I personally love to explore every corner of this beautiful city, but taking private taxis all the time can become very expensive. That is why I was so happy when the new Jeddah public transport project started running. It is a fantastic, cheap, and very comfortable way to see all the major attractions, shopping malls, and historical sites. Whether you are a local worker or a tourist visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time, this guide will show you everything you need to know about routes, tickets, and how to use the mobile app.
Quick Links to Main Topics
- The "Jeddah Buses" smart application
- Complete breakdown of Jeddah bus routes
- Inside the Jeddah bus: Fleet details and features
- Ticket prices and how to pay
- Money-saving subscription plans
- Essential tips for your journey
When I first saw the new buses driving around the city, I wanted to know how big the system really is. The Jeddah public transport project is designed to cover various routes across the entire city of Jeddah through a network of organized, scheduled round-trip journeys. The main goal of this initiative is to connect the region's primary attractions and vital areas efficiently. This means you can go from historical areas to modern stadiums without any stress.
Ishabil Fact
The Jeddah bus network is massive! It has 16 main routes strategically mapped across the city to maximize coverage. The service uses a fleet of 91 modern buses equipped with advanced comfort and safety features. Notably, these vehicles are fully prepared to accommodate individuals with special needs (people of determination). There are 380 established stations and stop points to facilitate easy passenger boarding and arriving. In total, the transport network spans 600 kilometers and runs for 18 hours daily, operating throughout the week from 5:30 AM until 11:30 PM with a dedicated team of 213 drivers.
Knowing these numbers made me feel very safe using the system. The buses are always clean, the air conditioning works perfectly to beat the hot weather, and the drivers are very professional. It feels like a premium service but at a very low price.
The "Jeddah Buses" Smart Application
To enhance the passenger experience, the project includes a dedicated mobile application called the "Jeddah Buses Application". This app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. I highly recommend downloading it before you start your journey because it makes traveling much easier.
The app has many great features. You can see the exact location of your nearest bus on the live interactive map, which allows you to track paths across the city. It also provides real-time schedules and arrival times to prevent long waits at the bus stop. You can easily locate nearby stations relative to your current location. To help everyone, the app has multi-language support which caters to Jeddah's diverse population and international visitors. You will also receive service notifications about updates, delays, or route alterations. Finally, it allows digital payment and seamless fare balance recharging directly through the app.
Complete Breakdown of Jeddah Bus Routes
Let us look closely at the 16 different routes available. This exclusive list will help you find the best spots you can visit on each one. I hope this helps you plan your days perfectly!
Route L1: Jamia to National Guard Hospital
Path: Starts at Jamia (near Jamiah Mall) and ends at the National Guard Hospital.
Key Stops: King Abdul Aziz University, Al Raghama, Harazat, Umm Al Salam, Mahameed.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to Route L10 at the final stop (National Guard Hospital). Also, the starting point at Jamia is a 1 km walk to the L10 route.
Main Attractions:
- King Abdulaziz University (KAU): The massive, beautifully landscaped campus of one of the region's top universities.
- Abraq Al-Rughama: A major historical center and museum commemorating the unification camp of King Abdulaziz.
Route L2: Marwa Main Station to King Abdullah Sports City
Path: Starts at Marwa Main Bus Station and heads north to King Abdullah Sports City.
Key Stops: Al Rayyan, Al Kawthar, Hamdaniya, Al Jawhara Housing.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L5, L9, and L14 at the Marwa starting point.
Main Attractions:
- King Abdullah Sports City (Al Jawhara Stadium): Jeddah's premier architectural masterpiece for sports and major live events. I personally love going here for big matches!
Route L3: Al Safa to Al Waha
Path: Starts at Al Safa and ends at Al Waha.
Key Stops: Al Manar, Al Samer.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to Route L8 at the Al Safa starting point.
Main Attractions:
- Al Yasmin Mall: Located near Al Manar, a major lifestyle and shopping hub in the eastern districts.
