Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
What are the Farasan Islands?
The Farasan Islands are a protected group of Red Sea islands off Jazan, with beaches, coral and old coral-stone houses. The best months are October to April, and a full day on the islands is about 8 h.
Getting there has two parts: a car to Jazan Port, then the ferry. We cover the road part and the pickup when you return; the crossing itself is with the ferry operator.
How does the Farasan ferry work?
The ferry to Farasan is a free government service from Jazan Port. You need to book ahead, and schedules, booking rules and crossing times change, so check the current timetable through the ferry operator's official channel before you fix any other plans.
Morning sailings fill quickly. Carry your passport or Iqama, as you may be asked for ID when you book or board, and follow the operator's check-in time at the port.
- Check the current timetable and book your ferry seats for both directions.
- Book our taxi to the pier for a time that fits your sailing, and send us the sailing time.
- Plan how you will get around the islands (see below).
- Book your pickup at the Jazan pier for your return sailing.
Getting to Jazan Port
The pier is a short drive from central Jazan. If you fly in, Jazan Airport (GIZ) is a single-terminal airport about 5 km from the city, and your driver meets you at the arrivals exit; see our Jazan Airport guide.
From Abha, the road descends steeply through the Dhila pass and drivers take it steady. Because morning sailings fill quickly, a night in Jazan before the crossing takes the pressure off.
| From | Distance | Time | Economy fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Jazan to the ferry pier | 10 km | 15 min | SAR 60 |
| Jazan Airport (GIZ) to the ferry pier | 13 km | 20 min | SAR 60 |
| Abha to Jazan | 200 km | 2 h 30 min | SAR 340 |
| Khamis Mushait to Jazan | 228 km | 2 h 45 min | SAR 390 |
Getting around Farasan
Our car stays on the mainland: the fare to Farasan ends at the ferry pier in Jazan. On the islands, local taxis usually wait at the island pier, and we can arrange an island taxi on request, so ask when you book.
Plan your day around the return sailing. The beaches, coral and old coral-stone houses are spread across the islands, so agree a plan with your island driver and keep an eye on the time. The islands are protected, so follow any local rules on the beaches and around the coral.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip works if you take an early sailing out and a later one back on the same day. Because schedules change, confirm both sailings before you commit, and leave a wide margin before any onward flight.
Staying overnight gives you more time on the beaches and avoids a rush for the last sailing. If your return sailing changes, message us on WhatsApp and we move your pickup. Rides between 00:00–05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in your quote.
What does the trip cost?
The ferry is free. Our fares are per car, fixed before the ride, and include fuel. Ferry seats are booked with the operator, not with us.
| Ride | Vehicle | Fare per car |
|---|---|---|
| Jazan to the ferry pier | Economy sedan, up to 3 | SAR 60 |
| Jazan to the ferry pier | Family van, up to 11 | SAR 120 |
| Jazan Airport to the ferry pier | Economy sedan, up to 3 | SAR 60 |
| Ferry pier back to your Jazan hotel | Economy sedan, up to 3 | SAR 60 |
| Driver by the hour in Jazan | Economy sedan | SAR 80 per hour, 3-hour minimum |
What should you pack for Farasan?
Heading up into the mountains as well? See our Rijal Alma day trip and the Asir mountain road trip.
- Passport or Iqama.
- Your ferry booking for both directions.
- Water, a hat and sunscreen.
- Your own snorkel gear if you want to look at the coral.
- Some cash and a card.
- A charged phone and a power bank, with our number saved for the return pickup.