Saudi Arabian Grand Prix™ Travel Guide
Your guide on how to get to Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where to explore & other important information to know before you go.
Practical Information
- Visas: Visitors from 63 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and the European Union, are able to apply for a tourist e-visa. Learn more about an e-visa here.
- Currency: The currency used in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (SAR). Domestic and international credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs can be readily located.
- Language: The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, though English is widely spoken.
- Time Zone: UTC +3 hours
- In an Emergency: Dial 999 to be connected with the proper emergency personnel.
- Power Sockets: Saudi Arabia mainly uses plug/socket types A, B and C – the same as in continental Europe. We still recommend bringing along an international adaptor.
- Weather: For the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix™, temperatures should range from around 31°C (89°F) during the day to 19°C (66°F) at night. As the race will take place at night, we recommend bringing along some warmer clothes, as it can feel quite cool and breezy after dark.
- Law & Order: Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country where Islamic laws are observed. Drinking alcohol is banned and public decency laws apply. Whilst rules are more relaxed for foreign visitors, it’s still recommended for men and women to dress modestly; men should not wear shorts and women should cover their knees/shoulders. Tourists should also avoid taking photographs of people without their permission. Visitors should also be aware that prayers are observed five times per day in Saudi Arabia, and that many shops and restaurants will close briefly at these times.
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to Saudi Arabia
Jeddah’s international airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport is located around 35.0 km (21.7 mi) north of Jeddah’s centre and 15.0 km (9.3 mi) from Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Jeddah airport is a major hub for Saudi Arabia, with it being the Kingdom’s flag-carrying airline, offering direct flights to many cities in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You can also connect via regional hubs with popular Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.
The easiest way to get from the airport to the circuit or the centre of Jeddah is via taxi or Uber, though cheap public buses run by SAPTCO are available and select hotels offer private transfers.
Where to stay
As the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah has a good choice of hotels to suit all budgets. The north side of the city, where the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is located, has the largest concentration of hotels, though the selection within walking distance to the circuit is limited. As always, it pays to reserve early due to the high demand on race weekend.
F1® Experiences offers a selection of the best hotels in Jeddah. If you are still looking for accommodation, contact your Sales Representative for more information about available hotel options.
How to get to Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Jeddah is not recommended since it is underdeveloped, especially with the increased traffic during the race weekend.
In previous years, there have been complimentary shuttles that will service F1® ticket holders from many locations around the city to the circuit each day. More information will be available before the race.
Taxi and Ridesharing
Taking a taxi, Uber or a private shuttle is the preferred way to get to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, especially if you are staying in a hotel on the north side of the city centre, closest to the circuit. There is a designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up point outside of the circuit’s perimeter.
Hire a Car
Not a highly suggested transportation method to get to and from the circuit each day but it is still important to note that in order to hire a car in Saudi Arabia, you will have to have an International Driving Permit.
F1® Experiences
Booked accommodation along with your Official Ticket Package from F1® Experiences? Daily transfers to and from the circuit can be added to your Official Ticket Package for an additional cost.
What to see & do in Jeddah
Discover traditional life in the Old Quarter (Al-Balad)
Many of the ancient buildings (made from coral) may be in a poor state of repair and it’s easy to get lost in the narrow streets, but a visit to Al-Balad is the best way to experience traditional life in Jeddah. Traders from all over the Middle East, Africa, and Asia offer their wares – everything from spices to handmade jewellery and traditional clothing – in the many market areas scattered throughout the old quarter, the largest of which is called Souq Al Alawi. Don’t forget to bring your best haggling skills! Al Balad is also home to several museums and one of the city’s oldest houses of worship, the Al Rahma Mosque.
Hit the Mall
As with most large cities in the Middle East, Jeddah is home to several modern shopping malls offering not only the best international brands but also restaurants, cinemas, and attractions for children. The largest and most modern, Red Sea Mall, is located very close to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Other large malls worth checking out include the Mall of Arabia and Serafi Mega Mall.
Go for a walk on the Corniche
A promenade that runs 30.0 km (18.6 mi) along the Red Sea coastline in Jeddah, the Corniche has been transformed in recent years into one of the city’s best attractions with parks, beaches, and cafes. As well as being home to the new Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the promenade is a great place for a leisurely walk at sunset. To the south, King Fahd’s Fountain is the largest in the world and sprays water over 250 metres into the air – coming after dark for the full, illuminated effect.
And so much more...
If you’ve got some more time to explore the local area, there’s no shortage of things to do and fascinating places worth visiting on a day trip. Hop on a charter boat for a day on the Red Sea – the warm water is perfect for diving and there are several shipwrecks to explore off the coast of Jeddah – or make your own pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which is only 100.0 km (62.1 mi) inland. Other day trips worth considering include a visit to the lunar landscapes of Moon Mountain or the city of Taif, which sits at an elevation of 1900 metres above sea level.
