Latest news with #SAPTCO
Time Business News
15 hours ago
- Time Business News
Makkah Hotel to Jeddah Airport Transfer
Visiting Makkah is a spiritual journey like no other. But once your pilgrimage is complete, getting to Jeddah Airport (King Abdulaziz International Airport) is the next important step. Whether you're traveling for Umrah, Hajj, or a regular visit, knowing your transport options from your hotel in Makkah to the airport can save time, stress, and money. Let's break it all down and help you find the best way to travel smoothly, safely, and comfortably. Distance and Travel TimeTotal Distance The distance between Makkah and Jeddah Airport is around 90 km (56 miles). The actual time depends on your choice of transport and traffic conditions. Estimated Travel Time By Private Taxi: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes By SAPTCO Bus: 1.5 to 2 hours By Haramain Train + Taxi: Around 1 hour 45 minutes total Transportation OptionsPrivate Taxi Services This is the most popular choice for comfort and convenience. Benefits of a Private Cab Door-to-door pickup from your hotel No waiting for other passengers Air-conditioned vehicles More luggage space Perfect for families and elderly travelers Booking a Trusted Umrah Taxi Look for services that specialize in Umrah and Hajj routes. You can easily book online through platforms like Luxury Umrah Cab or local travel operators. Ride-Sharing Apps (Careem/Uber) Convenient and easy to use, ride-share apps are widely available in Makkah. Pros Instant booking via smartphone GPS tracking English language support Cons Surge pricing during peak times Not always reliable during prayer hours SAPTCO Buses The budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Why Choose SAPTCO? Low-cost fare (around SAR 25-35) Air-conditioned buses Scheduled timings Things to Consider You need to get to the bus terminal first Less luggage flexibility May not drop you directly at the airport Haramain High-Speed Railway A scenic and fast alternative. Train Travel Details Travel from Makkah Train Station to King Abdulaziz Airport Station Travel time: 54 minutes Clean, modern trains with assigned seating Transfers Needed You'll still need a taxi from your hotel to Makkah Station And another transfer at the airport station if not on the North Terminal Cost Comparison of All OptionsOption Estimated Cost (SAR) Best ForPrivate Cab 180 – 250 Families, comfortUber/Careem 130 – 200 Solo or couplesSAPTCO Bus 25 – 35 Budget travelers Train + Taxi 100 – 150 Speed, scenic travel Luggage Handling and ComfortWhich Option Handles Luggage Best? Private cabs provide trunk space and driver assistance Train passengers carry luggage onboard Buses have limited luggage compartments Best for Families and Elders Always go with a private cab Some companies offer wheelchair assistance on request Travel Tips for PilgrimsBest Time to Leave for the Airport Plan to leave at least 5 hours before your flight time. Fridays and holidays may need extra buffer. Avoiding Traffic Jams Avoid peak hours—typically before Maghrib and after Fajr during pilgrim seasons. Booking in Advance vs. On-the-SpotWhy Pre-booking is Smart Guaranteed availability No surge pricing Fixed rate How to Book Use official websites WhatsApp-based cab services Apps like Careem or Uber Safety and CleanlinessHygiene Post-COVID Look for services with: Sanitized vehicles Masked drivers Regular vehicle maintenance Which Is the Safest Option? Private Umrah cabs top the list for security, privacy, and hygiene. Accessibility and Special NeedsWheelchair Users Private cabs can be pre-booked with ramps or space Buses and trains may not offer proper accessibility Help for the Elderly Friendly drivers in