Jeddah - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The Haramain high-speed train is very safe and reliable. There were SAPTCO buses providing some degree of public transportation, both intra-city and inter-city, but all of the info on them was in Arabic and I believe any bus passing through Medina or Mecca is off-limits to non-Muslims. There was no other local public transport that I knew of. Taxis are plentiful and affordable (negotiate price before entry, and knowing Arabic numbers helps), but typically are smaller sedans which can be harder for larger people or parties, older cars of dubious repair, and often had drivers who, to be blunt, smelt bad. They were okay in a pinch, like when your data wasn't connecting to Uber or there were no cars available, but Uber is much better. Much nicer cars, and far cheaper than in the US. Always be careful in public spaces, including transportation, that you are not speaking about any sensitive issues. Many drivers understand more English than they let on, and given that there are relatively few foreigners in the city, I had multiple drivers who remembered me from past rides. - Oct 2022
Uber is the preferred mode of car hire and buses are not advised or readily available and Uber black is fairly inexpensive. - Aug 2022
There were security issues for use of taxis and ride share services while we were there; I believe this still is not advised. We did met someone who narrowly escaped a potential abduction with his family, so the threat was credible. Drivers' services are expensive. Best to buy or bring your own vehicle. Women can now drive, so that makes getting around a bit easier. While there is some public transportation, it is not advised for westerners to use it. Many western compounds organize mini-bus trips to local shopping and leisure activities. - Nov 2020
We were not allowed to use local transportation. - Oct 2019
No trams, buses or trains. Sometimes the compounds run shuttles around town but we are not supposed to take them. There is Uber and a local variant called Careem, check in with RSO when you get here about which, if any, is safe to use. There are also a lot of marked cabs. Traffic is erratic but it's not a thing where you are dodging scooters and cows etc., on the road; you just have some people who drive erratically and at high speeds, especially at night. - Mar 2019
You're only allowed to take the expensive version of Careem, ride with friends, ride in consulate cars, or drive your own car - Jan 2019
No and no. - Apr 2016
THis is another issue here; we are not allowed to take public transportation and women are not allowed to drive. The consulate do not provide private drivers, They have drivers there and you have to call them but when VIPs visit you have to be grounded because there are no vehicles available. Now we have a small supermarket in the compound, as so as the school, gym, and extra activities for the kids, but in the new consulate's compound we will not have this, so this is going to be a problem. - Nov 2015
Mobility is a big deal for women here. We are not allowed to use public transportation or to drive. We depend on the motor pool, and have to call and ask them like they are doing a favor to you. And often they just tell you to wait because they don't have vehicles available. and you have to wait sometimes even an hour for them to come. - Oct 2015
Public transportation is not available. US Consulate folks are not allowed to take taxis. - Oct 2015
USG employees are not allowed to take taxis or buses. A POV is highly recommended and necessary for a normal life. - Aug 2015
We are not allowed to take taxis. - Feb 2014
We, as U.S. diplomats, aren't allowed to use taxis, but I think they're reasonably safe. For males. I wouldn't recommend a female use one without a male. It's not fair but it's just the way it is here. - Dec 2013
USG employees do not take these; we use our motorpool instead. Compounds often have buses, cars, and drivers available to take you wherever you need or want to go. These are very safe and are reasonably priced (and sometimes free). - May 2013
Taxis are available but drivers are weird with women, as I understand it. Most people at the CG use motorpool if they don't have a car. I've taken a few cabs and it was fine. - Nov 2010