Route L4: Al Adil to Al Jowhara Car Haraj
Path: Starts at Al Adil (Makkah Road) and ends at Al Jowhara Car Haraj.
Key Stops: Amir Fawaz, Al Mayar, Ajawid, Amir Abdulmajeed, Car Exhibition, Sanabel.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to Route L10 at the starting point. From the Sanabel stop, it is an 800-meter walk to connect with Route L11.
Main Attractions:
- Jeddah Car Haraj: The massive, sprawling automotive market and exhibition zone.
- Event Mall (Amir Fawaz): A popular local shopping center with great dining options.
Route L5: Marwa Main Station to Al Zahra
Path: Starts at Marwa Main Station and travels down the busy Hira Street to Al Zahra.
Key Stops: Al-Murwah, Al-Naim, Al Nahda, Al Salama, Al Bawadi, Al Rabwa.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L2 and L9 at Marwa Station.
Main Attractions:
- Hira Street Shopping District: A bustling commercial artery known for traditional boutiques, gold shops, and electronics.
- Heraa International Mall: One of Jeddah's older, highly popular shopping destinations.
Route L6: Al Hamra to Mareekh
Path: Operates primarily along Palestine Street, starting at Al Hamra and ending at Mareekh.
Key Stops: Ruwais, Bani Malik, National Guard Housing, Al Nakheel, Mareekh, Shurooq, Al Waha, Al Rehab, Mushrifa.
Ishabil Connect
Crosses paths with L7, L8, L9, and L14 at various points along Palestine Street.
Main Attractions:
- Al Hamra Corniche: Home to the towering Jeddah Flagpole and excellent views of King Fahd's Fountain.
- Palestine Street Mobile Market: The city's famous hub for all things tech and telecommunications.
- Haifa Mall: A major shopping and family entertainment center near the Ruwais area.
Route L7: Balad Main Station to Khalidiya Saudia City
Path: Starts at Balad Main Station and travels along Madinah Road to Khalidiya Saudia City.
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Baghdadiyah, Ruwais, Faisaliyah, Al Radhwa.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L8, L9, L10, L11, and L12 at Balad Station, and L6 at Palestine Street.
Main Attractions:
- Al Balad (Historic Jeddah): The UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient coral-stone houses and winding alleyways.
- Souq Al Alawi: The largest and oldest traditional market in the city.
Route L8: Balad Main Station to Al Safa Vegetable Market
Path: Starts at Balad Main Station and ends at the Al Safa Vegetable Market.
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Bab Makkah, Sharafiah, Bani Malik, Al Rehab, Al Safa, Azizia, Mushrifa.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7, L9, L10, L11, and L12 at Balad, and L3 at the Al Safa endpoint.
Main Attractions:
- Bab Makkah: The historic eastern gate of old Jeddah, bustling with street food carts and spice vendors in the evenings.
- Halaqat Al Khudar (Safa Central Vegetable Market): The massive, vibrant wholesale market where fresh produce arrives daily.
Route L9: Balad Main Station to Al Marwa Station
Path: Travels via Siteen Street (King Fahd Street) between Balad and Al Marwa.
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Bab Makkah, Sharafiyah, Bani Malik, Musharifah, Aneekash, Bawadi.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7, L8, L10, L11, and L12 at Balad. Connects to L14 and L15 at Marwa.
Ishabil Tips
Transit Note: Route L9 is a crucial line for your trip! It is the only bus route that directly connects the two major transit hubs of the city: Balad Main Station and Al Marwa Main Station. Keep this in mind when planning longer city transfers.
Main Attractions:
- Bicycle Square (Darajah): Famous for its massive 50-foot iron bicycle sculpture.
- Al Bawadi Market: A highly popular, budget-friendly traditional market known for gold, abayas, and textiles.
Route L10: Balad Main Station to National Guard Hospital
Path: Operates along the Old Makkah Road from Balad to the National Guard Hospital.
