Getting Around Arar: An Overview
Arar is the administrative center of Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region and functions as a transit hub and gateway to the northern desert areas. For visitors, the most important thing to understand up front is that public transport within the city is poorly developed. In practice, this means you should plan on getting around by rental car or taxi rather than relying on a local bus or rail network.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Arar has no railway station and no direct train access, and there is no metro or tram network in the city. If you want to arrive or depart by rail, you will need to travel overland to a city that does have rail connections. The nearest options are Sakaka, Turaif and Rafha, all of which are reached from Arar by road. From those stations, onward travel is by taxi or rental car. In short, rail is not a practical way to move around Arar itself — it is only relevant if you are connecting to the wider Saudi network via another city.
Buses and Public Transport
Long-distance bus services connect the northern regions with central Saudi Arabia, using modern air-conditioned coaches on the major highways and running through large transport hubs. These services are aimed at intercity travel rather than getting around town. Schedules and routes are not fixed and can change, so check with national carriers or ask locally before you plan a journey. Travel times on these routes are long, so overnight or limited-stop services are worth considering.
Within Arar itself, public transport is limited. Do not expect a comprehensive local bus network to cover your day-to-day movements.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are one of the two recommended ways to get around Arar, alongside a rental car. They are also the practical way to cover the onward leg from nearby rail-connected cities such as Sakaka, Turaif and Rafha if you arrive by train.
Driving and Rental Cars
Driving is a popular option in this part of Saudi Arabia, and a rental car is one of the two recommended ways to get around Arar. An international driving license is required. The roads in the region are generally of good quality, but fuel stations are sparse, so keep an eye on your fuel level when travelling between towns.
If you are arriving from elsewhere in the north, the road connections to Arar run from Sakaka, Turaif and Rafha. Driving gives you the most flexibility, particularly given how limited local public transport is.
Walkability
Arar has a dry climate with strong sun year-round. If you do walk, carry water, use sunscreen and avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day. The best season for visiting is winter and early spring, when conditions are more comfortable for being outside.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Arar Airport (IATA: RAE) receives regular domestic flights from Riyadh and other major Saudi cities, and it sits close to the city — which makes the transfer into town short and straightforward. As an alternative, you can fly into Sakaka (AJF) or Turaif (TUI) and continue onward by land.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Cards are accepted at major stores and hotels, but carry cash for markets and small shops.
- Arabic is the main language; English is common in the service sector.
- Shops and restaurants close for 20–30 minutes during prayer times, so plan your errands around these pauses.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Women are advised to carry a headscarf or abaya.
- Avoid public displays of affection, and do not photograph locals — especially women — or government buildings without permission.
- Given the limited local public transport, arrange a rental car or plan to use taxis for getting around the city.