Cheapest way to travel from UAE to Saudi Arabia? Take a daily bus for just Dh140

Dubai: For UAE residents and tourists seeking a budget-friendly way to travel to Saudi Arabia, international bus services offer a practical alternative to flying. While the journey takes longer, it is significantly more affordable especially for those without a car or driving licence.

These trips are operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), which provides urban, intercity, and international public transport across Saudi Arabia. SAPTCO runs cross-border services to neighbouring Gulf countries including the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt.

In the UAE, SAPTCO’s official ticketing agent is Belad Al Sham Passenger Transport, which operates daily bus services to both Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.

Routes and fares

• Riyadh

  • One-way: Dh140

  • Round trip: Dh260

Departure times typically fall between 2pm and 3pm. In case of delays or changes, passengers will be notified by the transport operator. Upon arrival, passengers are dropped off at:

• Riyadh: Azizia - South Circular, Al Aziziyah

• Dammam: 11th Street, As Salam district

Duration of the journey

The bus ride from the UAE to Riyadh usually takes between 15 to 18 hours, depending on the city of departure, chosen route, traffic, and time spent at border crossings.

Bus departure points in the UAE

Buses to Riyadh and Dammam depart from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, with passengers boarding at the following locations:

• SAPTCO (Belad Al Sham Passenger Transport) Dubai - Shop #10,Bin Rasheed Building,Al Khaleej Road - 62 2nd St - Frij - Al Murar – Dubai

• SAPTCO (Belad Al Sham Passenger Transport) Abu Dhabi - Al Nahhat St - Al Shahamah - New Shahamah - Abu Dhabi

• SAPTCO (Belad Al Sham Passenger Transport) Sharjah - Al Soor – Sharjah

• SAPTCO (Belad Al Sham Passenger Transport) Ajman - Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd - Al Muntazi 2 – Ajman – near Hamad bin Ghalaita Mosque

Booking tickets

To purchase tickets, you must first contact Belad Al Sham Passenger Transport to confirm your travel details. Alternatively, tickets can be bought in person at any of their UAE branches during office hours:

• Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm

• Friday: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 10pm

Travel documents required

At the Al Batha border crossing, passengers must present the following:

• A valid passport (with at least six months' validity)

• A valid Emirates ID

• An official copy of your Saudi electronic visa (eVisa)

It is also advisable to carry printed copies of all required documents in case of system issues.

Luggage allowance

Each passenger is allowed to carry luggage weighing up to 50kg. Any excess will incur a charge of AED 3 per additional kilogram, according to the Belad Al Sham Dubai branch (04 2710620).