The airport is about 30 km north of the city center; taxis and Careem/Uber typically cost 60–90 SAR to Al-Balad.
Things to do at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
King Abdulaziz International AirportJED
At the airport
Things to do in King Abdulaziz International Airport
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's Red Sea gateway, with a cosmopolitan character distinct from Riyadh. Al-Balad, the historic old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a dense labyrinth of coral-built merchant tower houses with elaborately carved wooden Rawasheen lattice windows unique in the Islamic world. The Red Sea Corniche stretches 30 km with the King Fahd Fountain (one of the world's tallest) as its centerpiece. The old fish market area and a vibrant contemporary dining and coffee culture make Jeddah one of the Gulf's most enjoyable layover cities.
Insider intel
Top Tips for King Abdulaziz International Airport
- Al-Balad is best explored on foot with a local guide who can explain the coral architecture and the old merchant family histories.
- Dress modestly outside the airport — while Jeddah is relatively liberal by Saudi standards, covering shoulders and knees is expected and respectful.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at JED
3 Sanctifly partner lounges at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestPlaza Premium Lounge
Travelers passing through King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia can unwind at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1. This airport lounge is located airside, meaning you’ll find it after you have completed passport control and the security check. Once you’re in the departures area, follow the signs toward the boarding gates and head in the direction of gate 39—the Plaza Premium Lounge is located nearby. It’s a convenient stop for travel through Jeddah, whether you’re waiting for your next flight or looking for a comfortable space to relax after clearing formalities at King Abdulaziz International Airport.Book Now
100 points per guestWellcome Lounge International
At King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Wellcome Lounge International is conveniently located in Terminal 1 on the airside, making it an easy stop during your travel day. After you pass passport control and complete the security check, continue into the departures area and head toward the boarding area. The airport lounge is situated next to the boarding area, so you can settle in close to your gate without needing to leave the secure zone. This airside location is ideal for international travelers who want a comfortable place to wait near their departure point in Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz International Airport.Book Now
100 points per guestFlynas Lounge
At King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Flynas Lounge is conveniently located in the Domestic Terminal on the airside, making it an easy stop for travelers once they’ve completed the required formalities. After you pass passport control and the security check, continue into the airside departures area and look for access to the lower level. You can use either the elevator or the stairs to go down, then follow the nearby signage and landmarks. The airport lounge is situated close to Al Baik, a well-known reference point in the terminal, so it’s simple to find even if you’re unfamiliar with the airport. This location is ideal if you want to settle in and relax near the gates after completing security procedures at King Abdulaziz International Airport before your domestic travel within Saudi Arabia.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.