19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is no longer just a luxury destination. With the recent opening to international tourism, a new world of budget exploration has emerged for the savvy traveler. This 19-day route takes you from the modern skyscrapers of Riyadh to the ancient coral stone alleys of Jeddah, all while keeping costs ultra-lean by utilizing the SAPTCO bus network, local street food like falafel and tameez, and the growing hostel scene.
Embracing the 'Epic Journey' style means slow travel—spending time in communal spaces, bargaining at local markets, and using public transit to witness the changing landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether you are marvelling at UNESCO World Heritage sites or sharing tea with locals in a mountain village, this itinerary proves that the Kingdom’s hospitality is accessible to everyone.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Arrival and the Masmak Fortress
Arrival at King Khalid International Airport
Clear customs and grab a local SIM card. Use the airport bus to reach the city center for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
Lunch at a local 'Bukhari' Restaurant
Enjoy a massive plate of rice and chicken for under $5. These local spots are the backbone of budget dining in Saudi Arabia.
Al Masmak Fortress
Explore this 19th-century clay and mud-brick castle that played a pivotal role in Saudi history. Entry is free.
Souq Al Zal
Wander through Riyadh's oldest market. It is free to explore and offers the best atmosphere for people-watching during the evening auctions.
Day 2: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - National History and Modern Vibes
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
A world-class facility documenting the history of Islam and the Arabian Peninsula. The entry fee is very affordable for students and budget travelers.
King Abdulaziz Historical Center
Walk through the lush gardens surrounding the museum—a rare green space in the capital and completely free to enter.
Murabba Palace
Visit the former home of King Abdulaziz. The traditional Najdi architecture is a photographer's dream.
Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
Splurge slightly to see the city lights from the 99th floor, or simply enjoy the view from the free public areas of the mall below.
Day 3: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Ancient Diriyah
At-Turaif District in Diriyah
Visit the UNESCO-listed birthplace of the first Saudi state. While some areas are premium, many parts of the historic park offer affordable access.
Wadi Hanifa
Pack a picnic and head to this valley for a long walk. It is a popular spot for locals and costs nothing to enjoy.
Edge of the World (Group Transit)
Join a budget-friendly group tour or find travel mates at your hostel to split the cost of a ride to these dramatic cliffs.
Dinner in Olaya
Try some local street shawarma for just a few riyals before heading to the bus station.
Day 4: Dammam, Saudi Arabia - Eastern Province Exploration
SAPTCO Bus to Dammam
Take the long-distance bus from Riyadh. It is the most economical way to cross the desert toward the Arabian Gulf.
Dammam Corniche
Walk along the waterfront. This public park offers sea breezes and free exercise stations used by the local community.
Dammam Heritage Village
A museum and restaurant that showcases the culture of different Saudi regions. You can explore the museum area for a small fee.
Al Share’ Al Hob (Love Market)
Explore the vibrant street market in downtown Dammam, perfect for finding cheap snacks and local spices.
Day 5: Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia - Street Art and Coastal Walks
Al Khobar Street Art (Bayouni)
Explore the traditional neighborhood of Bayouni, where local artists have transformed old buildings into a colorful street art gallery.
Lunch at Al Baik
You cannot visit Saudi without eating Al Baik. It is the legendary, ultra-cheap fried chicken chain that has a cult following.
Scitech Technology Center
A great place to spend a few hours learning about science and space, located right on the Khobar sea front.
Khobar Water Tower
View this iconic landmark illuminated at night. The surrounding park is a free and lively social hub.
Day 6: Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia - The Great Oasis
Train to Al Ahsa
Take the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) train from Dammam to Hofuf. It’s affordable, clean, and much faster than the bus.
Ibrahim Palace
Visit this historic architectural masterpiece which combines Islamic and military styles. Entry is typically very cheap or free.
Al-Qarah Mountain
Explore the cool caves inside this limestone mountain. It’s a natural wonder that provides a break from the desert heat.
Al-Ahsa Souq
Famous for its dates. Buy a small box of local Khalas dates for a healthy, cheap travel snack.
