Summary
Darb Alwatan offers affordable, comfortable intercity bus travel across the Kingdom. This guide covers the full 2026 route schedules, travel durations, luggage rules, and step-by-step ticket booking instructions everything you need before you board.
Traveling between Saudi cities by bus used to mean limited options and outdated infrastructure. That changed when Darb Alwatan launched its intercity network in October 2023. By 2026, it has grown into one of the most practical and budget-friendly ways to move between major Saudi cities, with 29+ active routes connecting hubs from Riyadh to Tabuk and Dammam to Makkah.
What Is Darb Alwatan?
Darb Alwatan is a licensed Saudi intercity bus company operating under a contract with the Transport General Authority (TGA). It is a subsidiary of Hafil, which is part of the Mohamed Yousuf Naghi and Brothers Group. The company launched commercial operations on October 15, 2023, initially covering cities in the Eastern Province before expanding across the Kingdom.
Today, Darb Alwatan connects over 20 cities through a growing network of modern, air-conditioned coaches. Its services align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of building a connected and accessible public transport system for both citizens and residents.
Darb Alwatan Routes and Timetable 2026
All Darb Alwatan routes follow an NN-XX numbering format. Some routes run daily, while others operate on selected days only. All times below use the 24-hour clock. Always verify the latest schedule at darbalwatan.com before travel, as times can change during Hajj, Umrah season, and public holidays.
Key Intercity Routes at a Glance
| Route | From | To | Frequency | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NN-01 | Dammam | Yanbu | Daily | ~22 hrs |
| NN-02 | Riyadh | Yanbu | 3x per week | ~18 hrs |
| NN-03 | Dammam | Hail | Daily | ~14 hrs |
| NN-04 | Makkah | Hafr Al Batin | Daily | ~20.5 hrs |
| NN-05 | Madinah | Buraydah | Daily | ~7 hrs |
| NN-06 | Makkah | Madinah | Daily (multi-departure) | ~6 hrs |
| NN-07 | Dammam | Makkah | Daily | ~12 hrs |
| NN-09 | Dammam | Jeddah | Daily (via SAR Train Station) | ~9 hrs |
| NN-10 | Madinah | Arar | Selected days | ~12 hrs |
| NN-12 | Riyadh | Arar / Hafr Al Batin | Selected days | ~10–12 hrs |
| NN-14 | Riyadh | Buraydah | Daily | ~4 hrs |
| NN-20 | Dammam | Jubail | Daily | ~1 hr |
| NN-23 | Riyadh | Hail | Daily | ~6 hrs |
| NN-24 | Riyadh | Tabuk | Daily | ~12 hrs |
| NN-32 | Riyadh | Al Khobar | Daily | ~5 hrs |
| NN-35 | Dammam | Madinah | Daily | ~10 hrs |
| NN-44 | Dammam Airport | Khafji Border | Daily | ~2 hrs |
Routes NN-02, NN-10, and NN-12 do not run every day. If you are planning around these routes, check the specific departure days on the official site or app before booking. During pilgrimage season, the Makkah-Madinah corridor (NN-06) may see adjusted frequencies due to high demand.
Makkah to Madinah Timetable (Route NN-06)
This is the most-used Darb Alwatan route. Multiple departures run in both directions every day, making it a reliable option for Umrah visitors and residents alike.
| Direction | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah (Jarwal) to Madinah | 07:00 | ~13:00 | ~6 hrs |
| Makkah (Jarwal) to Madinah | 12:00 | ~18:00 | ~6 hrs |
| Makkah (Jarwal) to Madinah | 21:00 | ~03:00 (+1) | ~6 hrs |
| Madinah to Makkah (Jarwal) | 08:00 | ~14:00 | ~6 hrs |
| Madinah to Makkah (Jarwal) | 14:00 | ~20:00 | ~6 hrs |
| Madinah to Makkah (Jarwal) | 22:00 | ~04:00 (+1) | ~6 hrs |
Note: Non-Muslims cannot enter Makkah. This route is open to Muslim passengers only for travel into the city.
Riyadh Hub: Departure Timetable
Riyadh Bus Station serves as the main departure point for all central region routes. Below are the key timings from Riyadh.
| Route | Destination | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NN-14 | Buraydah | 08:00 | ~12:00 | ~4 hrs |
| NN-23 | Hail | 20:00 | ~02:00 (+1) | ~6 hrs |
| NN-24 | Tabuk | 19:00 | ~07:00 (+1) | ~12 hrs |
| NN-32 | Al Khobar | 07:00 | ~12:00 | ~5 hrs |
| NN-02 | Yanbu | 19:00 | ~13:20 (+1) | ~18 hrs |
For long-haul departures like NN-24 (Riyadh to Tabuk) and NN-02 (Riyadh to Yanbu), evening departure times mean you travel overnight and arrive the following day. This can save on accommodation costs for budget travelers.
How to Book a Darb Alwatan Ticket
Booking is straightforward and takes under 5 minutes online. Four channels are available:
- Official Website: Go to darbalwatan.com, enter your route and travel date, select an available seat, and pay by card or digital wallet. This is the fastest and most reliable method.
- Mobile App: The Darb Alwatan app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It offers the same booking features as the website and sends push notifications for schedule updates or delays.
- Bus Station Counters: Walk-in booking is available at all main stations including Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Seats are subject to availability, so walk-in works best for less popular routes or off-peak travel days.
- Authorized Sales Agent Offices: Third-party agents approved by Darb Alwatan can also issue tickets. Useful if you prefer in-person assistance or are booking for a group.
