Most international flights arrive at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport. This terminal is extensive and features numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, currency exchange centers, and ATMs for your convenience.
However, please note that flights to Socotra depart from the North Terminal (the ‘Old Airport’). To transfer between terminals, you have two options:
- Shuttle Bus: Departs every 30 minutes. The cost is approximately SAR 25 (~$7 USD) per person, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
- Taxi or Ride-Share: Services like Uber, Careem, and Bolt are readily available. A taxi or private car takes roughly 15 minutes.
Please refer to the map below for the exact route.”
Jeddah Airport Transfer: T1 to North Terminal
The transfer between Terminal 1 and the North Terminal requires a vehicle as they are located separately.
- Distance: 21.8 km
- Estimated Time: 22 minutes
- Primary Road: Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Rd
Note: Travel times may vary based on traffic conditions.
Where to stay in Jeddah
If you plan to have a layover in Jeddah to rest before your flight to Socotra the following day, here are a few hotels we highly recommend:
- Mövenpick Jeddah City Star
- Rates: $100 to $150 per night
- Booking: https://bit.ly/3Za39Bu
Location
- Clarion Hotel Jeddah Airport
- Rates: $100 to $130 per night
- Booking: https://bit.ly/4tfD41K
Location
- Best Western Plus Jeddah
- Rates: $60 to $80 per night
- Booking: https://bit.ly/4rmnrDA
Location
What to see in Jeddah
For a complete list of things to see and do in Jeddah, please refer to our Jeddah Attractions Guide. We work closely with local partners to ensure you have a seamless experience; if you require any further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.
Entry visa
As of 2026, Saudi Arabia offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) to travellers from 66 eligible countries, as well as to holders of certain valid third-party visas.
- Eligible Countries (66+)
- North America: United States, Canada, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Panama.
- Europe: All EU member states (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain), United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Monaco, Montenegro, Russia, Ukraine, and Albania.
- Asia & Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Thailand.
- Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles.
- Eligibility via Third-Party Visas
Regardless of your original citizenship, you may qualify for a Visa on Arrival if you hold a valid, used visa or residency from specific regions:- US, UK, or Schengen Visa: The visa must be a tourist or business visa, it must still be valid, and it must have been used at least once to enter the issuing country.
- US, UK, or EU Permanent Residency.
- GCC Residency: Residents of UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar can apply for an eVisa or VOA (residency must be valid for at least 3 months).
Alternatively, you can submit your Saudi visa application online through the official government portal at https://ksavisa.sa/.