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What to Do at JED

Make the most of your time at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) with these suggestions.

Restaurants & Cafés

  • Main dining options: Try Starbucks, McDonald’s, KUDU, and Broccoli Pizza & Pasta for quick meals.
  • Local favorites: Grab a taste of Saudi snacks at cafés offering Arabic coffee, dates, and pastries.
  • Healthy choices: Look for fresh juices and salad bars in Terminal 1’s central food court.

Shops & Lifestyle Stores

  • Duty-Free shopping: Browse perfumes, cosmetics, chocolates, and travel essentials.
  • Local souvenirs: Pick up Saudi dates, Arabic perfumes, handicrafts, and traditional gifts.
  • Accessories & fashion: Stores selling bags, watches, and travel accessories are located across Terminal 1.

Lounges / Relax Spots

  • AlFursan Lounge: Premium lounge with food, showers, and relaxation areas (Terminal 1).
  • Plaza Premium Lounge: A paid-entry lounge near Gate 39.
  • Wellcome Lounge: Airside lounge with rest zones and sleep rooms.
  • Quiet zones: Terminal 1 has seating areas around the aquarium and garden area for peaceful breaks.

Other Activities

  • Aquarium visit: Don’t miss the 46-foot aquarium in Terminal 1 — perfect for photos.
  • Relax & walk: The scenic indoor garden is a calming spot for passengers.
  • Shopping breaks: Explore lifestyle stores for gifts, snacks, and essentials.
  • Prayer rooms: Well-maintained prayer areas are available across the terminals.

Suggested Layover Itineraries

  • Check your terminal assignment – Confirm your terminal (Terminal 1, North, or Hajj) before arrival — connections may require airport rail or shuttle.
  • Minimum layover recommendation – Allow at least 2.5 hours for international-to-international connections due to security and possible terminal changes.
  • Immigration shortcuts – Pre-book Fast Track or Meet & Greet services for expedited passport control — especially useful for long-haul arrivals or families.
  • Lounge bookings – Reserve lounge passes (AlFursan, Plaza Premium, Wellcome) before travel; airline status or membership may be required.
  • Transit hotel options – Use Aerotel sleep pods (landside) or Wellcome Lounge sleep rooms (airside) — advance booking recommended.
  • Visa & entry rules – Passengers from eligible countries can apply online for a Saudi Transit Visa — check updated rules before travel.
  • Local SIM/Wi-Fi – Free Wi-Fi is available; buy Saudi SIM cards from the arrivals area near the aquarium for better connectivity.
  • Baggage transfers – For split tickets or different carriers, check if bags are interlined; Airport Assist can help with re-checking.
  • Flight monitoring – Gate changes are frequent at JED; monitor airline apps and screens — Airport Assist staff can help with rebooking.
  • Unique JED features – Visit the 46-foot aquarium and indoor garden in Terminal 1 — perfect for relaxing during transit.

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