private services Assisted boarding in premium cab companies Weather ConsiderationsTraveling in Heat Makkah to Jeddah can be scorching, especially in summer. Air-conditioned vehicles are a must. Best Choice for Heat Private vehicles or trains Avoid buses without proper climate control Multi-Lingual SupportEnglish-Speaking Drivers Most Umrah-specialized cab services offer drivers who understand basic English or Urdu. Apps That Help Use: Google Translate Careem's in-app language settings Translation cards Pilgrim Testimonials and ExperiencesReal Stories 'After performing Umrah, we booked a private taxi to Jeddah Airport—clean car, respectful driver, and smooth ride.' 'SAPTCO was cheap but took longer due to multiple stops. Not ideal with kids.' What People Recommend 90% of pilgrims prefer private taxi or Uber Most complaints come from public bus delays Common Mistakes to AvoidLast-Minute Bookings Prices can jump, and you might not find a reliable option. Underestimating Travel Time Traffic in Jeddah can be unpredictable. Always give yourself cushion time. Our Top RecommendationPrivate Umrah Cabs Are #1 They offer: Door-to-door service Fixed pricing Air-conditioned vehicles Luggage and elderly support How to Book Visit trusted Umrah cab websites Book via WhatsApp or phone Confirm vehicle type, driver info, and pickup time Conclusion Whether you're headed home or flying to your next destination, the journey from your Makkah hotel to Jeddah Airport doesn't have to be stressful. With multiple travel options available—from private taxis to trains—you can choose the one that suits your budget and needs. Still, for maximum comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind, a private Umrah cab remains the top choice for most pilgrims. Travel smart, and may your journey be blessed and smooth. FAQsQ1: What is the cheapest way from Makkah to Jeddah Airport? A: The SAPTCO bus is the most affordable, costing around SAR 25–35. Q2: How much time should I leave for airport check-in? A: Leave Makkah at least 5 hours before your flight, especially during busy seasons. Q3: Can I travel directly from my hotel in Makkah to Jeddah Airport? A: Yes, with a private taxi or Uber, you get direct door-to-door service. Q4: Is the train a good option for families? A: It can be, but you'll still need to transfer from your hotel and at the airport. Q5: What if my flight is early in the morning? A: Pre-book a private cab for overnight service to ensure timely arrival. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SAPTCO announces 59% drop in Q1-25 net losses
Riyadh: Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) registered 58.72% lower net losses at SAR 20.07 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, compared with SAR 48.62 million in Q1-24. Meanwhile, the revenues increased by 10.63% to SAR 341.33 million in Q1-25 from SAR 308.51 million in the same period a year earlier, according to the financial results. The loss per share stood at SAR 0.19 in the first three months (3M) of 2025, compared to SAR 0.39 in Q1-24. On a quarterly basis, the Q1-25 net losses widened by 250.03% from SAR 5.73 million in the October-December 2024 period, while the revenues rose by 12.71% from SAR 302.82 million. During the January-December 2024 period, SAPTCO turned profitable at SAR 15.11 million, against net losses worth SAR 24.17 million in 2023. The revenues declined by 7.01% year-on-year (YoY) to SAR 1.45 billion at the end of December 2024 from SAR 1.56 billion. The loss per share amounted to SAR 0.08 last year, versus SAR 0.28 in 2023. In the first nine months (9M) of 2024, SAPTCO recorded a net profit of SAR 20.85 million, compared to SAR 44.73 million in the same period of 2023.
