About King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) on the coastal Red Sea in Jeddah is an important center for domestic and transboundary movements. The airport has been in operation since 1946, has undergone many expansions, and now has three passenger terminals to accommodate the growing number of passengers. With JED one of the busiest airports in the region, over 30 million passengers per year are served. In order to enhance the experience of transit passengers waiting for their connecting airliners, the airport has incurred big investments in modernized infrastructure and services, thus satisfying the requirements of transit passengers and consolidating its role as an access gate to Saudi Arabia.

Leaving the Airport During Your Layover

If you are planning to go outside during the Jeddah airport stopover, here are the few things you should remember and take care of.

Visa Requirements

“Visa on arrival” is available at the airport for US, UK, and Schengen resident Visa or business visa holders. Everyone other than GCC resident permit holders and citizens needs a valid Visa to get out of the airport which can be applied through the official website of Saudi Arabia. To save your time, get an Al-Tanfeeth membership. This will help you make your immigration clearance faster.

Layover Duration

Visa processing and Immigration clearance is a bit longer process unless you have an Al-Tanfeethi membership. Calculate your time accordingly for the processes, transportation time, and activities to do outside. Layovers over 5 hours or more are suitable for going outside.

Airline Policies

Check your airline policies for arrival before stepping out as some airlines have restrictions to leave the transit area. For example, if you are traveling on an economy-class ticket from Saudi Airlines, they will provide free one-night accommodation in a four-star hotel.

Tips for Turning Your Layover into an Adventure

Here are our recommendations or tips to make your stopover at JED into an unforgettable memory.

Embrace The Amenities

King Khalid International Airport offers multiple sophisticated and luxurious facilities for passengers. Premium lounges like Al Fursan at terminals 4 and 5 give separate meeting or business areas, kids and relaxation rooms, and food and beverages can be accessed by first and business-class passengers of Saudi Airlines. The Airport also has 24x7 separate feeding rooms, a kid’s playground, prayer areas, comfortable seating spaces, and a specially designed prayer area for Hajj pilgrims at the terminal.

Indulge Your Taste Buds

You can try the local cuisines of Saudi Arabia like Kabsa, Ruz Al Bukhari, and Shawarma during the stopover at Jeddah airport from restaurants like Maqluab and Shawrma Jassas at Terminal 5. Famous Arabian can be a great refreshment after a tiring journey. Outlets of most International food chains are there on all terminals to grab your comfort food.

Embrace Retail Therapy

You get endless shopping options at Jeddah including branded products and designs from Gucci, Prada, and Channel. Get specially crafted fine fragrances from Arabian Oud and a special range of Arabian dates and species from duty-free shops.

Catch Up on Some Shut-Eye

Relax your body or get a nap in sleeping pods available at Terminal 5 and comfy recliners available at the quiet corners and lounges of the airport.

Stay Connected

King Khalid International Airport provides free Wi-Fi in all areas of the airport. You can download your favorite movie or continue to watch your favorite series, take time to update your family, and post some cool pictures on social media. If you are a remote work person, the dedicated workspaces in lounges will help you to continue your work flawlessly.

Immerse Yourself In Art and Culture

Jeddah airport is a cultural space that hosts cultural and art exhibitions reflecting the rich Saudi heritage. Immerse yourself in the magic art and culture at the airport.

Soothe Your Senses

The airport offers indoor gardens and green spaces on different terminals, where you can relax your mind and get some fresh air from those spaces.

Explore Hidden Gems

During your Jeddah airport stopover, you can explore unique features like on-site cinema facilities and a dedicated kids play area. Make your time rich with entertainment in these spaces.

Accommodation Options - Hotels Near JED

If you have a longer period of stayover at JED, comfortable stay options are available around the airport. Here are popular recommendations;

• Movenpick Hotel Jeddah Airport :- You can get a luxurious and comfortable stay at this hotel inside the airport premises with world-class amenities and a crossway connection to the terminal.
• Le Meridian :- If you are looking for a comfortable staycation at Jeddah Corniche, go for this hotel which provides world-class amenities to guests. Airport shuttle services and access to the main attractions of the city are plus points of this hotel.
• Radisson Blu Hotel :- A crossway connects the hotel inside the airport to the terminal, which is another comfortable and luxurious option for a stay. They offer amenities like a spa center, outdoor pool, and international buffet options.

Must-Visit Attractions During a Short Jeddah Stopover

To feel the rich cultural heritage of Jeddah and the warmth of Saudi Arabian hospitality you can have a Jeddah layover tour. Here are the main attractions you can visit;

Tallest Fountain in the World (King Fahd’s Fountain)

This 300m waterfall is the world’s tallest fountain and people visit mostly during the night time for the water show lights up against the Red Sea.

Exploring Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)

Take a walk through the narrow valleys made up of Jeddah’s historical architecture and rich cultural heritage. You can find antique souk and authentic spices from old major ports of trade. This place also has UNESCO’s World Heritage tag.

Arts and Culture

Visit Jeddah Sculpture Park and other art galleries holding the vibrancy and hidden talents of the city.

Discover the Corniche

Take a long walk along the waterfront view, have a safe, peaceful time at the family-friendly, and understand the culture and heritage of cultural institutes situated there.

The Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque)

Al Rahma Mosque is undoubtedly an architectural marvel. People visit this place mainly for the serene atmosphere it holds and the spectacular view of the mosque's reflection on the Red Sea.

Red Sea Mall

You can get souvenirs and retail therapy from international and locally sourced items available there.

Savor the Local Cuisine

You can get a flavourful treat in Jeddah by enjoying traditional Arabian dishes made with authentic spices.

Tips for Choosing the Best Jeddah Stopover Tour Package

We have made some tips for you to choose the best stopover tour package for your Jeddah airport stopover.

• There are many activities outside the airport waiting for you to explore, but select them within your layover time (after excluding the immigration process).
• A guided tour package can provide joyful memories within your limited time. An expert team will have local expertise to choose the right place at the right time and will provide an airport shuttle.
• Bespoke to your travel agent for solo travel/ family tour/ business tour packages available and tailor it according to your needs.
• Plan ahead to avoid the last-minute hustle at the airport

Conclusion

Layovers at the airport can be if you plan accordingly. King Khalid International Airport offers many amenities for travelers to unwind and relax after a long journey by checking into lounges and other available common spaces. A passenger can experience the local culture of Saudi Arabia through the traditional restaurants, souvenir shops providing locally sourced items and art exhibitions happening at the airport, even if they have limited time of stopover at Jeddah airport.

Make your layover time to enjoy the vibrant city and experience the hospitality of Saudi. Plan your Jeddah stopover tour package with experts like Saudi Arabia Tours , to maximize the use of your limited time in the country. Here we conclude the guide on what you should do for a 5-hour stopover at Jeddah Airport and wish you a great layover experience.