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Bab Makkah, Nuzla Al Yamania, Nuzla Sharqiya, Madaen Al Fahad, Kilo 8, Kilo 10, Kilo 14, Kilo 17.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7, L8, L9, L12, and L14 at Balad. Connects to L1 at the hospital and L4 at Al Adil.
Main Attractions:
- Khuzam Palace (Al Nuzla): The former royal residence, known for its distinctive architecture and historical significance.
Route L11: Balad Main Station to Industrial Area Phase 4
Path: Starts at Balad and heads south to the Industrial Area.
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Bab Makkah, Hindawiya, Jeddah Television, Mahjar, King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Industrial Area, Souq Al-Sawarikh.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7, L8, L9, L10, L12, and L14 at Balad. Connects to L4 (800m walk) from the final stop.
Main Attractions:
- Souq Al-Sawarikh: A massive, maze-like flea market with over 12,000 stalls selling antiques, clothes, and carpets.
- Jeddah TV Tower: A striking 250-meter observation tower and broadcasting facility.
Route L12: Balad Main Station to Haramain Railway Station
Path: Connects Balad to the Sulaimaniya district.
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Bab Makkah, Al-Baghdadiya Al-Sharqiya, Al-Faiha, Al Naseem.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7, L8, L9, L10, and L11 at Balad.
Main Attractions:
- Haramain High-Speed Railway Station: The architectural marvel connecting Jeddah to Makkah and Madinah.
- SAPTCO Intercity Hub: The new central station for long-distance bus travel is co-located at the train station.
- Al Andalus & Salaam Malls: Two major, interconnected shopping destinations near Al Faiha.
Route L13: Al Radhwa to Al Nuzha
Path: Starts at Al Radhwa and ends at Al Nuzha.
Key Stops: Al-Salamah, Al Naim, Al Zahra, Al Nahda, Al Khalidiyah.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7 at Al Khalidiyah and L15 at Al Nuzha.
Main Attractions:
- Mall of Arabia: One of Saudi Arabia's largest shopping centers, located near the Al Nuzha terminus.
- Rawdah/Khalidiyah Dining District: Famous for high-end restaurants, boutique cafes, and fine dining.
Route L14: Balad Main Station to King Abdulaziz Airport
Path: Connects Balad to Airport Terminal 1 via Makarona Street (also known as 80th Street).
Key Stops: Bab Sharif, Bab Makkah, Sharafiya, Bani Malik, Musharifa, Azizia, Rabwa, Nuzha.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, and L12 at Balad. Connects to L6 at Palestine Street and L5 at Hira Street.
Main Attractions:
- KAIA Terminal 1: The primary international and domestic flight hub.
- Makarona Street: A dense, highly active commercial corridor lined with retail and street food.
Route L15: Al Nuzha to Al Shati
Path: Starts at Al Nuzha and travels west toward the coast, ending in Al Shati.
Key Stops: Al Naim, Muhammadiyah.
Ishabil Connect
Connects to L13 at Al Nuzha and L16 at the final Al Shati stop.
Main Attractions:
- Boulevard Jeddah: A premium outdoor shopping and luxury lifestyle destination.
- Roshan Mall: A major shopping center featuring a massive globe structure at the intersection.
Route L16: Corniche & Waterfront Loop
Path: A dedicated loop route serving the scenic coastal areas of the Corniche and Jeddah Waterfront.
Key Stops: Jeddah Yacht Club, Art Promenade, Red Sea Mall, Jeddah Waterfront (Jeddah Sign).
Ishabil Connect
Seamlessly connects to L15 in Al Shati (L16's start point is L15's end point).
Main Attractions:
- Al Rahma Floating Mosque: The iconic white mosque built on pillars over the Red Sea.
- Jeddah Yacht Club & Art Promenade: Upscale dining, modern art installations, and marina views.
- Red Sea Mall: The city's most famous and highly visited coastal shopping mall.
