf and Riyadh. The 4-hour railway trip is a pleasant experience as you go through the desert ridges. In general, count around $45 for the trip. A second Dammam-Riyadh line runs through Haradh.
Most trains are clean and comfortable. Note that advance booking is recommended, no less than 24 hours before the expected travel date
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