Saudi students in the US travel at the end of the academic year and over the winter holidays, plus around Ramadan and the Eids. This guide covers the calendar, routings and getting around.
Saudi Arabia at a glance
- Main gateways: King Khalid International (RUH), Riyadh; King Abdulaziz International (JED), Jeddah; and Dammam (DMM).
- Busiest fare periods: late May to June, December to early January, and Ramadan and Eid periods.
- Often better-value periods: October to November, and February to March.
When to fly
Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the lunar calendar and move about eleven days earlier each year, so check the dates before booking. Summer is very hot, which also affects what you can do outdoors on arrival.
Routings and baggage
Saudia has flown non-stop from some US cities to Riyadh and Jeddah. Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul are the common one-stop choices. Gulf carriers often allow two checked bags on US routes, but allowances vary by fare, so check the exact ticket.
Airports and getting around
Jeddah’s airport has a Haramain high-speed rail station with services toward Makkah and Madinah, so check which terminal it serves. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are widely used in the major cities.
How to pay less on flights to Saudi Arabia
- Check the lunar calendar. Fares rise in late May and June, in December and early January, and around Ramadan and the two Eids, whose dates move each year. October to November and February to March are often better value.
- Compare the non-stops and Gulf connections. Saudia has flown non-stop from some US cities to Riyadh or Jeddah, while Qatar via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi and Turkish via Istanbul are the one-stop choices.
- Compare Riyadh and Jeddah. Fares and routings into the two airports can differ, so check both.
- Check the baggage. Gulf carriers often allow two checked bags on US routes, but allowances vary by fare.
For the general method, see how we find cheap flights. Send us your dates and a specialist compares the options for this route.
Before you go
Check passport validity and Saudi Arabia’s current visa process through the official government portal for every traveler. A yellow fever certificate is needed only if you arrive from a risk country. Routine vaccines and hepatitis A are the usual advice. See the CDC page for Saudi Arabia for current notices. We do not quote fees here.
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Airline routes, schedules, baggage rules and entry requirements change, so your specialist confirms the current options when they quote your trip.
Planning a trip? See our Saudi Arabia flights page, our student travel page, or send us your dates for a quote.
Questions, answered.
When are flights to Saudi Arabia most expensive?
Fares peak in late May and June, in December and early January, and around Ramadan and the two Eids, whose dates move each year. October to November and February to March are often better value.
Are there non-stop flights from the US to Saudi Arabia?
Saudia has flown non-stop from some US cities such as New York and Washington to Riyadh or Jeddah, and Gulf carriers offer one-stop options through Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Confirm current routes when you book.
How hot does it get?
Summer temperatures across much of the country regularly exceed 45°C (113°F).
