3 best day trips from Jeddah

Day trips compared

The day trips

170 km · About 2–3 hours by car

1.Taif

At about 1,800 metres in the Sarawat mountains, Taif is noticeably cooler than Jeddah. It is known for its rose farms, which distil rose water and oil during the spring harvest, the restored Shubra Palace and its fruit and honey markets. The winding Al Hada road and its viewpoints are part of the trip.

Getting there

Car or organised tour

Best for

Families, Culture, Couples

200 km · About 3 hours by car

2.Al Shafa

South of Taif, the mountain villages of Al Shafa sit above 2,000 metres among terraced fruit farms growing pomegranates, figs and grapes. Viewpoints look over the escarpment, and in summer temperatures are far lower than on the coast.

Getting there

Car or organised tour via Taif

Best for

Quiet stays, Families

120 km · About 1 hour by high-speed train or 1 hour 30 minutes by car

3.King Abdullah Economic City

This planned city on the coast north of Jeddah has long sandy beaches, a waterfront promenade, golf and water sports. It is a calmer alternative to Jeddah's beach clubs, reachable by high-speed train for a beach day.

Getting there

Haramain High Speed Railway or car

Best for

Beach, Families, Quiet stays

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Jeddah's public bus network covers main roads across the city, including routes to Al-Balad, but services are slower than ride-hailing and better suited to patient travellers.
• Book seats in advance at busy periods, especially around Ramadan and Hajj.
• For trips over about 300 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask