Flights to Saudi Arabia

Flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport take around six hours and 30 minutes, while a direct flight from London to Jeddah takes approximately six hours and 15 minutes.

British Airways flies to Saudi Arabia from London Heathrow Airport.

Saudi Arabia’s climate is hot all year round, but the winter months are usually cooler. This means more visitors and higher prices, so you might find it cheaper to fly to Saudi Arabia outside of this period. If you're on a budget, it’s also best to avoid travelling during the religious festival of Hajj if you’re not attending. The dates change each year.

Saudi Arabia’s desert climate means there’s virtually no rain throughout the year. However, it can get extremely hot in the summer, and the coast is very humid.

August is the hottest month of the year, and January is the coolest.

Average highs ranging between 29°C and 33°C between November and March make Saudi Arabia an ideal winter getaway destination.

During the holy month of Ramadan most places are closed between dawn and sunset, so it’s worth checking the dates, which shift annually.

Saudi Arabia is not known as a budget destination. But you can find well-priced accommodation alongside the international, five-star hotels.

Head to the souks to bargain for souvenirs at pocket-friendly prices, eat at the street-food stalls and pick up picnic supplies.

The National Museum in Riyadh is free to enter, while many of the beaches in Jeddah don’t charge a fee, unlike some of the upmarket resorts. The Corniche Beach is one of the most popular, while to the south Al Saif is best for families.

If you’re travelling round the country, book domestic flights well in advance for the best prices, or take the bus.

The best way to get from the airport to Riyadh and Jeddah is by taxi. Cabs are a great option for getting around both city, although the new Riyadh Metro service has sped up travel around the city. There is also a bus network that operates in both.

As well as inter-city train and bus networks running across the country, domestic flights are also available, making travelling around the country quick and affordable.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what Saudi Arabia has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

Alongside its ancient history and modern marvels, Saudi Arabia offers a huge variety of sporting attractions. The Saudi Pro League is attracting some of the world’s best football talent, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been held in Jeddah since 2021. Golfers can play on top-level courses across the country, while the port city is also a good base from which to explore the Red Sea’s diving and snorkelling sites, watersports and sandy beaches. The kingdom’s first island resort, St Regis, is further up the coast. The mountains, parks and forests of Abha in the south offer perfect hiking trails. Since 2021 the holy town of Medina has been opened up to visitors of all faiths.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders may require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, depending on how long they stay. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.