Exploring Solo Journeys Via Bus Across Saudi Arabia
Traveling solo in Saudi Arabia can be a unique and enriching experience, offering opportunities to connect with local women and expats while discovering the country's rich culture and attractions.
For those planning a solo journey, safety is a top priority. The best safety tips for solo female bus travel in Saudi Arabia include using official bus services like SAPTCO, which have a strong safety record and well-maintained buses. Travelers are advised to carry proper identification such as an iqama (residence permit) or passport (for tourists). It's also important to sit in designated sections generally reserved for families and single women, arrive early for check-in, and use official transport apps for planning and ticketing.
Women-only or family areas on buses help enhance safety, and the buses do not allow standing passengers or talking to drivers, reducing distractions and risks. Additional safety recommendations based on local cultural norms and recent reforms include dressing modestly according to Saudi customs, avoiding informal or unregistered minibuses or taxis, and using official apps like Careem or Uber for last-mile travel or taxis with female-friendly options.
Traveling during daylight hours and avoiding isolated bus stations or stops at night are also recommended. It's crucial to keep personal belongings secure and remain aware of your surroundings to reduce risks of verbal harassment, which some women travelers report. It's worth noting that female passengers over 21 can travel without male guardian permission but should carry proper ID and travel documentation at all times.
Saudi bus services operated by SAPTCO are known for strict safety protocols, air-conditioned and clean buses with onboard toilets, and regular rest stops, increasing comfort and security for solo female travelers. Northwest BUS, another reliable operator, prioritizes the comfort and safety of female solo travellers, offering plentiful seating space, basic conveniences like clean drinking water, coffee, and sanitary restrooms, and technologically equipped buses with clean and well-lit boarding areas.
Saudi Arabia, a conservative Islamic country with a long history and culture, offers a wealth of attractions. From the bustling metropolis of Riyadh to the ancient remains of Al-Ula, solo travelers can discover natural beauties, architectural marvels, and cultural legacy at their leisure.
Reserving tickets in advance allows for choosing the type of bus and seating arrangement, ensuring a comfortable journey. Learning some basic Arabic phrases can help travellers converse with locals, making the experience even more rewarding.
In conclusion, with careful planning and adherence to local norms, solo travel in Saudi Arabia can be a safe and enriching adventure, offering unique cultural insights and opportunities for socializing.
- To ensure a comfortable and secure home-improvement for solo female travelers in Saudi Arabia, Northwest BUS, like SAPTCO, prioritizes cleanliness and safety with amenities such as air-conditioned buses, onboard toilets, and regular rest stops.
- After a day of exploring home-and-garden sights in Saudi Arabia, such as the ancient remains of Al-Ula or bustling Riyadh, female travelers can return to their homes knowing that they took the necessary safety precautions, such as using designated sections on buses and avoiding informal transport.
