How to Get to Tabuk. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Tabuk Regional Airport TUU

Tabuk is served by Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU), a modern, compact airport handling domestic and limited international flights. It is the main gateway to the region.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic: Saudia, Flynas, flyadeal to Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM).
International: Limited direct flights to regional hubs like Cairo, Dubai by flyadeal or Flynas.
Global Hubs: Most international visitors connect via JED or RUH. Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Airport Services & Transfers

Tabuk Regional Airport offers various facilities. Transfers to the city are straightforward.

Services & Transport

Facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, car rental desks, cafes, prayer rooms.
Transfers: Taxis available. Ride-sharing (Careem, Uber) Skyscanner for comparison.
Hotel Shuttles: Some larger hotels provide complimentary airport services.

Book in Advance

Reserve airline tickets and connections well before your travel date, especially during peak season.

Connecting Flights

The majority of foreign visitors will connect through Jeddah or Riyadh for Tabuk.

Check Baggage Rules

Review airline baggage allowances, especially for domestic connections.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Buses

Border Crossing: Al-Durra (near Aqaba, Jordan). Ensure all visa documents are ready.
Long-Distance Bus: SAPPTCO connects Tabuk to major Saudi cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah).
Booking: Purchase SAPPTCO tickets at terminals or online. Buses are comfy and air-conditioned.
Train: No passenger rail service directly connects to Tabuk city.

Self-Driving in Tabuk

Requirements: Valid national driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, credit card.
Road Conditions: Well-maintained major roads. Rural/desert roads can be unpaved; 4x4 recommended for serious exploration.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. No mobile phone use. Speed limits enforced.
Safety Concerns: Watch out for aggressive driving. Livestock (camels, goats) on rural roads, especially in the evening. Drive defensively. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Duba Port

Closest major Red Sea port (180 km SW). Ferry services to Egypt (Safaga, Hurghada) and Sudan. Mostly commercial/pilgrimage traffic, but open to travelers.

Cruise Ports

Dedicated international cruise ports for Tabuk are part of future developments (e.g., A Paradise For divers Project). Major cruise ship operators currently dock at Jeddah.

Immigration Procedures

Standard Saudi immigration and customs. Passport, valid visa, biometric data collection. Similar to airport arrivals but possibly slower.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

Plan your airport arrival based on your flight type to allow ample time for procedures.

Recommended Arrival

Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Flights (from TUU or connecting): Arrive at least 3 hours before.
Utilize online check-in services when available to save time.

Airport Facilities for Departure

Tabuk Regional Airport offers a comfortable environment for departing passengers.

Departure Amenities

Cafes and Shops: Options for snacks, beverages, and duty-free shopping.
Prayer Rooms: Available for use before your flight.
Seating Areas: Ample seating in departure halls.

Exit Formalities

Information

Exit Fees/Taxes: Saudi Arabia does not typically charge separate exit fees.
These costs are usually included in your airfare or other travel arrangements.
Security: Be prepared for security checks and follow all instructions from airport staff.

Travel Checklist

A final check ensures nothing is overlooked before your departure.

Before You Leave

Confirm flight status and gate number.
Ensure you have sufficient local currency for incidentals.
Charge all electronics and gather necessary chargers.

Airport Layout & Amenities

Pre-Security

Check-in counters, baggage drop-off, currency exchange, and general information desks.

Security Checkpoints

Efficient screening for domestic and international departures. Follow guidelines.

Post-Security

Departure gates, shops, cafes, prayer rooms, and restrooms.

Smooth Departures

Arrive at the airport with ample time to comfortably complete all departure formalities.

How to Get to Tabuk