Dammam Airport is best reached by car, either by rental car or taxi. The centre of Dammam is about 30 minutes' drive away. The price for mobile apps is around 140 rials.
However, there is also an express bus service from SAPTCO to the centre.
Taxi, Uber, Careem
Taxis or the mobile apps Uber or Careem are by far the most straightforward and easiest option for getting to the centre.
You can get a car at the front of the terminal without any problems at any time of the day or night.
While with regular taxis you have to pre-arrange and possibly negotiate the price, ordering a taxi online removes this need and you'll know the exact price in advance.
How to book a taxi?
In Dammam and Saudi Arabia in general, mobile apps for taxis are very popular.
Most people in Jeddah use the Careem mobile app (available on the web: careem.com), but the world-famous Uber app (available on the web: uber.com) also works well here.
Ideally, book your car after you exit the airport concourse. Waiting time is usually 5-10 minutes. If you don't want to be delayed by buying a local sim card upon arrival, purchase an electronic sim card via airalo.com before you fly to Saudi Arabia.
Taxi fares
Prices on the Uber and Careem apps are dynamic and depend on demand. Here are examples of average prices to the city centre (Dammam Corniche):
- Uber/Careem - 140 sar
- Taxi - 175 sar
SAPTCO bus (line G7)
Bus line G7 runs to the main bus station in the centre of Dammam (near the Dammam Corniche promenade).
You can pay the fare via the "Eastern Region Bus" mobile app (available on Google Play / App Store), where you upload any amount (pay with your card). To pay the fare, just scan the QR code at the reader inside the bus.
Alternatively, you can buy a plastic card for 10 sar at the vending machine at the bus stop, where you can again use your card or cash to top up any amount.
Official information can be found at saptco.com.sa/qr-eastern-bus.
- Fares - 3,45 sar
- Frequency - 30 minutes
- First and last bus - 5:30 / 23:30
- Journey time - 50 to 65 minutes depending on traffic density
Car rental
If you will not be spending time only in Dammam, but will set out to explore the natural beauty of Saudi Arabia, renting a car is the most convenient option.
Foreigners can rent a car without restrictions. All you need is an international driving license and a credit card.
Prices for a weekly rental at Dammam Airport start from 260 eur.
