Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How do you get around Abha?
Getting around Abha means planning for mountains. Abha is the highland capital of Asir, and the places visitors come for, from the misty heights of Al Soudah to the stone tower houses of Rijal Alma, are spread across the escarpment around the city. Inside Abha, short taxi or app rides cover most trips. For the highlands, a driver who knows the mountain roads is the simplest choice.
Abha has a twin city, Khamis Mushait, 30 km away, about 30 min by road. Khamis Mushait is the commercial centre, and the two cities share Abha International Airport.
How far are Abha's main places?
| Place | Distance from Abha | Visit or drive | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Muftaha Art Village | About 1 km | 1 hour | Artists' studios in central Abha |
| Green Mountain | About 3 km | 1 h 30 min | Lit green at night; busy on weekend evenings |
| Al Soudah | About 25 km | 3 hours | Cable car; fog often rolls in by the afternoon |
| Abha Airport (AHB) | 25 km | 30 min drive | Also serves Khamis Mushait |
| Khamis Mushait | 30 km | 30 min drive | Abha's commercial twin city |
| Rijal Alma Heritage Village | About 45 km | 2 h 30 min | The road descends the escarpment |
| Habala Village | About 60 km | 2 h 30 min | Reached by cable car; check it is running |
| Al Namas | 140 km | 2 h drive | Fog on summer mornings |
| Jazan | 200 km | 2 h 30 min drive | Steep descent through the Dhila pass |
Mountain roads, fog and descents
The roads around Abha climb and fall steeply. The road to Rijal Alma descends the escarpment, and the road to Jazan drops through the Dhila pass; drivers take both steady. The escarpment road to Al Namas is scenic but can have fog on summer mornings, and at Al Soudah fog often rolls in by the afternoon.
Plan around the weather: go to viewpoints in the morning, before the fog, and allow extra time on mountain roads. Tell the driver if anyone gets car-sick. Our Saudi road travel guide covers checkpoints, rest stops and road rules.
Hourly driver or single rides?
Rijal Alma lies west of Abha, down the escarpment, and pairs well with Al Soudah on the same side of the city. Habala lies south of Abha, so it suits a separate half-day.
| Plan | Good for | Cost from |
|---|---|---|
| Single taxi rides | Trips within Abha or to Khamis Mushait | SAR 60 per car per ride |
| Hourly driver | Al Soudah, Rijal Alma or Habala with stops | SAR 80 per hour, 3-hour minimum |
| Hourly SUV | Families of up to 7 on mountain roads | SAR 180 per hour |
| Hourly family van | Groups of up to 11 | SAR 150 per hour |
Summer season and weekends
- June to September is the peak season, when visitors come for the cool highland air; book airport transfers and drivers early.
- Weekend evenings are busy on the Green Mountain and in central Abha.
- Bring a jacket, even in summer, for Al Soudah and evening outings.
- Check that the Al Soudah and Habala cable cars are running before you set off.
- Some shops close for a short time at prayer times, especially around the Friday midday prayer.
Arriving and leaving
Abha International Airport (AHB) is 25 km from Abha and 20 km from Khamis Mushait. A taxi into Abha costs from SAR 60 per car, and the driver meets you at the arrivals exit; our Abha Airport guide has the details.
By road, Abha is a long way from the biggest cities: 687 km from Jeddah and 944 km from Riyadh. Flying is the faster choice for most people; our guide to domestic flights in Saudi Arabia compares the options.
Trips beyond Abha
From Abha you can continue south to Jazan on the coast, 200 km away, about 2 h 30 min. The ferry to the Farasan Islands leaves from Jazan Port, and morning sailings fill quickly. North along the escarpment, Al Namas is 140 km away and Al Bahah 330 km. Our Asir mountain road trip guide links these into a longer route.