Weekend Getaways from Jeddah

Life in Jeddah moves at an energetic pace. Between the Red Sea waterfront, historic neighbourhoods, and lively cafés, the city offers plenty to explore. Yet one of the best things about Jeddah is its location. Within just a few hours’ drive, travellers can discover mountain retreats, desert landscapes, quiet coastal towns, and cultural heritage sites.

For couples looking for a romantic escape, families planning a short break, solo travellers chasing adventure, photographers searching for unique landscapes, and history lovers eager to explore Saudi heritage, the region around Jeddah offers many memorable weekend destinations.

Below are some of the best weekend getaways that allow travellers to experience a different side of Saudi Arabia.

Taif – The Mountain Escape

Located about 170 km from Jeddah, Taif is one of the most popular weekend destinations in western Saudi Arabia. The journey usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by road through scenic mountain highways. The city sits high in the Sarawat Mountains, giving it a cooler climate than the coastal regions, which makes it a refreshing retreat from Jeddah’s heat.

Distance from Jeddah: about 170 km
Travel time: 2–2.5 hours

Transport options

• Car or rental car: the most common option; fuel costs roughly SAR 40–70 depending on vehicle.

• Taxi or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem: around SAR 300–450 one way.

• Intercity buses operated by SAPTCO: around SAR 70–90 per person.

Taif is famous for its rose farms, mountain views, and peaceful parks. During spring, rose gardens fill the air with fragrance, while scenic roads lead travellers through dramatic mountain landscapes. Things to enjoy in Taif include exploring rose farms and perfume factories, visiting Shubra Palace museum, walking through Al Rudaf Park, and driving along the scenic Al Hada mountain road.

Al Bahah – Forests in the Mountains

For travellers who love nature, Al Bahah offers a completely different landscape from the deserts usually associated with Saudi Arabia. Located in the southwestern highlands, the region is known for lush forests, mountain cliffs, and traditional villages.

Distance from Jeddah: about 380 km

Travel time: 5–6 hours by road

Transport options

• Car or rental car: the most practical way to travel due to mountain routes. Fuel cost is typically around SAR 120–180.

• Intercity bus via SAPTCO (often via Taif): around SAR 120–150.

• Domestic flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Al Baha Domestic Airport: usually SAR 250–500 depending on the airline and time of booking.

One of the highlights is Raghadan Forest, a scenic park overlooking deep valleys and cliffs. Nearby attractions include Dhee Ayn Village, a centuries-old stone village perched dramatically on a hill. Visitors can enjoy hiking through forest parks, visiting traditional mountain villages, scenic drives through the Sarawat Mountains, and exploring local markets and regional cuisine.

Obhur – A Quick Coastal Escape

If you only have a day or a short weekend, Obhur Bay is one of the easiest escapes from Jeddah. Located about 30 km north of the city, it is a popular seaside destination known for water sports and beach resorts.

Distance from central Jeddah: about 30 km

Travel time: 30–40 minutes

Transport options

• Taxi or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem: around SAR 30–60 depending on pickup location.

• Rental car: about SAR 100–200 per day depending on vehicle type.

• Many beaches and resorts charge entrance fees ranging between SAR 50 and SAR 150.

The bay is famous for its clear waters and marine activities, making it ideal for families and adventure seekers.

Popular experiences include jet skiing and parasailing (SAR 150–300), snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea (SAR 200–400 for guided dives), dining at seafood restaurants by the water, and relaxing at beach resorts.

Al Lith – A Quiet Coastal Town

About 230 km south of Jeddah lies the peaceful coastal town of Al Lith. The journey typically takes about 3 hours by road along the Red Sea coast.

Distance from Jeddah: about 230 km

Travel time: around 3 hours

Transport options

• Car or rental car: the easiest way to reach the town; fuel costs around SAR 70–100.

• Taxi or private transfer: approximately SAR 350–500 depending on vehicle type.

Al Lith is known for its quiet beaches and fishing culture, attracting visitors looking for a slower pace of travel.

Things to experience include deep-sea fishing trips (around SAR 400–700 depending on duration), snorkelling in coral-rich waters, exploring nearby valleys, and enjoying freshly caught seafood at local restaurants.

King Abdullah Economic City – A Modern Leisure Destination

Just 120 km north of Jeddah lies King Abdullah Economic City, often called KAEC. Built along the Red Sea coast, this modern development has quickly become a popular destination for weekend trips.

Distance from Jeddah: about 120 km

Travel time: 1–1.5 hours

Transport options

• Car or rental car: the most convenient option; fuel costs about SAR 30–50.

• High-speed train operated by Haramain High Speed Railway from Jeddah Railway Station to King Abdullah Economic City Railway Station: travel time around 35 minutes, ticket prices typically SAR 50–100 depending on class.

Visitors can enjoy beaches and waterfront promenades, cycling tracks, water sports, boating, and entertainment areas such as the marina district.

Moon Valley – A Desert Adventure

For travellers who want something completely different, Moon Valley offers a surreal desert landscape just outside the city.

Distance from Jeddah: about 70 km

Travel time: 1–1.5 hours

Transport options

• Car or 4x4 rental: recommended due to desert terrain; rentals typically start from SAR 200 per day.

Private desert tours organised from Jeddah: usually between SAR 250 and SAR 500 per person depending on activities. Moon Valley is known for its quiet desert scenery and dramatic rock formations. Weekend visitors often camp under the stars, explore desert trails, watch sunsets across the dunes, and enjoy stargazing far from city lights.

Discover the Region Beyond Jeddah

One of the greatest advantages of visiting Jeddah is how easily travellers can explore the surrounding landscapes. Within a few hours, the scenery shifts from coastal beaches and coral reefs to green mountain forests and quiet desert valleys.

Whether escaping to the cool hills of Taif, exploring forests in Al Bahah, relaxing by the water in Obhur Bay, or discovering desert landscapes like Moon Valley, these weekend trips reveal the diverse natural beauty of Saudi Arabia.

For travellers based in Jeddah, the perfect weekend adventure is always just a short drive away.