How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Saudi Arabia?

Curious about traveling to Saudi Arabia but unsure about the budget? Since opening its doors to tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has attracted a range of travelers, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious explorers. While Saudi may not be a traditional backpacking destination, it’s certainly possible to experience the country on a budget with a bit of planning. Here’s a guide to traveling in Saudi Arabia affordably, including insights into accommodation, transportation, food, and sightseeing.

Overview of Travel Costs in Saudi Arabia

As of the latest exchange rate, 1 USD is roughly 3.75 SAR (Saudi Riyal). On average, travelers should budget around $55 per day to cover accommodation, food, and activities.

Currency, ATMs, and Payment Options

Saudi Arabia’s currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs are widely available and generally don’t charge extra fees for international cards. Many places accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and Google Pay and Apple Pay are becoming more popular in urban areas.

Tip: When withdrawing cash, try to select amounts that result in smaller denominations. Some ATMs issue 500 SAR notes, which can be challenging to break for small purchases.

Accommodation Costs in Saudi Arabia

• Budget Hotels: Affordable hotels and apartments in Saudi start at 100-150 SAR ($25-50) per night. While hostel culture isn’t developed here, budget travelers can find decent rooms if they book in advance, especially in major cities.
• Apart-Hotels: Apart-hotels are a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. These are short-term apartment rentals with basic amenities and kitchen facilities, typically with more space than traditional hotel rooms. However, some apartments may lack essentials like cooking utensils.
• Booking Tips: Use sites like Booking.com to find deals, and try bargaining in person. Sometimes the online price is cheaper than what you’ll be offered at the counter.

Couchsurfing in Saudi Arabia

Couchsurfing is an option in Saudi, though less common than in other countries. Many Saudis are eager to host international guests, often extending hospitality beyond just providing a place to stay. For solo female travelers, Couchsurfing is possible but requires extra caution, and many recommend staying with female hosts or families.

Food and Drink Costs in Saudi Arabia

• Street Food & Cheap Eats: A budget meal typically costs 8-12 SAR ($2-3), and street food like kebabs or mandi (chicken and rice) goes for 4-6 SAR ($1-1.50).
• Upscale Dining: Traditional and mid-range restaurants charge around 40-50 SAR ($10-12) per entree, while a shared dining experience could be 120-150 SAR ($30-35) per person.
• Tea & Drinks: Roadside tea is a budget-friendly delight at only 1 SAR ($0.25) per cup, while coffee or tea at a café can cost 15-20 SAR ($4-5).

Note for Women: Many cheap restaurants have men-only sections, meaning female travelers may need to take food away or dine in a designated “family section.”

Transportation Costs

Saudi Arabia is vast, and transportation costs can add up quickly if not planned carefully.

• Uber and Careem: Rideshare apps are the go-to for inner-city travel, with a half-hour ride costing 40-50 SAR ($10-12).
• Intercity Buses: For long-distance routes, SAPTCO buses connect major cities, and a ticket from Riyadh to Jeddah is around 180 SAR ($45).
• Domestic Flights: While flights between cities are common and affordable, buses are the more budget-friendly option. Carriers like Saudi Airlines and FlyNas operate within the Kingdom.
• Car Rental: If you’re exploring beyond the cities, renting a car may be your best option. Rentals start around 700 SAR ($185) monthly for small cars. Gasoline is very affordable at 1.5 SAR per liter.

Sightseeing Costs in Saudi Arabia

The good news? Many attractions in Saudi Arabia are free or very affordable. For instance, Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge charges 60 SAR ($16), but most other places, including cultural sites and local museums, range from 5-20 SAR ($1.50-5).

Budgeting Tips for Backpacking Saudi Arabia

1. Consider Couchsurfing: Though limited, Couchsurfing options exist, and local hosts are often generous with both accommodation and cultural insights.
2. Wild Camping: Camping is allowed in many rural areas, a great option for travelers wanting to avoid accommodation costs.
3. Carpooling or Group Travel: If renting a car, try to find a travel buddy to share costs. It’s often more economical than flying or taking buses, especially when exploring remote locations.

A Quick Budget Breakdown for a Day in Saudi Arabia

With some planning and a bit of flexibility, traveling in Saudi Arabia can be an unforgettable experience on a manageable budget! Whether you’re drawn by the landscapes, history, or culture, these tips should help you navigate the Kingdom affordably. Happy travels!