Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Which cities will host the World Cup 2034?
FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia in December 2024. The planned host cities for the World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia are Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM. Stadiums, the match schedule and the tournament dates are not final, so follow FIFA and the official tournament announcements for those details.
This guide covers what is already known: how far apart the host cities are, which airports serve them, and when it makes sense to drive between them.
How far apart are the host cities?
These are our road distances and fixed fares between host cities, per car, at today's prices. Rest, prayer and meal stops are included on long routes.
| Route | Distance | Time by road | Economy sedan | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh to Al Khobar | 424 km | 4 h 15 min | SAR 730 | SAR 1,360 |
| Jeddah to Abha | 687 km | 8 h 20 min | SAR 1,170 | SAR 2,200 |
| Riyadh to Jeddah | 950 km | 9 h | SAR 1,620 | SAR 3,040 |
| Riyadh to Abha | 946 km | 12 h 5 min | SAR 1,610 | SAR 3,030 |
| Jeddah to NEOM | 923 km | 11 h 40 min | SAR 1,570 | SAR 2,960 |
| Jeddah to Al Khobar | 1373 km | 15 h 25 min | SAR 2,340 | SAR 4,400 |
Should you drive or fly between host cities?
Riyadh to Al Khobar is the one host-city pair that suits a road trip for most people, at about 4 h 15 min. The SAR train also runs between Riyadh and Dammam; check the operator for times and fares. Jeddah to Abha takes about 8 h 20 min by road, and the other pairs take a full day or more.
For the longest pairs, such as Riyadh to NEOM or Al Khobar to Abha, we do not run a direct road fare; most travellers fly and book an airport transfer at each end. Our guide to domestic flights in Saudi Arabia explains how internal flights work. The road makes sense for groups with a lot of luggage, or fans who want to stop on the way.
Host city airports
Today, NEOM Bay Airport mainly handles NEOM staff and contractor flights, and most visitors transfer from Tabuk Airport. Access arrangements for fans in 2034 will be announced nearer the time.
| Host city | Airport | Distance | Time | Economy sedan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | King Khalid International (RUH) | 35 km | 40 min | SAR 60 |
| Jeddah | King Abdulaziz International (JED) | 20 km | 25 min | SAR 60 |
| Al Khobar | King Fahd International, Dammam (DMM) | 59 km | 40 min | SAR 110 |
| Abha | Abha International (AHB) | 25 km | 30 min | SAR 60 |
| NEOM | NEOM Bay Airport (NUM) | 15 km | 20 min | SAR 60 |
| NEOM | Tabuk Airport (TUU) | 197 km | 2 h 45 min | SAR 340 |
Each host city at a glance
- Riyadh: the capital, with King Khalid Airport about 35 km north of Olaya and the Riyadh Metro serving the airport.
- Jeddah: the Red Sea gateway. Muslim fans can add Umrah: Jeddah to Makkah is 95 km, about 1 h 15 min, and the permit is booked in the Nusuk app. Only Muslims may enter Makkah.
- Al Khobar: part of one metro area with Dammam and Dhahran, about 25 km from the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain.
- Abha: the highland capital of Asir, cooler than the coast, with Khamis Mushait 30 km away.
- NEOM: the development on the Gulf of Aqaba. Tabuk to NEOM is 180 km by road, about 2 h, and site access today needs a NEOM gate pass. Our post on getting to NEOM has the details.
Planning match-day transport
We plan to run match-day and intercity transfers during the tournament. Because stadium details are not final, the practical advice is general for now: big events often close roads near the venue, so drivers drop you at the nearest open point, and you should book your return before the match with an agreed pickup point.
An hourly driver from SAR 80 per hour, with a 3-hour minimum, waits at each stop on a match day. Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in the quote.
Fan groups and teams
Group bookings for fan groups can be arranged in advance. A family van seats up to 11 and a group bus from 22 to 50 with a luggage hold. For squads and staff, we plan airport-to-hotel-to-venue transport, with vans for kit and luggage. Corporate accounts invoice hospitality groups monthly with VAT.