Leaders
06-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Tabuk Pioneers Saudi Arabia's Green Transit Revolution with Electric Buses
Saudi Arabia's northern city of Tabuk has launched the Kingdom's first electric buses under a new public transit project, marking a significant milestone in the country's shift towards sustainable mobility. Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Emir of Tabuk Region, inaugurated on Tuesday the operational phase of the city's new public bus transit system, labelling the first project in the Kingdom to implement electric buses within a public transportation network. Electric buses make up 25% of the new fleet, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable mobility. The modern network covers five main routes totaling 136 kilometers across the city. It is operated by 30 advanced buses, including electric ones, staffed by 90 trained Saudi drivers. A total of 106 stations link key residential, commercial, and administrative hubs. This aims to ease daily commutes for residents, workers, and visitors. Supporting Vision 2030 Prince Fahd praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support in advancing infrastructure and improving quality of life. He described the transit project as a transformative step that reflects the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This project will significantly ease congestion and improve mobility across Tabuk. Following the ceremony, Prince Fahd toured the new system aboard one of the buses. He received a detailed briefing on routes, service technology, and real-time tracking features offered through integrated digital apps to improve the passenger experience. Commitment to Sustainable Transport Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Acting President of the Transport General Authority, called the project a 'qualitative leap' in public transit. He reiterated the authority's commitment to sustainable, safe, and efficient urban mobility across Saudi cities. Over 104 million passengers used similar bus networks across 15 cities in 2024, a sign of growing public trust in mass transit. The Tabuk project is operated by SAPTCO, which is tasked with ensuring high-quality service and system efficiency throughout the region. This initiative is a significant step towards a greener future for Saudi Arabia. Tabuk's electric bus project is a major step towards sustainable urban mobility in Saudi Arabia. It reflects the Kingdom's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for its citizens. This project is a testament to Saudi Arabia's vision for a greener future. Short link : Post Views: 30
Gulf Insider
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Tabuk Becomes First Saudi City To Launch Electric Buses Under Public Transit Project
Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Emir of Tabuk Region, inaugurated on Tuesday the operational phase of the city's new public bus transit system — marking the Kingdom's first implementation of electric buses within a public transportation network. Electric buses make up 25% of the new fleet — a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's shift toward sustainable mobility. With this initiative, Tabuk becomes the first Saudi city to deploy electric buses as part of a full-scale public transit system. The modern network covers five main routes totaling 136 kilometers across the city, operated by 30 advanced buses staffed by 90 trained Saudi drivers. A total of 106 stations link key residential, commercial, and administrative hubs, aiming to ease daily commutes for residents, workers, and visitors. Prince Fahd praised the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support in advancing infrastructure and improving quality of life. He described the transit project as a transformative step that reflects the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. 'This project will significantly ease congestion and improve mobility across Tabuk, while also enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of city transport,' he said. 'Saudi citizens always support successful projects — and this will be no exception.' Following the ceremony, Prince Fahd toured the new system aboard one of the buses, receiving a detailed briefing on routes, service technology, and real-time tracking features offered through integrated digital apps to improve the passenger experience. Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih called the project a 'qualitative leap' in public transit and reiterated the authority's commitment to sustainable, safe, and efficient urban mobility across Saudi cities. He noted that over 104 million passengers used similar bus networks across 15 cities in 2024 — a sign of growing public trust in mass transit. The Tabuk project is operated by SAPTCO, which is tasked with ensuring high-quality service and system efficiency throughout the region.
Saudi Gazette
06-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Tabuk becomes first Saudi city to launch electric buses under public transit project
Saudi Gazette report TABUK — Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Emir of Tabuk Region, inaugurated on Tuesday the operational phase of the city's new public bus transit system — marking the Kingdom's first implementation of electric buses within a public transportation network. Electric buses make up 25% of the new fleet — a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's shift toward sustainable mobility. With this initiative, Tabuk becomes the first Saudi city to deploy electric buses as part of a full-scale public transit system. The modern network covers five main routes totaling 136 kilometers across the city, operated by 30 advanced buses staffed by 90 trained Saudi drivers. A total of 106 stations link key residential, commercial, and administrative hubs, aiming to ease daily commutes for residents, workers, and visitors. Prince Fahd praised the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support in advancing infrastructure and improving quality of life. He described the transit project as a transformative step that reflects the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. 'This project will significantly ease congestion and improve mobility across Tabuk, while also enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of city transport,' he said. 'Saudi citizens always support successful projects — and this will be no exception.' Following the ceremony, Prince Fahd toured the new system aboard one of the buses, receiving a detailed briefing on routes, service technology, and real-time tracking features offered through integrated digital apps to improve the passenger experience. Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih called the project a 'qualitative leap' in public transit and reiterated the authority's commitment to sustainable, safe, and efficient urban mobility across Saudi cities. He noted that over 104 million passengers used similar bus networks across 15 cities in 2024 — a sign of growing public trust in mass transit. The Tabuk project is operated by SAPTCO, which is tasked with ensuring high-quality service and system efficiency throughout the region.