Day 7: Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia - Rural Serenity
Yellow Lake (Asfar Lake)
Coordinate with other travelers to split a local taxi to this stunning lake surrounded by dunes. There is no entrance fee.
Al-Jawhariah Spring
A natural spring where you can see how the oasis has been irrigated for centuries. It's a peaceful and free site.
House of Allegiance
A small museum in an old traditional house where the locals pledged loyalty to King Abdulaziz.
Night Bus to Riyadh
Take the overnight SAPTCO bus back to Riyadh to save on one night's accommodation cost.
Day 8: Medina, Saudi Arabia - The Holy City
Arrival in Medina
Arrive via the high-speed Haramain Train or bus. Use the local bus system to reach your budget hotel near the central area.
Prophet's Mosque (Perimeter)
Non-Muslims can now visit the perimeter and surrounding plazas of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Witness the incredible scale and the famous giant umbrellas.
Mount Uhud
Visit the site of the historic battle. Climbing the small archers' hill is free and provides a panoramic view of the city.
Medina Night Market
Sample local Hijazi street foods like 'Manti' or 'Mutabbaq' at the stalls surrounding the mosque area.
Day 9: Medina, Saudi Arabia - Spiritual History
Quba Mosque
Walk the 'Sunnah Path,' a 3km pedestrian walkway connecting the Prophet's Mosque to Quba Mosque. It’s a free, pleasant walk with historical markers.
Seven Mosques
A complex of small historical mosques. While small, they offer a quiet place to reflect and learn about the city’s siege history.
Hejaz Railway Museum
Explore the remains of the Ottoman-era railway. The restored station and old carriages are fascinating for history buffs.
Yanbu Street Food Tour
Find a local spot serving 'Foul Tameez'—mashed beans and huge flatbread—the ultimate $2 filling meal.
Day 10: Medina to AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Into the Desert
SAPTCO Bus to AlUla
This is a 4-hour journey through stunning volcanic landscapes. It is much cheaper than hiring a private driver.
AlUla Old Town
Wander through the abandoned mud-brick city. While some tours are paid, the atmosphere of the valley can be enjoyed for free.
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
A massive natural sandstone arch. There is no entrance fee to sit in the sand and watch the sunset behind the 'elephant'.
Stargazing in the Desert
Walk just a few hundred meters away from the town lights for some of the best free stargazing in the world.
Day 11: AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Hegra on a Budget
Hegra (Madain Salih)
This is the big ticket item. Save your budget for this UNESCO site. Book the official bus tour early to get the best time slot.
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah
Visit the ancient library of rock inscriptions. This is usually bundled with other tours to save money.
AlUla Oasis Trail
Walk through the date palms on the free public trail. It’s shaded, beautiful, and shows the agricultural heart of the canyon.
Dinner at the 'Art Square'
Look for local food trucks which offer cheaper options than the sit-down restaurants in the Old Town.
Day 12: AlUla to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - The Long Haul
Maraya Concert Hall (Exterior)
Take a quick trip to see the world's largest mirrored building. You can view the exterior and get amazing photos for free.
Travel Prep
Stock up on water and snacks at a local grocery store for the long bus ride ahead.
SAPTCO Bus to Jeddah
This is a long journey (approx. 10-12 hours). It’s the ultimate backpacker endurance test but saves a fortune compared to flying.
Arrival in Jeddah
Check into your budget accommodation in the Al-Balad or Al-Safa districts.
Day 13: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Al-Balad Heritage
Al-Balad (Old Town)
Wander through the UNESCO-listed district. The coral stone houses with intricate 'Roshan' balconies are free to admire from the street.
Nasseef House
A historic mansion in Al-Balad. The entrance fee is very low and it offers a deep dive into Jeddah’s merchant history.
Souq Al Alawi
The oldest market in the city. It’s a sensory overload and a great place to buy cheap spices or local textiles.
Gabel Street Street Food
Eat like a local with 'Kabab Meero' or 'Laham' from the stalls that have been there for decades.
Day 14: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Red Sea Relaxation
Floating Mosque (Al-Rahmah Mosque)
Visit this beautiful white mosque built over the sea. It is free to enter and best visited during high tide.
