The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has long closed off international tourism, has opened its doors to visitors worldwide. This desert nation, home to iconic archaeological sites like Madain Saleh and the stunning Red Sea coastline, is an intriguing new destination. However, travel in Saudi can be pretty expensive, especially for budget backpackers who are used to staying in hostels and eating street food. However, with some planning and smart strategies, booking cheap flights to Riyadh and making an affordable trip to Saudi Arabia is possible.
Saudi Travel On Budget – Saudi Arabia Travel Tips
Here are some tips for traveling in Saudi on a budget:
- Get the Saudi eVisa
One of the first potential expenses is your visa, but Saudi has made this easier and cheaper with the introduction of the eVisa system. You can apply for a one-year multiple-entry Saudi eVisa online. This allows you to enter and exit multiple times for up to 90 days per visit, eliminating the hassle and cost of getting a visa from an embassy or consulate.
- Travel in the Off-Season
Like most destinations, Saudi Arabia has peak and off-peak seasons for tourism prices. The most budget-friendly time is during the scorching hot summer months of May through August when hotel rates are at their lowest, and there are fewer visitors. Avoid major holidays like Ramadan, when rates skyrocket. Traveling in the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October can also yield some discounts while enjoying more moderate temperatures.
- Use Buses for Transport
Domestic flights between major cities are relatively affordable in Saudi Arabia if booked well in advance. However, buses are generally the cheapest way to get around. The SAPTCO bus company has an extensive network with comfortable coaches connecting cities.
- Stay in Budget Hotels or Airbnbs.
With few available hostels, accommodation will likely be your biggest expense in Saudi Arabia. Stick to budget hotels and use online resources to find good values, especially away from the major hubs like Riyadh and Jeddah. A decent hotel in Jeddah costs around $25/night, while you may pay $40-60 in smaller cities. Using online platforms to rent an apartment or room is another affordable option, plus you’ll get to stay in a residential area.
- Couchsurf to Cut Costs
Even cheaper than online platforms, Couchsurfing allows you to stay with locals for free. This will enable you to immerse yourself in the culture while keeping accommodation costs zero. As a solo female traveler, one blogger noted having a safe and welcoming experience of Couchsurfing with both male and female hosts in Saudi Arabia. With the proper gear, you can also camp for free in more remote areas.
- Eat Local Foods
Food is another place where your Saudi riyal can get stretched if you seek local affordable cuisine. Saudi street food like shawarma and falafel can be found for just a couple of riyals. Similarly, expat-run restaurants serving South Asian dishes like curry and biryani offer hearty meals for less than the price of fast food. Indulge in Western chains and fancy coffee shops sparingly, as that’s where costs can add up quickly.
- Use Taxis Sparingly
Getting around cities in Saudi often requires using taxis since public transit is limited outside of Riyadh. To reduce these costs, group your sightseeing by area to minimize taxi rides. Also, consider negotiating a day rate with a driver, which can be cheaper than paying per journey. Rideshares like Uber are available in some cities too.
- Take Advantage of Free Activities
While some significant sites like Madain Saleh charge entry fees, there are plenty of free activities in Saudi Arabia. Things like wandering atmospheric old towns, visiting museums and mosques, and taking in public spaces all cost nothing. You can also look for free walking tours that locals offer, a great way to learn about the culture.
- Join an Affordable Group Tour
To taste Saudi’s incredible natural landscapes, consider doing an affordable group tour rather than an expensive private trip. Many companies offer outings to places like the “Edge of the World” escarpment. This gets you to return transportation and a guide for a very affordable rate.
- Pack Your Snacks/Meals
Eating out for every meal can add up to costs. Pack your own snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, energy bars, etc., and even pack a simple lunch on day trips to avoid purchasing pricier meals.
- Book Longer Stays for Discounts
Many hotels in Saudi Arabia offer discounted rates if you book a weekly or monthly rate rather than paying the nightly rate. For extended stays, this can lead to significant savings.
- Use Reward Points/Miles
If you have travel reward points or frequent flyer miles built up, Saudi is a great place to redeem them and save big on flight and hotel costs. The lack of hostels makes hotel rewards very valuable.
- Rent an Apartment
For solo travelers or couples staying a week or more, renting an entire apartment can sometimes be cheaper than a hotel room, especially using a service like Airbnb. You’ll also have a kitchen to self-cater some meals.
- Consider a Tour Package
While private guides are pricey, budget group tours can provide great value in Saudi Arabia by providing transportation, meals, guides, and more at a reasonable rate.
- Bargain at Souks
Brush up on your bargaining skills when shopping at traditional souks and markets. You can often get 30-50% off the initial asking price on souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Travel With Others
Traveling with friends allows you to split costs like rental cars and hotels. Group discounts may also apply for tours and activities.
- Buy a SIM Card
Get your phone’s local Saudi SIM card to avoid massive roaming charges. Data is very affordable and valuable for maps and translations. Saudi Arabia is still getting established as an international tourist destination, so costs can be higher than in other budget travel locales.
However, by following tips like getting the eVisa, sticking to local food, using buses, and finding creative lodging options, it’s possible to have an affordable and authentic Saudi adventure even on a modest budget. Just come prepared, be flexible, and take advantage of all the free experiences this remarkable country offers.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
Follow more on social media channels at
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
All content and photos belong to travelwithme247blog(dot)com, and using content or photos without permission may result in legal action.
DISCLAIMER—The blog’s content is solely my views of a place or a thing. It does not offend any class, religion, ethnicity, or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain advertisements or links to commercial products, so this site is not responsible after you click on those advertisements.
We are the independent owner of this site, and the views expressed in this are our own. I own all photographs. There can be slight differences in distances, locations, or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. This post may contain some affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you. I will earn money if you click through affiliates and make a purchase.