Manchester, Greater Manchester to Riyadh (MAN–RUH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia. The eVisa costs SAR 535 (about $142) including insurance, is processed within minutes, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per visit over a 1-year validity period with a maximum of 180 days total. Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com. The eVisa covers tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), and visiting family or friends.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry with at least one blank page. The eVisa application requires a passport photo page scan, a digital photograph, and basic travel details. No hotel booking or flight proof is needed for the application itself. Hajj requires a separate visa through an authorized Hajj operator, with its own process and quotas.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh (RUH) run about 6 hours 30 minutes, to Jeddah (JED) about 6 hours 15 minutes. Saudia and British Airways operate the routes. The Saudi riyal (SAR) is pegged at 3.75 SAR per $1. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals on standard tourist visits. Meningitis ACWY vaccination is required for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Dress codes are relaxed compared to a decade ago but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected in public spaces.

The Metrolink tram (Airport line) connects Manchester city centre (Piccadilly) to the airport in about 55 minutes for £4.50–£5.50, running until midnight. The dedicated rail service from Manchester Piccadilly takes only 20 minutes (£4.80 off-peak) and runs frequently from 06:00 to 23:00. Direct trains also serve Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, and other northern cities.National Express coaches connect the airport to London Victoria (3h15, from £10) and many regional cities. Taxis from the city centre cost £25–40 depending on traffic. The airport is well-signed from the M56 motorway with on-site multi-storey parking (Terminal 1/2/3 all have adjacent structures).