What is the cheapest way from Jeddah Airport to the city centre?

The SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Bus 13) to the Al-Balad Corniche station, a flat 15 SAR paid by smart card, taking about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 or 50 from the North Terminal.

How do I pay for the airport bus in Jeddah?

By SAPTCO smart card or the Jeddah Buses app only — there is no cash fare on board. Buy or top up the card at the arrivals kiosk and keep at least 15 SAR on it, as the card cannot go negative.

Where does the airport bus leave from at JED?

Exit the terminal to your right (Exit 2) and walk about 70–80 metres to the bus bays; the Airport Express is Bus 13 at the second bay, running roughly every 30 minutes from about 05:30 to 23:30.

Can I take the Haramain high-speed train from Jeddah Airport to the city?

No — the Haramain high-speed railway station at the airport serves Makkah and Madinah, not central Jeddah, so it is not a city-centre route.

How much is a taxi or Uber from Jeddah Airport to Al-Balad?

A Careem or Uber to central Jeddah is roughly 76–85 SAR. Avoid the 'limousine' touts inside arrivals, whose unmetered cars charge 150–200+ SAR.

What is the best way from JED to downtown Jeddah?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Bus 13) to the Al-Balad Corniche station, a flat 15 SAR by smart card and about 35–50 minutes depending on your terminal.

How do you get from Jeddah Airport (JED) to downtown Jeddah — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) into central Jeddah is the SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Bus 13): a flat 15 SAR to the Al-Balad Corniche station, taking about 35–50 minutes depending on your terminal. Buy and load a SAPTCO smart card at the arrivals kiosk before you board, as the bus takes no cash. Ignore the 'limousine' touts inside arrivals whose unmetered cars run 150–200+ SAR; if you miss the bus, a Careem or Uber is about 76–85 SAR. Note the Haramain high-speed train at the airport goes to Makkah and Madinah, not central Jeddah.

How to find it

AIRPORTJeddah – King Abdulaziz International Airport
01In the arrivals hall, ignore the bus/train signs to the left — exit the terminal to your right (Exit 2) and walk about 70–80 metres to the bus bays; the Airport Express is Bus 13 at the second bay.
02Before queuing, buy or top up a SAPTCO smart card at the terminal kiosk (or set up the Jeddah Buses app), keeping at least 15 SAR on it — the card is the only accepted fare.
03Board Bus 13 (departures every :00 and :30, roughly 05:30–23:30) and tap your card. The fare is a flat 15 SAR.
04Ride about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 (around 50 from the North Terminal) to the Al-Balad Corniche / SAPTCO intercity station, in the heart of old-town Jeddah near the Corniche.
CITY CENTREJeddah

Ticket

SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Route 13) single fare, paid with a smart card or the Jeddah Buses app

Where to buy: Buy or top up a SAPTCO smart card at the ticket kiosk inside the terminal, or pay through the Jeddah Buses app. The driver can sell a card for cash (25 SAR loaded, or 55 SAR) if the kiosk is closed.

How to pay: Payment is by smart card or app only — there is no cash fare on board. Keep at least 15 SAR credit on the card (it cannot go negative) and tap it as you board.

Local's trick: The bus is smart-card only, so buy and load the card at the arrivals kiosk before you queue and keep 15 SAR on it — the card blocks a negative balance and drivers sometimes hand out empty cards. Bus 13 drops right at the Al-Balad Corniche SAPTCO station, walkable to the old-town souqs.

Trap to avoid: Ignore the 'limousine' touts who approach inside arrivals — their unmetered cars run 150–200+ SAR into town. If you skip the bus, order a Careem or Uber (about 76–85 SAR) rather than taking an unmetered airport taxi.

All ways to downtown, compared

Option	Price	Time	Ticket
BusCheapest route	SAR 15.00	50 min	SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Route 13) single fare, paid with a smart card or the Jeddah Buses app
Combination	SAR 76.00	30 min	Careem or Uber app ride to central Jeddah

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Jeddah Airport to the city centre?: The SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Bus 13) to the Al-Balad Corniche station, a flat 15 SAR paid by smart card, taking about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 or 50 from the North Terminal.
How do I pay for the airport bus in Jeddah?: By SAPTCO smart card or the Jeddah Buses app only — there is no cash fare on board. Buy or top up the card at the arrivals kiosk and keep at least 15 SAR on it, as the card cannot go negative.
Where does the airport bus leave from at JED?: Exit the terminal to your right (Exit 2) and walk about 70–80 metres to the bus bays; the Airport Express is Bus 13 at the second bay, running roughly every 30 minutes from about 05:30 to 23:30.
Can I take the Haramain high-speed train from Jeddah Airport to the city?: No — the Haramain high-speed railway station at the airport serves Makkah and Madinah, not central Jeddah, so it is not a city-centre route.
How much is a taxi or Uber from Jeddah Airport to Al-Balad?: A Careem or Uber to central Jeddah is roughly 76–85 SAR. Avoid the 'limousine' touts inside arrivals, whose unmetered cars charge 150–200+ SAR.
What is the best way from JED to downtown Jeddah?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the SAPTCO / Jeddah Buses Airport Express (Bus 13) to the Al-Balad Corniche station, a flat 15 SAR by smart card and about 35–50 minutes depending on your terminal.

Last verified: Jul 1, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.