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How to Get to Buraydah

How to Get to Buraydah

Buraydah Al-qassim Region, Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

Air Travel to Buraydah

Major Airports & Airlines

Air travel typically involves connections. Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) serves Buraydah directly with domestic and limited regional international flights. Many international travelers fly into King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, then take a connecting domestic flight to ELQ.

Airports

  • ELQ: Main airport for Buraydah (domestic & regional int'l).
  • RUH (Riyadh): Major international hub for connections to ELQ.
  • JED (Jeddah): Another major international gateway, with ELQ connections.

Flights & Airport Services

Airlines like Saudia, Flyadeal, and Flynas offer frequent domestic flights to THEQ. Regional airlines such as Air Arabia, Egypt Air, and Flydubai also serve ELQ. Direct international flights from major global hubs to THEQ are limited, typically requiring a connection in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, or Doha. Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or subscription services like Dollar Flight Club for good fares.

Travel Tips

  • Seasonal Prices: Prices increase during winter, Eid, and school holidays.
  • ELQ Facilities: Basic facilities include car rental, cafes, ATMs, duty-free.
  • Transfers: Taxis, Uber/Careem, or car rental from ELQ to city.

Affordable Flights

Use Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Compare Fares

Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Book Early

Recommended for high season travel times.

Land Transportation

Bus & Train Services

  • SAPTCO: Extensive intercity bus network to/from Buraydah.
  • Connections: To major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam.
  • Train: No direct passenger train service to Buraydah; nearest station is Riyadh.
  • Travel: Train to Riyadh, then bus/car/flight to Buraydah.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license.
  • Roads: Generally well-maintained highways; secondary roads vary.
  • Safety: Assertive driving; watch for livestock on desert roads.
  • Regulations: Speed limits enforced, mobile phone use prohibited.

Car Rental Options

Availability

Services at ELQ Airport and within Buraydah city.

Major Companies

International (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt) and local agencies operate. DiscoverCars.com offers comparison.

Booking

Book in advance for chosen vehicle type and better rates.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied on departing air passengers from The Kingdom of saudi arabia, as these costs are usually included in your airfare.

Departure Checklist

  • Airport Arrival: 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Check-in: Use online check-in if possible to save time.
  • Security: Prepare electronics and liquids for screening.

Airport Facilities

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) offers basic departure facilities. These include check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control (for international flights), waiting areas, cafes for refreshments, and prayer rooms.

ELQ Services

  • Check-in counters and security.
  • Passport control for international departures.
  • Cafes and waiting areas.

Important Travel Notes

Confirm your flight status and check in online the day before departure. This practice helps you stay informed and saves time at the airport.

Check & Confirm

  • Verify flight status a day before.
  • Utilize online check-in for convenience.
  • Allocate sufficient time for airport procedures.

Sea/River Arrivals

Buraydah is an inland city, so sea or river arrivals are not applicable to the destination itself. There are no navigable rivers in the region.

Not Applicable

  • No ferry services or cruise ports for Buraydah.
  • Nearest major port is Jeddah Islamic Port (Red Sea).
  • No options for travel on the river.

Border Crossing Information

  • Not directly applicable for Buraydah (inland city).
  • The Kingdom of saudi arabia shares land borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Yemen.
  • Research specific border posts and visa requirements if entering by land.
  • Land entry requires careful planning and documentation.
  • Validate all requirements with relevant embassies beforehand.
  • Ensure visa suitability for land entry if applicable.

Around Buraydah: Local Transit

Public Transportation

Buraydah's public transportation system is limited. It does not have a metro or tram system. Local bus services exist, but tourists generally find them impractical for sightseeing due to complex routes, infrequent service, and limited information.

Bus System Overview

  • Local buses mainly serve residents, not comprehensive for visitors.
  • Tourist-friendly route maps are not widely available.
  • Fares are low, typically paid with physical money to the driver.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient and flexible transportation alternatives inside Buraydah. They are the preferred methods for the majority of visitors. Licensed taxis are typically white or yellow-green and exhibit a "TAXI" sign.

Preferred Options

  • Licensed Taxis: Agree on fare or use meter; cash payment common.
  • Uber/Careem: Widely available, fixed pricing, cashless payment, vehicle tracking.
  • Safety: Ride-sharing apps offer better accountability and safety features.

Car Rental Freedom

Remember your IDP.

Limited Walking

Walking is feasible in specific areas like King Abdullah National Park, but not for extensive city transitation due to heat and infrastructure.

Cycling Not Recommended

Cycling is not a common or recommended mode for tourist exploration as a result of traffic congestion, high temperatures, and limited dedicated infrastructure.

Driving & Road Information

Car Rental Details

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Buraydah and the wider Al-Qassim region. Services are available at Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) and various city locations.

Requirements & Age

  • Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • A valid passport is required.
  • A major credit card for deposit and payment.

Driving Laws & Roads

Driving is on the right side of the road, and seatbelts are required for all. Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Speed limits are enforced by numerous speed cameras.

Road Conditions & Parking

  • Main roads and highways are generally well-maintained and in excellent condition.
  • Parking is typically accessible and often free at malls, parks, and major attractions.
  • Local driving style can be assertive; defensive driving is recommended.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Not available in Buraydah; arrange private vehicles for guided tours.

Water Transport

Not applicable as Buraydah is a city not on the coast with no navigable waterways.

Accessible Services

Limited public transport accessibility; newer buildings offer better facilities.

Local Navigation

An International Driving Permit is required.