Jeddah Corniche
Walk the 30km waterfront. There are many free sculptures by famous artists like Henry Moore and Joan Miró.
King Fahd’s Fountain
Watch the world’s tallest fountain erupt. It’s a free nightly spectacle that is best viewed from the Ritz Carlton side of the corniche.
Fish Market (Central Fish Market)
Visit late at night or early morning to see the local catch. You can buy fresh fish and have it cooked nearby for a small fee.
Day 15: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Museums and Malls
Tayyibat Museum
A massive privately-owned museum housed in a traditional Jeddah-style palace. It covers 2,500 years of history.
Lunch at a 'Mandi' Spot
Share a large platter of traditional smoked rice and meat. It's meant for sharing and very cost-effective for groups.
Red Sea Mall
While shopping is expensive, the mall offers free air-conditioning and great window shopping plus an affordable food court.
Walk by the Jeddah Art Promenade
Enjoy the modern side of the city with free outdoor art installations and sea views.
Day 16: Abha, Saudi Arabia - The Mountain Retreat
Bus/Flight to Abha
For this leg, a budget flight on flyadeal can sometimes be cheaper than a 12-hour bus. Check both.
High City (Abha)
A terrace area with views over the mountains. It's a public space perfect for enjoying the cooler high-altitude air.
Shamsan Ottoman Castle
A historic fort overlooking the city. Entry is usually free and it offers great sunset views.
Tuesday Market (Souq Al-Thulatha)
One of the oldest traditional markets in the region, famous for local honey and colorful Asiri clothing.
Day 17: Abha, Saudi Arabia - Rijal Almaa
Rijal Almaa Heritage Village
Take a shared taxi or rental to this stunning 'gingerbread' stone village. It is a UNESCO candidate and incredibly photogenic.
Soudah Park
Visit the highest point in Saudi Arabia. The mist and juniper forests are a total contrast to the rest of the country.
Al-Muftaha Art Village
Wander through the small galleries and see the famous colorful murals of the Asir region.
Local Haneeth Dinner
Try 'Haneeth,' slow-cooked lamb that is a specialty of the south. It’s hearty and relatively cheap.
Day 18: Taif, Saudi Arabia - The City of Roses
Bus to Taif
Travel through the winding mountain roads. The scenery is spectacular and the bus is very affordable.
Shubra Palace
Explore this beautiful white-and-gold palace which now serves as a museum. The architecture is a mix of Hijazi and Roman styles.
Taif Central Market
Famous for rose water and perfumes. You can smell the rose products for free and buy small samples as cheap gifts.
Al-Rudaf Park
A huge public park with musical fountains and rock formations. Entrance is free and it's where the city comes alive at night.
Day 19: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Final Farewells
Return to Jeddah
Take a final short bus ride back to Jeddah to prepare for your departure.
Souq Al Shatea
A great place for last-minute budget shopping for traditional Abayas or local snacks.
Obhur Creek
Head to the northern part of the city to watch the boats and enjoy a final Red Sea breeze.
Farewell Dinner at Al-Balad
One last meal of falafel and tea in the historic heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia for a budget trip is during the winter months, from November to early March. During this period, the weather is pleasant enough to walk between attractions, which saves significantly on taxi and Uber costs. While the mountains of Abha can be visited year-round due to their elevation, the desert cities like Riyadh and AlUla become dangerously hot and expensive to navigate in the summer as you will be forced to rely on air-conditioned private transport.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), which is pegged to the US Dollar ($1 = 3.75 SAR). While credit cards are accepted in almost all shops and malls, you must carry cash for street food stalls, local buses, and small souq vendors. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill at small eateries is appreciated. For the best exchange rates, use ATMs at the airport or in major city centers rather than exchange bureaus.
Getting Around Saudi Arabia
For the budget traveler, the SAPTCO bus network is your best friend, offering extensive routes between all major cities at a fraction of the price of flights. For the western corridor (Medina to Jeddah), the Haramain High-Speed Railway is efficient and affordable if booked in advance. Within cities, the Riyadh Metro is partially opening and very cheap; otherwise, Careem and Uber are the standard, though budget travelers should look for local bus routes or share rides where possible.
