Transportation

SAPTCO i.e. the Saudi Arabian Public Transort Company runs luxurious buses that provide excellent air-conditioning, baggage-space, water bottles and sometimes snacks too. These buses run several times a day from almost all parts of Saudi Arabia at very affordable rates. You can find SAPTCO bus stations right next to the Masjid Al-Nabawi. Please note that the SAPTCO terminal is off-limits to non-Muslims.

Taxis are the most common form of in-town transportation and are used in most major cities of Saudi Arabia including Madinah. Taxis can be hailed from anywhere inside the city and can even be hired in advance from taxi drivers standing on the roadside. The rates offered have considerable room for negotiation/bargaining so one should keep that in mind.

In Madinah, there are numerous car rental options because the city is usually packed to capacity with visitors during the holy months. In order to cater to such a huge demand in certain periods, several car rental companies have opened up full time businesses. Some hiring agencies have their own regulations for issuing cars and these should be followed.

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport is 8km away from the major urban centre in Madinah, and mostly handles domestic flights as well as a few international flights to Istanbul, Cairo and Damascus. The average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre is SAR 30-35 which can only be paid in cash. The airport is accessible to non-Muslims too. Some hotels also offer shuttle service from the airport to the hotel premises. Please not that there are no private or public buses available from the Prince Mohammed Airport.

• Keep your cars on the right side of the road since the steering wheel is also situated on the right hand side. • You can drive with an International Drivers License for three months after you arrive. However, after that you should get a Saudi driver's license (given that you stay for more than 3 months). • Watch for cameras on the streets because the police are waiting to catch you over speeding, which could lead to fines. • When you want to make a left or right turn, turn the car around, do reverse parking or any other movement, then it is always better and safer to use hand signals. • All cars are automatic transmission and the local driver’s license is required to be eligible for driving.