Ground Transport
Chauffeured Limousines and SUVs
Utilising a chauffeured vehicle for transit between sites within a city – or indeed for transport from one destination to another (if not too far away) can alleviate many logistical concerns. While such services are not inexpensive, the level of service and the calibre of the vehicle are typically commensurate with the cost.
In Saudi Arabia, there are a large number of esteemed chauffeur services, including Sixt, which has the advantage of being “known” by global travellers as a reputed brand. This company offers both chauffeur-driven and self-driven vehicles. As a partner of the national airline, Saudia, Sixt provides added benefits to those flying into Saudi Arabia with this carrier. The rides with Sixt are closely tracked using an automated system that promises seamless travel. In addition, their dedicated Call Centre Team oversees all reservations and journeys to ensure customer satisfaction.
Forging connections with local Destination Management Companies (DMCs) can be beneficial for acquiring superior chauffeur services. However, it is advisable to engage with well-established service providers since some local chauffeurs may lack necessary training or language proficiency, potentially leading to inefficiencies and discomfort.
Self-drive
For those who savour the good life and autonomy, luxury self-drive options in Saudi Arabia are a feast for the senses, coupled with the independence to roam at one’s whim. The nation’s infrastructure stands ready to support this freedom, with thoroughfares that glide seamlessly across the landscape, connecting vibrant metropolises with straightforward ease.
It’s paramount, however, for international explorers to arm themselves with a valid driving license from home, alongside an international driving permit—essential companions for the voyage ahead.
While the allure of the open road offers an intimate lens on Saudi Arabia’s diverse tableau—from Riyadh’s urban heartbeat to Jeddah’s historical majesty—wisdom whispers that the company of local tour guides can amplify this canvas. These connoisseurs of the locale unlock optimal times to brush against prized wonders, sidestepping the bustle that could fray the fabric of a relaxed sojourn. They hold the map to the kingdom’s secret sanctuaries, places known only to those rooted in the land.
Under the ambitious wings of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has transformed its roads into ribbons of ease and pleasure. For the discerning, self-drive becomes a private odyssey into the heart of the country’s lesser-known jewels—from Riyadh’s pulse to Al-Ula’s ancient whispers.
Top rental firms cater to the luxurious whims, showcasing fleets where the sleek city glide of a Bentley meets the Range Rover’s desert prowess. These vehicles don’t just transport; they surround the traveller in top-notch amenities, ensuring every mile is a cradle of comfort, even when the journey takes you to the kingdom’s enchanting fringes.
Luxury car hire in Saudi Arabia isn’t just about the ride; it’s the full concierge experience. Think customised routes, on-demand support, and tailored suggestions that knit together a travel tapestry so seamless, it feels like second nature. This brand of care promises not just mobility, but the tranquillity of knowing help is just a call away.
Travel advisors stand as guides to this freedom, promising clients a tapestry of discovery along the Red Sea, through storied Islamic landmarks, or beneath a star-draped desert sky. Each self-driven journey pledges an encounter both majestic and intimate.
Advisors should also carry the torch of cultural insight, imbuing clients with the nuances of Saudi customs and driving decorum. This understanding isn’t just about respect; it forges a bond with the land and its people that transcends the journey itself.
Exploring Saudi Arabia on a Luxury Motorcycle: A Unique Blend of Adventure and Opulence
Saudi Arabia offers a unique proposition for luxury travel, with its vast deserts and rich cultural tapestry creating an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. For discerning travellers seeking a blend of excitement and luxury, a high-end motorcycle tour across this enigmatic kingdom is the ultimate choice. This experience parallels the iconic US road trips of the 60s, offering freedom and discovery, albeit with a modern twist of luxury and exclusivity.
The Ride: Top-Tier Motorcycles and Scenic Landscapes
Embarking on a motorcycle tour in Saudi Arabia allows travellers to intimately connect with the country’s landscapes and culture. Routes such as the coastal road from Jeddah to Yanbu or through the mountainous areas of Al-Baha reveal a side of Saudi Arabia that few get to see. Riding high-end models from brands like BMW, Ducati, and Harley-Davidson, provided by Edelweiss Travel (specialists in self-ride tours), enhance this experience, offering top-notch performance and comfort.
Rail Transport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Fast Track to the Future
Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its transportation infrastructure, with rail transport being a central aspect of this evolution. Aimed at reducing road traffic, improving logistics efficiency, and minimising environmental impact, Saudi Arabia’s investment in rail projects is reshaping how both goods and passengers move across the kingdom.
In Saudi Arabia, there are primarily two main rail operators:
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR): SAR is responsible for the North-South Railway and operates the East Train, North Train, and Haramain Express networks. This state-owned company focuses on passenger and freight services, contributing significantly to the country’s rail infrastructure and logistics.
Saudi Railways Organization (SRO): SRO operates the Dammam-Riyadh line, which includes passenger and freight services. This organisation has been pivotal in developing Saudi Arabia’s early rail infrastructure.
The Rise of Fast Trains: Revolutionising Travel Around Jeddah
Jeddah, a major urban centre, and gateway to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s rail transport revolution.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR) stands among the top ten fastest electric rail services globally, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. It serves as a vital component in expanding Saudi Arabia’s rail network, linking the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to accommodate the increasing number of domestic and international pilgrims, and easing traffic congestion along the routes connecting Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
Launched in 2018 under the sponsorship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, this major project includes a 449-km main track and a 3.75-km branch line to King Abdulaziz International Airport, providing a rapid, two-hour and twenty-minute connection between the two holy cities, and establishing it as one of the six fastest trains worldwide.
The network comprises five stations, including the world’s largest airport train station at King Abdulaziz International Airport, spanning over 105,000 square meters, and facilitates the movement of 35 electric trains, each with a capacity of 417 passengers, across the region especially during the peak Hajj season.
Expanding Urban Connectivity: Riyadh’s Ambitious Metro Project
While Jeddah benefits from high-speed rail connections, Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is not far behind in its urban transport ambitions. The Riyadh Metro project, set to be fully operational by 2025, is poised to be a game-changer for the city’s public transport system. This sprawling metro system, one of the largest urban transport projects globally, features six lines covering a total length of 176 kilometres.
The Riyadh Metro aims to serve over 3.6 million passengers daily, significantly alleviating traffic congestion in one of the busiest cities in the Middle East. The project incorporates cutting-edge technologies in construction and operation, including automated trains and eco-friendly practices to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Luxury desert “rail cruise” launches in 2025
Reservations for the “Dream of the Desert” train will commence at the year’s end, with actual services slated to begin in the final quarter of the subsequent year. The inaugural expeditions will depart from Riyadh’s North Train Station, journeying through Hail, and culminating at the Al-Qurayyat station.
Each of the 40 cabins aboard the “Dream of the Desert” has been meticulously crafted to exude elegance, from the snug sleeper quarters to the extravagant suites. Guests will delight in the finest gourmet meals and receive tailored service throughout their travel, creating an experience that is as indulgent as the vistas are scenic.
In today’s eco-conscious world, rail cruising presents a greener alternative to air travel, with trains emitting significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger.
This aspect, coupled with the exclusivity and privacy afforded by the limited number of passengers compared to a cruise ship, makes rail cruising an attractive option for those seeking a more intimate and environmentally friendly way to explore.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale underlined this sentiment: “The ‘railway cruise’ is the present and the future of tourism, and Arsenale wants to make it available in the most beautiful places in the world, introducing this new fascinating and sustainable way of travelling. This partnership demonstrates that there are no limits to passion and no barriers that can stop the desire to go beyond the imaginary.”
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