A long layover in Taif is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Taâif Regional Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 50 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Taif, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Saudi Arabia vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Taif is roughly 50 minutes from TIF via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in SAR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Taif
You have two main options for getting from Taâif Regional Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Taif might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$8 USD
- A meal: ~$15 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$33 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in Taif:
Start with Al Hada Mountain Scenic Viewpoint. The views are worth the trip if you have time. Then, if time allows, make your way to Al Rudaf Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside TIF, you can spend time at Airport Prayer Room (Musalla) or try Airport Duty-Free & Souvenirs. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near TIF
For food in Taif, local travelers recommend Al Baik (Taif branch). If you have time for a second stop, Hadramout Mandi Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at TIF, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Airport Food Kiosk rounds out your in-terminal options.
Bag Storage Near TIF
Luggage storage options at TIF can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Taif for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and TIF is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Taif and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at TIF, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Taif is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Taif.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.