A restored coral-stone old town and Red Sea corniche about 340 km north of Jeddah.
Yanbu is an industrial port and Red Sea resort city about 340 km north of Jeddah, and its restored old town, Yanbu Al Balad, has coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies. The drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way, so a day trip is long; many visitors treat Yanbu as an overnight stop. A SAPTCO coach takes about 5 hours 40 minutes, so a car or a flight is more practical.
The old town is small and can be seen in a couple of hours, followed by the Corniche and beaches. Check opening times locally, as heritage buildings are not always open.
| Distance | About 340 km north of central Jeddah by road |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 3-3.5 hours each way by car |
| Getting there | Self-drive or private driver from Jeddah, about 3-3.5 hours each way by road; SAPTCO coach about 5 hours 40 minutes (saptco.com.sa) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Yanbu Al Balad (Old Town), Yanbu Al Bahr, Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia |
How to get there
- Mode
- Private car or rental
- Cost
- Fuel and rental only
- Frequency
- Self-drive any day
- Mode
- SAPTCO coach
- Cost
- Fare set by SAPTCO, shown at booking
- Frequency
- Check saptco.com.sa for departures
Location
Yanbu Al Balad (Old Town), Yanbu Al Bahr, Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia
24.0889, 38.0618 View on map
Highlights
- Restored coral-stone houses of Yanbu Al Balad
- Yanbu Corniche and Red Sea beaches
- Diving and snorkelling operators on the coast
- Fresh seafood restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Leave Jeddah by 06:00 for a day trip, or plan one night in Yanbu.
- Fill the tank in Jeddah; fuel stops are far apart on the northern stretch.
- Carry a passport copy; there are police checkpoints on the highway.
- Download offline maps because signal can drop between towns.
- Heritage house opening hours should be confirmed locally.
When to visit
November to April, in the morning or evening. Summer heat is harsh.
Accessibility
The old town has uneven lanes and steps, so wheelchair access is limited. Corniche paths are flat and paved.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Yanbu from Jeddah?
About 340 km north of Jeddah, around 3 to 3.5 hours each way by car.
Is there public transport?
SAPTCO coaches run from Jeddah and take about 5 hours 40 minutes; check saptco.com.sa for departures.
Is it worth a day trip?
The distance is long, so an overnight stay is easier.
When is the best time to go?
November to April; summer heat is severe.