Inside the Jeddah Bus: Fleet Details & Features
The Jeddah public transport network features a modern fleet manufactured by Yutong, designed for safety, comfort, and sustainability.
Fleet Composition
- Diesel Buses: 88 buses powered by Euro 5 standard diesel engines.
- Electric Buses: 3 environmentally friendly, fully electric models.
Passenger Features
- Full Air Conditioning: Climate-controlled cabins for comfort in all weather.
- Wheelchair Friendly: Dedicated accessibility facilities for all passengers.
- Information Systems: Digital stop displays and onboard audio announcements.
- Safety & Convenience: Includes USB charging ports, GPS tracking, and a 14-camera surveillance system for passenger security.
Ticket Prices and How to Pay
The single trip charge for any route is very affordable. It costs only 3.45 SAR, including VAT. One very important thing to know is that the Jeddah bus offers multiple payment options except cash payment. You cannot pay the driver with cash paper money!
Here are the ways you can pay for your ride:
- Jeddah Buses App: You can pay via this app by recharging your digital wallet. When you get on the bus, simply scan the QR code showing in your app on the ticketing machine.
- Jeddah Buses NFC Card: You can buy and recharge a physical smart card. Just touch the card on the machine when you enter the bus.
- Debit & Credit Cards: This is very convenient for tourists. You can use any NFC-enabled ATM bank card or credit card directly on the machine.
- Paper Ticket with QR Code: This single-journey ticket is available at Balad and Al Marwa main stations. Please note that there are no standard ticket counters or permanent facilities available at Balad. Instead, the staff sitting on the street near the bus parking area carry handheld machines, and they will print and give you a paper ticket directly.
Money-Saving Subscription Plans
If you plan to use the bus frequently, you can save a lot of money by choosing one of the three subscription plans available on the Jeddah Buses app. These plans offer amazing discounts compared to normal rates. Kindly note that you only get the full discount value when you utilize all the allocated trips within the validity period.
The plans offer the following benefits and prices:
- Daily Subscription Plan (10 SAR): Offers 5 trips on any route in a single day. This gives you a 42% discount compared to the normal rate.
- Weekly Subscription Plan (60 SAR): Offers 35 trips on any route in a single week. This gives you a 50% discount compared to the normal rate.
- Monthly Subscription Plan (240 SAR): Offers 175 trips on any route in a single month. This gives you a huge 60% discount compared to the normal rate.
How to Purchase Your Subscription Plan
Buying a subscription is very easy through your phone. Just follow these simple steps:
- Download the Jeddah Buses app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register a new account or log in to your existing one.
- Tap on the Wallet option located in the middle of the bottom menu bar.
- Recharge a sufficient amount of money using your bank card or STC Pay.
- Go back to the home page and tap on the Subscription option under the services section.
- Tap on the + button on the bottom right of the screen.
- Choose your preferred Daily, Weekly, or Monthly plan.
- Confirm and complete the payment.
- Once you have subscribed, simply use the mobile app QR code or your linked bus card when you enter the bus.
Essential Tips for Your Journey
Before you pack your bags and head out to the bus stop, it is vital to know the rules of the transit company. This helps ensure that you do not face any issues while boarding.
Based on the official app FAQ, here are three crucial travel tips to remember:
- App Registration Requirements: You cannot register on the official application using an international phone number. The system strictly allows Saudi phone numbers only for creating an account. If you are an international tourist, make sure to buy a local SIM card at the airport.
- Fare Payment with International Cards: There is great news for global travelers! If you do not have a local Saudi bank card, you can safely use your international Visa cards to pay for your fare directly on the bus.
- Strict On-Board Restrictions: If you use personal micromobility vehicles to get around, please note that scooters and bicycles are strictly not allowed on board the bus. You must leave them at home.
Using the Jeddah bus system is an incredible way to travel around the city cheaply and cleanly. I hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your next urban adventure across Jeddah. Have a safe and happy journey!
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