Where Jeddah goes to breathe
Ask someone from Jeddah where they spend their evenings and the answer is likely to be "by the sea." The Corniche isn't just a sight for visitors. It's part of everyday life: families spreading rugs on the grass, walkers out in the evening breeze, children racing between the fountains. For pilgrims and other visitors, a few hours on the seafront before a flight or after completing Umrah shows a side of the city you won't see from the airport or the highway.
The Corniche is several places, not one
The Corniche runs a long way along the Red Sea, so decide which part you want before you book a car.
The Jeddah Waterfront
The newest and best-organised stretch, with a wide promenade, cycle lanes, children's play areas, and a good choice of cafés and restaurants. It's ideal for families and for an easy outing that needs little planning.
The fountain area and central Corniche
This is where you'll see King Fahd's Fountain, one of the tallest fountains in the world. It looks its best after sunset, when it's lit up. This section is closer to the city centre and to historic Jeddah.
Al Rahmah Mosque
Known locally as the "floating mosque" because it's built right at the water's edge, so at high tide it seems to sit on the sea. Many visitors remember praying there at sunset.
Obhur
Far to the north, near the airport. Obhur is known for resorts, water activities and boat trips. Save it for when you have a full day rather than a couple of hours.
Making the most of a few hours
If you only have half a day, here's a simple plan many of our passengers follow:
- Afternoon: a walk through historic Jeddah (Al Balad), with its old houses and carved wooden balconies. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Before Maghrib: head to the fountain area or Al Rahmah Mosque for sunset over the sea.
- Evening: dinner and a stroll on the Waterfront, then back to your hotel or on to Makkah.
We run fixed-fare rides between Jeddah districts and hotels, and the driver can wait for you or come back at a time you agree.
When to go
- Winter (roughly November to February): pleasant most of the day, and the best time for long walks.
- Summer: hot and humid during the day, so go after Maghrib.
- Weekends: Thursday and Friday evenings are the busiest, and driving to the Waterfront can be slow, so set off early.
Getting there, and what it costs
In normal traffic the Corniche is about half an hour from King Abdulaziz International Airport. From Makkah, allow roughly an hour and a quarter. Our fares are fixed per car:
| Ride | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Jeddah (between districts) | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Jeddah Airport to anywhere in Jeddah | 150 SAR | 250 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah to Jeddah | 190 SAR | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Jeddah to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 600 SAR |
For more on getting around the city, see our Jeddah taxi page. If you're heading from the seafront to Makkah, the taxi from Jeddah to Makkah page has the details.
Etiquette and small tips
- Modest clothing is appropriate in public areas.
- There are mosques and prayer areas all along the Corniche, so you're never far from somewhere to pray.
- Carry water even in the evening. The humidity is more tiring than you'd expect.
- If you're still in ihram, leave the outing until after your Umrah.
- Parking near the Waterfront fills up at weekends, which is one more reason to be dropped off rather than drive yourself.
Visitors' questions
Is there an entry fee?
The promenade and public squares are free and open to everyone. Some private facilities and activities have their own tickets.
Is it worth visiting with only two hours before a flight?
It can be, if the Corniche is on your way. But be realistic about the drive back to the airport and evening traffic, and don't gamble with your flight time.
Can the driver wait for me?
Yes. Arrange it when you book on WhatsApp and we'll confirm the plan and the fare.
Can I go to the Corniche straight from the airport?
Yes. The airport pickup includes a name-sign meet in arrivals and 60 minutes of free waiting after landing. Just give us the Corniche as your destination.
To book a ride to or from the Corniche, message Mishwar Al Haramain on WhatsApp +966582918075.