Online booking is recommended for popular routes like Makkah-Madinah and Riyadh-Buraydah, especially during weekends and religious occasions, when seats fill up quickly.
Ticket Types and Refund Policy
Darb Alwatan offers three ticket categories to match different travel needs.
| Ticket Type | Features | Refund Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Fixed seat, one way | Partial (cancellation fee applies) |
| Return | Round-trip, discounted fare | Partial (cancellation fee applies) |
| Flex / Open | Date-flexible | Yes (conditions apply) |
Cancellations and rescheduling are possible through the website or app. Refunds are processed back to the original payment method. The refund amount depends on how early you cancel relative to the departure time. For high-demand routes like Makkah-Madinah, book at least 2 to 3 days ahead to secure your preferred seat and departure time.
Luggage Allowance
Each passenger is allowed one check-in bag and one piece of hand baggage.
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Check-in luggage | 1 bag, up to 20 kg |
| Hand baggage | 1 bag, up to 7 kg |
| Extra bag | Available at additional fee (subject to space) |
| Prohibited items | Flammables, hazardous goods, live animals |
If you are traveling with oversized baggage or more than the standard allowance, arrange it at the station counter before boarding. Label every bag with your name and phone number, especially on long-haul routes where bags are stored in the undercarriage.
On-Board Amenities
All Darb Alwatan coaches are modern and air-conditioned with assigned seating. Long-distance buses include restroom facilities on board. Select buses offer USB charging points at each seat, along with overhead storage for hand luggage.
Smoking is not permitted on any Darb Alwatan bus. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are generally allowed, though policies may vary by route. Passengers on overnight routes like Dammam-Yanbu (NN-01, ~22 hours) should bring their own snacks and water for the journey.
Darb Alwatan Bus Stations
Darb Alwatan stations span all major regions of Saudi Arabia. The Eastern Province stations were part of the original Phase 1 launch in 2023. All stations function as ticketing counters, passenger waiting areas, and connecting points between routes.
| Region | City | Station |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Riyadh | Riyadh Bus Station |
| Western | Jeddah | Jeddah Bus Station |
| Western | Makkah | Makkah Bus Station (Jarwal) |
| Western | Madinah | Madinah Bus Station |
| Eastern | Dammam | Dammam Bus Station |
| Eastern | Jubail | Jubail Station |
| Eastern | Al Khobar | Al Khobar Stop |
| Northern | Hafr Al Batin | Hafr Al Batin Station |
| Northern | Tabuk | Tabuk Bus Station |
| Northern | Hail | Hail Bus Station |
Smaller stops like Khafji, Qurayyat, Sakaka, and Arar also appear on select routes. Check the app or website for exact stop sequences on your chosen route.
Darb Alwatan vs Other Saudi Bus Operators
For context, here is how Darb Alwatan compares to other TGA-licensed intercity bus operators in the Kingdom.
| Feature | Darb Alwatan | SAPTCO | Northwest Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active intercity routes | 29+ | Extensive | Limited |
| Online booking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TGA licensed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage | National (all regions) | National | Western / Northern |
| Fleet type | Modern coaches | Standard | Standard |
Darb Alwatan is a newer operator with a focus on modern coaches and national coverage. SAPTCO remains the largest operator by volume. Northwest Bus covers specific corridors in western and northern regions. Your best choice depends on your route and travel dates.
Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Keep your ticket ready on your phone or as a printout. A QR code scan is used at the gate.
- Carry your Iqama or national ID for boarding verification.
- On routes over 10 hours, bring snacks, a water bottle, and a light jacket for the air conditioning.
- Non-Muslims should not book routes that terminate in Makkah, as entry to the city is restricted.
- Book 2 to 3 days in advance for weekend travel and during Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj seasons.
- For the NN-44 route (Dammam Airport to Khafji Border), carry your passport and relevant border crossing documents.
How to Contact Darb Alwatan
For booking issues, delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, reach Darb Alwatan through the following:
- Toll-free number: +966 8003040155
- Website: darbalwatan.com
- Headquarters: P.O Box 3770, Dhahran 34521, Humaid Bin Khalid Street, Eastern Province
Customer care handles delay updates, refund disputes, accessibility requests, and general route inquiries. Response times are generally faster through the phone line than email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darb Alwatan?
Darb Alwatan is a TGA-licensed intercity bus operator in Saudi Arabia. It is a subsidiary of Hafil, under the Mohamed Yousuf Naghi and Brothers Group, and runs scheduled services across 20+ cities nationwide.
How do I book a Darb Alwatan ticket online?
Visit darbalwatan.com, choose your route and travel date, pick a seat, and pay by card or digital wallet. The mobile app on iOS and Android offers the same booking process.
Does Darb Alwatan run daily on all routes?
No. Most major routes run daily. Routes NN-02, NN-10, and NN-12 operate on selected days only. Always check the official schedule before making plans.
What is the luggage limit on Darb Alwatan buses?
One check-in bag up to 20 kg and one carry-on up to 7 kg per passenger. Extra baggage is available for a fee at the station counter.
Can non-Muslims use Darb Alwatan buses?
Yes, on most routes. Non-Muslims cannot travel to Makkah due to entry restrictions. All other destinations are accessible. Check the TGA and relevant municipality guidelines for your specific route.
How do I cancel or reschedule my ticket?
Log in to darbalwatan.com or the app, go to your booking, and select cancel or reschedule. A fee may apply depending on how close the cancellation is to departure. For urgent help, call +966 8003040155.
