The airport is located about 19 km north of Jeddah city center along the coastal highway.

About Jeddah City Center

Jeddah's city center stretches along the Red Sea Corniche, a 30-km waterfront promenade that is the city's social gathering place, especially after sunset when temperatures cool. The Corniche features the King Fahd Fountain—the world's tallest fountain, shooting water 312 meters into the air—along with parks, sculptures, and seafood restaurants.

Al-Balad, the UNESCO World Heritage historic district, is the ancient heart of Jeddah, where coral-stone merchant houses with ornate rawasheen (wooden lattice balconies) line narrow alleyways dating back centuries. This was the gateway for Hajj pilgrims arriving by sea before modern airports. The Souq Al-Alawi and Souq Al-Nada offer traditional shopping experiences.

Modern Jeddah is a cosmopolitan Saudi city with a more relaxed atmosphere than Riyadh. The Jeddah Waterfront (the new development near the airport) includes shopping malls, restaurants, and the planned Jeddah Tower, which aims to be the world's tallest building. The city serves as the main gateway to Mecca and Medina for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually.

Nearby Landmarks

King Fahd Fountain Al-Balad historic district Jeddah Corniche Floating Mosque

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-25 (SAR 55-90)
Time 20-35 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $12-20 (SAR 45-75)
Time 20-35 min

Arrivals curb, Terminal 1 Ground Floor

Step-by-Step Directions

Take SAPTCO bus from Terminal 1 bus station to Jeddah Central Bus Station

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-25 (SAR 55-90) 20-35 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $12-20 (SAR 45-75) 20-35 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport taxis operate 24/7. A nighttime ride to the city center costs SAR 60-90 ($16-24). Uber (Careem) works at Jeddah Airport. There is no public bus from the airport at night. Jeddah's Corniche is popular for late-night walks, especially on weekends (Thursday-Friday evenings).

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis are modern sedans with trunk space. If traveling during Hajj or Umrah with religious gear and extra luggage, larger vehicles (SUVs) can be requested. Al-Balad has narrow lanes—leave heavy bags at your hotel before exploring.

Accessibility

King Abdulaziz International Airport is modern and wheelchair accessible. Airport taxis and Careem can accommodate wheelchairs. The Corniche promenade is wheelchair-friendly. Al-Balad's historic streets are narrow and uneven. Modern Jeddah's malls and hotels are fully accessible.