How to get to Taif

When planning how to get to Taif, travellers discover the "summer capital" of Saudi Arabia, situated in the Sarawat Mountains in the west of the country. This historic resort city, renowned for its rose gardens and pleasant cool weather, attracts tourists looking to take a break from the desert heat. You can reach the city in various ways: by taking a direct flight to the local airport or by embarking on a scenic drive by car or bus along the winding mountain roads from neighbouring major cities.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the resort is by air. The city is served by Taif International Airport (TIF), which welcomes over a million passengers annually and offers convenient connections to the city centre. A direct flight allows you to save time and immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a mountain holiday.

If direct flights are unavailable, a convenient alternative is flying to major neighbouring aviation hubs followed by a transfer. The closest option is Jeddah Airport (JED), located approximately 134 kilometres away. You can also consider flying into the airports of Al-Baha or Medina, although the journey by land from these locations will take significantly longer.

Currently, there is no direct railway connection to the city, as there is no railway station in Taif itself. The complex mountain terrain currently limits the development of tracks directly to the resort area, so the train cannot serve as a means to get to the "doorstep" of your hotel.

Nevertheless, tourists can utilise the country's developed railway network to reach the nearest major hubs. It is most convenient to take the high-speed train to the city of Jeddah or to the holy city of Medina. The remaining part of the route from these stations will need to be covered by taxi or intercity bus.

Bus travel is a popular and budget-friendly option for those wishing to get to Taif while enjoying the views. Regular services depart from the city of Jeddah: the route spans about 250 km and takes approximately 6.5 hours, accounting for stops and traffic. This is a reliable method for those who are not in a rush and prefer an organised transfer.

For travellers coming from more distant regions, there are routes from the city of Medina. The distance in this case is over 565 km, and travel time increases to 9–10 hours. Modern intercity buses are usually equipped with air conditioning, making the long journey through the hot climate quite tolerable.

Travelling by car is the most picturesque way to get to Taif, as the road often passes through beautiful mountain sections. The shortest and most popular route leads from Jeddah: you can cover the 177 km in just 2 hours, ascending from the Red Sea coast to the cool highlands via an excellent highway.

It is also convenient to travel by car from the city of Al-Baha (about 218 km and 2.5 hours on the road) or from Medina, although the latter option will require about 5 hours behind the wheel (470 km). Travellers can rent a car or use taxi services, having agreed on the fare in advance.

Preparing for a trip to Taif requires considering local nuances, as this mountain city differs noticeably from the rest of the country in its climate and atmosphere.

1. Clothing and Climate. Unlike the hot desert, it can be cool here, especially in the evenings and during winter. Be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater, even if you are travelling in summer.
2. Transport. Public transport within the city is not well developed. For comfortable movement between attractions, it is highly recommended to rent a car or use ride-hailing apps.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Cards are accepted in most hotels and shopping malls, but it is better to carry cash for souqs and small shops.
4. Etiquette and Traditions. The city is quite conservative. Tourists should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and show respect for local customs, especially during prayer times.
5. Photography. Avoid photographing local residents (especially women) without their explicit permission, as well as government buildings.
6. Road Safety. If you are driving, be attentive on the winding mountain roads: local drivers can be quite aggressive, and mountain fog sometimes reduces visibility.
7. Communication. Arabic is the main language. English is understood in hotels and major tourist spots, but learning a few phrases in Arabic is a sign of courtesy.
8. Local Speciality. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the local rose plantations and purchase rose water or oil — this is the region's main souvenir.

Following these simple recommendations will make your stay in the "City of Roses" comfortable and safe, allowing you to focus on the beauty of the mountains and the historical heritage.