Riyadh - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
US Embassy community was only permitted to use Uber Black. - Jul 2021
We’re not allowed to use any of these except the most expensive Uber option. This obviously is challenging since women can’t drive till this summer. Bring a car, because exploring Saudi Arabia is fun. - Feb 2018
There are no local trains or buses, and taxis were prohibited for us to use anywhere in the country, although when we were leaving the embassy was arranging for us to be able use Uber. In general, though, you will either have to rely on the embassy's motor pool or bring your own car. There are also embassy shuttles to supermarkets and such, but the "system" for pickup to get home seemed pretty poor to me. One important note is that while we were there, some restrictions had been imposed on mens' use of the motor pool since they're able to drive in Saudi Arabia. At that point in time there was a push to get new arrivals to bring their own cars. Quite frankly, the drivers are crazy and dangerous in Riyadh, so I could understand why even men wouldn't want to drive there. - Oct 2017
Alas, no public transport. But the embassy motorpool is amazing. And Uber is deemed safe by the embassy. - Jan 2017
There are no city buses, subways, or streetcars in Riyadh at the present, although a large part of the city is being torn up to build a modern, luxurious Metro and tram system. Sexes will be segregated on these when they open. There is one long-distance train line, between Riyadh and Dhahran, on the Gulf Coast. I understand the trains are clean and comfortable, but I never rode them nor did I talk with anyone who had. Saudi Arabia is trying to expand its passenger-rail network. - May 2016
Some. We use hospital-based taxis. Outside taxis not so much. Language barriers, and pricing based on nationality. - Nov 2015
There is no public transport, and we cannot use taxis for security reasons. Just recently, Uber was accepted. We use the motor pool all the time, and they are a Godsend. However the Embassy management is trying limit the use of the motorpool by imposing new rules - just to make our life even more difficult - Oct 2015
No trains, no buses. Most women have drivers. - Oct 2015
Best to have a driver. Buses are for men only and usually poor workers. Taxis are safe for men. - Jan 2015
Few trains, buses and taxis are not allowed by Embassy. - Sep 2014
There are no local trains or buses, and taxis are prohibited for us to use anywhere in the country. You will either have to rely on the embassy's woefully inadequate motor pool or bring your own car. There are also embassy shuttles to supermarkets and such, but the "system" for pickup to get home sounds pretty poor to me. - Mar 2014
We have travelled to Dhahran on the train and enjoyed the experience. As I stated earlier, taxis are off limits for us. - Dec 2013
Public transit is poor here but safe. Taxis are safe and affordable. - Oct 2013
Westerners do not take buses, and women should not take taxis. There is a train to the Eastern Province, which is basic, but fine for an outing. - Mar 2013
Public transportation is not really available, and security-wise people are discouraged fromt taking taxis. - Apr 2011
Most taxis and buses should not be used by women or foreigners. The prices are low compared to the U.S. - Mar 2010
No, not safe. - Jan 2010
There is no mass transit. Cabs are off-limits to USG employees anyway. I hope you don't mind everyone in the motor pool knowing where you've been and who you've seen. - Dec 2009
No and not safe, for fear of kidnapping by Muslim extremists. - Oct 2008
