Everything You Need to Know About Saudi Bus Service as a Traveler in 2025

• We promote airport-to-hotel and city-to-city transfers for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims with our dedicated upline transport service.
• You can travel along the Holy Site Routes, thanks to comfortable and air-conditioned coaches on routes between Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and so on.
• You can book easily through a phone call or on WhatsApp.
• Drivers at Wakilat are available in each of these three languages to help people from all backgrounds.
• You Have Options – Private cars or group travel can be booked at any time.

Hujjaj Umrah Taxi is here for you, whether you’re completing Umrah or moving to Madinah following Hajj, making your journey relaxing so you can fully enjoy your spiritual journey.

Government Portals Supporting Saudi Arabia's Bus Services:

The government in Saudi Arabia promotes public transportation and maintains high quality through different official sites. These portals enable you to find transport services that are honest, supervised, and regularly updated nationwide.



The Transport General Authority (TGA):

Both public and private movement services in the Kingdom are governed by the TGA when it comes to transportation preferences and licensing. It guarantees both safety and quality of services on all buses and taxis nationwide.



The Naql Portal site is available at naql.sa:

The platform enables users to view routes easily, inspect ticket prices, learn about the companies operating the services, and review recent ratings. With Google Travel Profile, you can easily find travel information and track authorized transport companies.



The Public Transport Authority (PTA):

The PTA also helps establish policies and standards, promotes new ideas in transportation, and regularly collaborates with both SAPTCO and private transportation companies.

Steps to Bus Booking in Saudi Arabia:

Visiting different cities in the country? Booking a bus in Saudi Arabia is now easier than ever. It doesn’t matter if you live there or are here for a trip. You have plenty of hassle-free options for catching a train:



Booking Options:




Online Portals:


A majority of travelers find it easier and faster to reserve their itinerary on the internet. On the SAPTCO website, customers can select their route, choose a time to travel and pay securely. Alternatively, the app can also be used to book transport services running along the high-speed rail line. Additionally, tourists who wish to book a website may check travel apps like Busbud or rely on local agents for assistance.



Mobile Applications:


Top transport companies in Saudi Arabia have created apps to help people travel more easily. You can check schedules, see available vehicles, and make your fare payments on the SAPTCO App and Mowasalat App.



In-Person Booking:


Buying directly at the bus station or SAPTCO hall is the way to go if you like old methods or need transportation soon. Users who wish to ask questions or get help instantly should pick this option.

Available Ways to Pay

All types of travelers can use different payment options.


• Cards you can use to make purchases.


• You can also use digital wallets such as Apple Pay and STC Pay.


• Transactions using money at offices and machines.

If your payment is processed correctly, you will be sent an e-ticket or offered a printed ticket at the point of purchase. Passengers, in most cases, are allowed to change the date or time of their trip, increasing the system’s adaptability.
Now, traveling by bus in Saudi Arabia is easier than ever because of how easy the online platforms are, the availability of helpful support across languages, and the range of payment options. Clicking a few buttons or a brief walk is all it takes to get a seat if you’re in Makkah, Riyadh, or Dammam.

Services Provided by Buses Between Different Cities and in the Same City:

The country’s primary bus services operate within cities and between cities, serving both its residents and tourists.



City Buses:


City buses across the nation are run by SAPTCO and local authorities in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Dammam. The air-conditioned buses are available from 5:00 AM until 11:00 PM, and each journey costs between SAR 2 and SAR 5. You’ll notice that workers, students, and tourists use buses, and their numbers are written in both Arabic and English.



Intercity Buses:


To travel from places like Riyadh and Jeddah to Makkah and Madinah, intercity buses are both comfortable and inexpensive. You could reach Jeddah (for example) from Riyadh in about 10 to 12 hours, and buses usually offer reclining seats, bathrooms, and snacks. I suggest reaching your place of prayer 30 minutes before the service, especially during Hajj or Ramadan.

Why You Should Use the Saudi Bus Service:

Travelers wanting to get around Saudi Arabia will find several benefits in using the bus service.


• It’s much more affordable to take a bus than to choose a flight or a private cab.
• Air conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, and entertainment are available on today’s fleets.
• It is available to users in very few places.
• Friendly for the environment: Lowers the release of carbon emissions and traffic jams.
• Best Service: Drivers are trained, and vehicles are well-maintained for everyone’s safety.

Traveling on a bus is comfortable and won’t break the bank for solo visitors or the whole group.

Support for People Making the Pilgrimage:

Saudi Arabia operates special buses during the Hajj and Umrah periods to move a large number of pilgrims.



Key Features:



• Programs providing travel from airports to the holy mosques.


• There are specially marked buses serving the areas of Ihram and the zones used for rituals.


• Using buses is free or subsidized for people during the Hajj who have a permit.


• Arrangements for people who are elderly and disability-related.


• To handle the arrival of millions annually, the services ensure wonderfully coordinated and safety-minded care.

The Role of Buses in Saudi Arabia’s Future:

The Kingdom is investing significantly in developing its public transportation system. Within Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is adding online ticket systems, greener buses, and advanced public transport solutions.



Upcoming Projects:



• Electric and hybrid bus fleets make up the fleet.


• AI route planning software.


• Wider use of bus services in smaller cities.


• A connection to both metro and train transport is essential.

The goal is to help Saudi Arabia become a top country in sustainable mobility through modernization.

Conclusion:

Because of the country’s large deserts and ancient cities, the saudi taxi service they provide on the buses is exceptional. Despite the hot weather, buses are an ideal mode of transportation for tourists visiting Saudi Arabia, thanks to reliable operators, advanced vehicles, and affordable prices.
When you travel for work, go sightseeing, or join a spiritual journey, the bus system in Saudi Arabia makes it easy and safe. As the transport system is set to improve further in the coming years, now is the time to take advantage of its services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the simplest method to arrange bus travel in Saudi Arabia?
Tickets can be bought either on the SAPTCO website, with SAPTCO or Haramain Bus mobile apps, or at the relevant bus stations.


2. Can tourists use the Saudi Arabia bus service?
Yes, tourists can fully utilize the bus service in Saudi Arabia for both intracity and intercity travel.


3. Are men allowed on all sections of buses?
On many buses within Riyadh and Makkah, different seats have been assigned for people of each gender. Your best bet is to ask the driver or conductor before boarding.


4. Do buses keep running during times when people are praying or doing the Hajj?
You can take an intercity bus during prayer times because most of them are in service. During Hajj, special schedules are made for all pilgrims.


5. Which are the top bus transport companies in Saudi Arabia?
SAPTCO, Mowasalat, Haramain Bus Service, and Al Qaid are among the most reliable bus transport companies in Saudi Arabia.


6. Is it safe to use buses for travel in Saudi Arabia?
Absolutely. Buses are frequently inspected, and drivers are trained through specialized programs. CCTV and GPS are standard methods that intercity buses use to enhance their security.