Jeddah Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and gateway to the holy cities, is served by two major airports: a massive new international megahub and an older airport now dedicated to domestic and charter operations. The city’s airport infrastructure has undergone a dramatic transformation with the opening of one of the world’s largest and most modern aviation facilities.

Understanding which Jeddah airport you are using is absolutely critical, as the two airports are located on opposite sides of the city and serve completely different flight operations. This guide explains both airports serving Jeddah, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear explanations of how to navigate Saudi Arabia’s primary international gateway.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – New Terminal 1

Overview: King Abdulaziz International Airport’s new Terminal 1 (often called the “Jeddah New Airport”) is Saudi Arabia’s premier international gateway and one of the world’s largest airport terminals. Located 19 km (12 miles) north of central Jeddah, this mega-terminal opened in 2019 and handles all international flights except those operated by Saudia, Flynas, and flyadeal. It serves as a major hub for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (New): A single, massive crescent-shaped terminal building spanning over 1.05 million square meters. Organized into three main concourses:
• North Terminal: Handles international airlines (SkyTeam, Oneworld, Star Alliance, and other international carriers)
• South Terminal: Dedicated to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims with specialized facilities
• Royal Terminal: For VIPs, royal family, and state guests
• Design: Features a stunning tent-inspired roof resembling the traditional Bedouin tents of the region. The terminal is designed to handle up to 30 million passengers annually with expansion capacity to 80 million.

Getting to and from JED New Terminal 1:

• Airport Taxis:
  Official airport taxis (white with orange stripes) operate on meters. Taxi stands are located outside arrivals. Expect to pay around 60-100 SAR to central Jeddah. Uber and Careem (ride-hailing) also operate with designated pickup areas.
• Public Buses (SAPTCO):
  SAPTCO operates bus services from the airport to various points in Jeddah including the city center, Al Hamra, and Al Rawdah. Affordable but less convenient with luggage.
• Rental Cars:
  All major international and local rental companies have counters in the arrivals hall. Driving in Jeddah requires confidence navigating busy traffic.
• Private Transfers/Hotel Shuttles:
  Many hotels offer airport pickup services, particularly those catering to business travelers and pilgrims.
• Future Metro:
  Jeddah Metro lines (under construction) will eventually connect the airport to the city center.

Best for: All international travelers except those flying Saudia, Flynas, or flyadeal; Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; connecting passengers on international airlines.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Terminal 2 (Saudia Terminal)

Overview: Terminal 2 at King Abdulaziz International Airport (often called the “Saudia Terminal” or “Hajj Terminal”) is located adjacent to but separate from the new Terminal 1. This terminal exclusively handles Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) domestic and international flights, plus Flynas and flyadeal operations. It’s the main hub for Saudia’s extensive domestic and international network.

Terminals:

• Terminal 2: A dedicated facility for Saudia Group airlines:
• Saudia (SV) – all flights
• Flynas (XY) – all flights
• flyadeal (F3) – all flights
• Facilities: Modern terminal with separate areas for international and domestic flights. Connected to the new Terminal 1 via shuttle bus for passengers with connecting flights between airlines.

Getting to and from Terminal 2:

• Transport options are identical to Terminal 1 (same airport complex)
• Designated pickup/dropoff areas for taxis and ride-hailing services
• Same SAPTCO bus services
• Rental car facilities available

Best for: Passengers flying Saudia, Flynas, or flyadeal (domestic or international); travelers connecting within Saudia’s network.

Which Jeddah Airport/Terminal Should You Use?

Check your airline carefully:

• Terminal 1 (New Terminal): All international airlines EXCEPT Saudia, Flynas, and flyadeal. This includes Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, etc.
• Terminal 2 (Saudia Terminal): ONLY Saudia (SV), Flynas (XY), and flyadeal (F3) for both domestic and international flights.

Important: The two terminals are in the same airport complex but are separate buildings. Free shuttle buses connect them, but allow at least 45-60 minutes for terminal transfers including security re-clearance if needed.

Essential Airport Information for Jeddah

Visa and Immigration:

• Electronic Visa (eVisa) available for tourists from eligible countries
• Separate immigration channels for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, residents, and visitors
• Hajj and Umrah pilgrims have dedicated immigration and processing facilities

Prayer Facilities: Abundant prayer rooms (musallah) throughout both terminals. Public announcements signal prayer times.

Currency: ATMs and currency exchange counters available throughout. Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the local currency.

Dress Code: While airport areas are more relaxed, modest dress is recommended. Abayas (cloaks) are available for purchase for female travelers if needed.

Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi available throughout both terminals. Mobile SIM cards can be purchased at airport kiosks.

Transport to Key Destinations

To Central Jeddah (Al Balad, Corniche): 20-40 minutes by taxi (60-100 SAR depending on traffic)

To Mecca (Makkah): 70-90 minutes (80 km). Special pilgrim buses available during Hajj season. Taxi costs approximately 200-250 SAR.

To Medina (Madinah): 4-5 hours by road (420 km). Domestic flights (1 hour) recommended.

To King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC): 90-120 minutes north of Jeddah

To Ta’if: 2-3 hours (165 km) via mountain roads

Hajj and Umrah Pilgrim Information

Jeddah is the primary air gateway for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually.

Hajj Terminal (South Terminal of Terminal 1):

• Dedicated facilities for pilgrim processing
• Special immigration and customs procedures
• Direct bus services to Mecca and Medina
• Medical facilities and religious guidance services

Pilgrim Transport:

• Organized buses to holy cities included in most pilgrimage packages
• Special pilgrim taxis available
• During peak Hajj season, expect significant crowds and delays

Domestic Connections Within Saudi Arabia

Jeddah is a major domestic hub with extensive connections:

To Riyadh (RUH): Frequent flights (1.5 hours) on Saudia, Flynas, flyadeal

To Dammam (DMM) / Dhahran (DHA): Frequent flights (2 hours)

To Medina (MED): Frequent flights (1 hour) – especially important for pilgrims

To Abha (AHB), Tabuk (TUU), Jazan (GIZ), Najran (EAM): Multiple daily flights

Terminal Note: All domestic flights on Saudia, Flynas, and flyadeal operate from Terminal 2. Domestic flights on other airlines operate from Terminal 1.

International Connections

Jeddah serves as a major bridge between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East:

Major Middle Eastern Hubs: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Cairo (all 2-4 hour flights)

Asian Gateways: Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Islamabad, Karachi, Delhi, Mumbai, Manila, Bangkok

European Destinations: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Istanbul, Moscow

African Destinations: Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Khartoum, Casablanca, Johannesburg

Terminal Transfer Guide

Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2:

• Free Shuttle Bus: Operates regularly between terminals (10-15 minute journey)
• Walking: Not recommended – terminals are several kilometers apart
• Minimum Connection Time: Allow at least 2-3 hours if changing terminals, as you must:
  • Clear immigration and collect baggage (if arriving internationally)
  • Take shuttle bus between terminals
  • Re-check bags and clear security at new terminal
• Same Airline Connections: If connecting on Saudia/Flynas/flyadeal, you’ll stay in Terminal 2
• Different Airline Connections: If switching between Saudia Group and other airlines, terminal transfer required

Bottom line: Jeddah’s airport system is massive and modern but requires careful attention to terminal assignment. Always confirm which terminal your airline uses. For international travelers, Terminal 1 offers world-class facilities, while Terminal 2 serves as Saudia’s efficient hub. During Hajj seasons, expect unprecedented crowds and plan extra time for all procedures. Transportation to Mecca is streamlined for pilgrims, while business and tourist travelers will find efficient connections throughout Saudi Arabia and the region.