A research campus and Red Sea fishing town about 90 km north of Jeddah, reached by a one-hour coastal drive.
Thuwal is a small Red Sea fishing town about 90 km north of central Jeddah, best known as the home of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a modern research campus with a marina, a landscaped waterfront and a public beach area. The drive up the coastal highway takes about one hour each way. No scheduled public transport to the campus was verified, so visitors use a rental car, a ride booked in Uber, Careem, Bolt or Jeeny with an agreed return, or a private driver.
KAUST is a gated campus, so visitors need to arrange entry in advance and carry a passport or Iqama at the gate; check access rules on kaust.edu.sa before leaving Jeddah because visitor policy can change. The nearby coast offers calm Red Sea water and snorkelling areas reached with local operators.
| Distance | About 90 km north of central Jeddah (estimated from coordinates) |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour each way by car |
| Getting there | Self-drive or Uber, Careem, Bolt or Jeeny with an agreed return from Jeddah, about 1 hour each way on the north coastal highway; no scheduled public transport verified |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia |
How to get there
- Mode
- Private car or rental
- Cost
- Fuel and rental only
- Frequency
- Self-drive any day
- Mode
- Uber, Careem, Bolt or Jeeny
- Cost
- Fare shown in the app; return rides may be scarce
- Frequency
- On demand
Location
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia
22.3095, 39.1049 View on map
Highlights
- Landscaped KAUST campus on the Red Sea, including its waterfront and marina
- Red Sea coastline and snorkelling spots reached through local operators
- Short, straight coastal highway drive from Jeddah
- Fresh seafood in Thuwal town
Tips for visiting
- Confirm visitor entry rules on kaust.edu.sa and carry a passport; the campus gate is staffed and access is not automatic.
- Agree a return fare or waiting time if using a ride-hailing app, since return rides are hard to find.
- Leave Jeddah before 09:00 to avoid traffic on the north highway.
- Bring water, sun protection and a swimsuit suited to modest local norms.
- Allow a full half-day for the drive and the campus.
When to visit
November to March, in the morning or late afternoon. Summer midday heat and humidity are severe.
Accessibility
Campus roads and waterfront areas are paved and largely flat, but public-transport access is absent and taxi vehicles may not be wheelchair accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Thuwal from Jeddah?
About 90 km north of central Jeddah by the coastal highway, roughly one hour each way.
Can visitors enter KAUST?
KAUST is a gated campus. Visitors should arrange access in advance and check the current policy on kaust.edu.sa.
Is there public transport?
No scheduled public transport was verified. Visitors use a rental car, a ride-hailing app with an agreed return, or a private driver.
When is the best time to go?
November to March gives comfortable temperatures; summer heat and humidity are severe.