Saudi Arabia isn’t considered a cheap travel destination – leisure tourism is still relatively new, and the country as a whole is far more used to business travellers on cushy expense accounts and those en route to luxurious resorts than tourists on a shoestring budget.
But things are changing fast as the tourism industry develops and the ex-pat community grows, and there are already lots of ways to save money on getting around, eating out, sightseeing and even accommodation. These are our top tips for getting the most out of Saudi Arabia without spending all your riyals.
1. Sink your teeth into shawarma
Saudi certainly has its share of the most glamorous and pricey restaurants on Planet Earth, but at the other end of the spectrum is food every bit as delicious. Shawarma – a wrap of spit-roasted chicken or other meat, usually with garlic mayo, tahini, chilli sauce and pickles – is a taste explosion and a Middle Eastern staple. Whether you find yourself on a corniche, a beach or a busy city corner, you’re rarely far from a stall or café selling them. Take the hint and try one. It could be the most memorable, as well as the cheapest, meal of your trip. Expect to pay around SAR 20.
2. Base yourself in more affordable cities
The most challenging element of travelling on a budget in Saudi Arabia is figuring out where to stay. To cut costs, the best bet is to make Riyadh or Jeddah your base, as these are the most affordable cities offering the greatest range of accommodation.
But that doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to urban experiences. Day trips from Riyadh could include a desert excursion to Red Sand Dunes or historic Diriyah, while from Jeddah you can easily visit beachy Thuwal or Dahaban to enjoy resort vibes without paying resort prices.
3. Explore the Eastern Province by rail
Saudi’s railway network isn’t expansive, but tickets are very reasonably priced and you get the added bonus of taking in all the off-the-beaten-track scenery along the way. You can take a direct train from Riyadh to some of the most tourist-friendly cities in the Eastern Province, namely Al-Hofuf and Dammam. The four-hour train ride between Riyadh and Dammam starts from SAR 110 in economy class, which is around a quarter of what you’d pay for an equivalent flight. Book tickets online or via the app.
4. Pack a picnic
The longer you spend in Saudi Arabia, the more you’ll realise that this is a nation of top-class picnickers, so if you’re eating on a budget, you’re in great company. From beaches and wadis to mountainsides and parks, whenever there’s clement weather, you’ll be guaranteed to see families unpacking fabulous spreads from the back of their cars and spreading out blankets. Groceries are not expensive here (try French supermarket chain Carrefour for produce that’s on par or cheaper than European prices), so if your accommodation allows, prepare your food before you head out.
5. Travel in the summer months, when high temps mean lower prices
The months of June to August are known to be punishingly hot in Saudi Arabia, often reaching 35°C and above, but they can be the best time to visit on a budget. Many Saudis leave the country for cooler climes and it’s not a popular season for international travellers. The result is heavily discounted hotel rooms and greater negotiating possibilities on car hire, tours and other holiday costs.
Your outdoorsy day-time activities may be limited, but attractions and public areas are often open late for this reason, and you’ll still find there’s plenty to experience by way of air-conditioned galleries and museums.
6. Snap up early bird tickets to major events
Travelling to Saudi for a special event? Don’t leave it until the last minute to get your tickets, as many sports tournaments, festivals and concerts offer early bird discounts. Some of the biggest events on Saudi’s calendar, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Soundstorm, a mega three-night music festival on the outskirts of Riyadh, offer a limited amount of early bird tickets – plan ahead and snap them up fast.
7. Visit Saudi's world-class museums for less
Saudi’s top attractions generally aren’t exorbitantly priced in comparison to those in other countries. But for the cheapest outings, look to the Kingdom’s galleries and museums, which tend to have extremely reasonable entry fees. The acclaimed National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, with eight halls dedicated to the country’s history and culture, is only SAR 10 to enter.
Dammam’s Ithra Museum has multiple galleries dedicated to contemporary and Islamic art, and the entrance fee is SAR 30. Al Khobar’s top museum and scientific centre, SciTech, offers a cheaper entry fee if you just visit the scientific halls exhibitions and skip the IMAX Dome, meaning it’ll only cost you SAR 23.
8. Make the most of park life
Most travellers at least begin or end their visits in the capital, Riyadh, which fortunately is home to some of the best public parks in the country with very low entrance fees. King Abdullah Park and Salam Park both make for lovely, wallet-friendly days out. Head to King Abdullah Park (entrance fee SAR 11.50) to make the most of the lawns, peaceful walkways and mini train, plus the fantastic illuminated fountain shows at night. Or for lake-based fun and games – boat rides, zorb balls and scenic seating areas – try Salam Park (entrance fee SAR 5.75).
9. Choose your dates and airport carefully for the cheapest flight deals
It’s always worth shopping around for deals – you never know which airlines might have an offer that suits your particular travel plans. But the cheapest flights on average are in and out of Jeddah airport, and the cheapest month to travel in is June. Wizz Air and Pegasus often have the lowest fares.
