By the holidaysaudi.com team · Updated 17 September 2026
Saudi Arabia is often marketed through its ultra-luxury resorts and VIP events, so many travellers assume it is out of reach. It does not have to be. Public transport in the big cities is cheap, local food is excellent value and there is now a decent range of hostels and simple hotels. The big costs are domestic flights, hotels in high season and a few headline attractions. Plan those carefully and the rest of the trip can be very affordable. All prices below are indicative for 2026 and change with season and demand.
What a day costs
The Saudi riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar at 3.75 riyals to the dollar, so prices are stable. VAT of 15% is included in most displayed prices.
| Style | Per person per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | SAR 250–350 | Hostel dorm or shared room, local food, metro and buses, free sights |
| Mid-range | SAR 600–900 | Three- or four-star hotel, mix of local and international restaurants, ride-hailing, one paid attraction a day |
| Comfort | SAR 1,500+ | Five-star hotels, guided tours, fine dining, car hire |
The visa itself costs around SAR 535 including medical insurance; see our eVisa guide.
Cheap ways to get around
- Riyadh Metro: six driverless lines cover most of the capital, including the airport. A two-hour ticket costs SAR 4 in standard class, a 3-day pass SAR 20 and a 7-day pass SAR 40, valid on metro and city buses. Buy with a bank card at the gates or via the Darb app.
- Trains: Saudi Arabia Railways (sar.com.sa) runs trains from Riyadh east to Al-Ahsa (Hofuf) and Dammam, and north via Qassim and Hail. The Haramain high-speed line links Jeddah and Madinah; Jeddah–Madinah economy fares are typically around SAR 100–150. Non-Muslims can ride to Madinah but not to Makkah.
- Intercity buses: SAPTCO buses are the cheapest way between cities, though slow over long distances.
- Budget airlines: flynas and flyadeal often undercut the bus on long routes such as Riyadh–Jeddah if you book a few weeks ahead and travel with hand luggage only. Compare on Trip.com.
- Ride-hailing: Uber and Careem are cheaper than street taxis and show the price up front.
Car hire can be good value for two or more people, especially in AlUla and the south-west, and fuel is cheap by international standards. Compare on DiscoverCars. More options are in getting around.
Eating well for less
Food is where Saudi Arabia is kindest to budget travellers. A chicken shawarma sandwich costs a few riyals at a street stall, a plate of ful (stewed beans) with fresh bread makes a filling breakfast, and a shared platter of kabsa or mandi (spiced rice with chicken or lamb) feeds two or three people for a modest sum. Look for busy local restaurants full of families, especially in Al Balad in Jeddah and around Al Batha in Riyadh. See our food guide for dishes to try.
- Restaurants usually serve generous portions; ordering one main for two is normal.
- Supermarket chains sell dates, fruit, bread and laban (a yoghurt drink) cheaply, perfect for picnic lunches.
- Bottled water is cheap; buy large bottles for the hotel room.
- Specialty coffee shops are everywhere but priced like Europe; a cup of Arabic coffee or tea at a local café costs far less.
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected; rounding up or leaving around 10% for good service is plenty.
Where to stay for less
Riyadh and Jeddah now have hostels with dorm beds from around SAR 75–110 a night, and international budget chains and local hotels with private rooms from around SAR 150–250. Furnished apartments are a good-value option for families and longer stays. AlUla is the exception: accommodation there is limited and expensive in winter, so book early or look at simpler guesthouses and camps outside the centre. Compare prices on Booking.com or Trip.com, and read our guide to where to stay in Saudi Arabia.
Free and cheap things to do
- Walk the lanes of Al Balad in Jeddah after sunset.
- Stroll the Jeddah Corniche and watch King Fahd's Fountain at night.
- Explore the Qasr Al Hokm district and the area around Masmak Fort in Riyadh.
- Visit the National Museum, where tickets are inexpensive.
- Browse traditional souqs, which cost nothing unless you start bargaining.
- Picnic in Riyadh's parks or along the waterfront, as local families do on weekend evenings.
Where to spend and where to save
Some experiences are worth paying for, notably the booked tour of Hegra in AlUla. Elsewhere, save by travelling outside the peak weeks: hotel prices jump during major events such as Riyadh Season weekends and the Formula 1 race in Jeddah, and AlUla is priciest from December to February. Shoulder months like late October, November and March offer good weather at lower prices. Check our best time to visit guide.
Plan your Saudi trip
Visa, hotels, tours and transport in one place.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost per day?
A shoestring traveller can manage on around SAR 250–350 per day with hostels, local food and public transport. Mid-range travellers should budget around SAR 600–900, and more for AlUla in winter or during major events.
Is public transport in Saudi Arabia cheap?
Yes. A two-hour Riyadh Metro ticket costs SAR 4, intercity buses are inexpensive, and trains link Riyadh with the east and north. Uber and Careem are widely used and reasonably priced.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Riyadh and Jeddah?
The bus is usually cheapest but takes most of a day. Booked a few weeks ahead with hand luggage only, a budget flight on flynas or flyadeal can cost little more and takes under two hours.
Header photo: Photo: Sammy Six, CC BY 2.0
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