SAPTCO: A National Bus Service of Saudi Arabia

Mass transit has become a dire necessity. Governments worldwide are searching for a speedy transport system that can accommodate many people at once, and SAPTCO is just something like that. 

What is SAPTCO?

SAPTCO is short for Saudi Arabia Transport Company and is unique. Most users rate it as a comfortable, premium bus service that rarely disappoints. And what’s better? You can now do multiple things online from the comfort of your home without visiting any office around town!

How to book a SAPTCO ticket online?

The online ticket booking service that SAPTCO has recently launched takes transportation to another level. Not only can you do everything from the comfort of your home, but the whole process is straightforward and takes no longer than a few minutes. We have summarized the steps here:

1. Visit the SAPTCO website. You can choose a language you like for better access.

2. Fill in the ticket reservation info box. This is the primary step; you should provide as accurate details as possible.

3. Once you have put in the information, click on the Search button.

4. Select a departure time that suits you best. Click Continue to reach the next page.

5. Enter all the valid details for the passenger, whether it is a registered or new user, the mobile number, and email for confirmation. Once you are done, select the Continue option and confirm your ticket.

6. Process your payment. When booking this bus ticket online, you must pay a digital fee on the spot. SAPTCO accepts payments through MasterCard, Visa card, and, of course, the SADAD Online Payments.

And that’s about it. Your ticket is ready to go, and all ticket confirmations are emailed to you so you have a digital record, no matter where you may be.

What is a SAPTCO Smartcard?

A SAPTCO smartcard is like an innovation for digital payments. As per the most recent developments, the users of the SAPTCO bus service do not have to pay in cash; instead, they have to use their smart cards topped up with credit. Especially if you are considering intra-city travel, the SAPTCO smartcards are more of a necessity than a choice.

How to get your SAPTCO Smartcard?

You can request your bus driver to sell you a SAPTCO smartcard right on the bus. However, if you have time for a detour, you can walk to the nearest SAPTCO vending machine that will issue you a smart card. 

What kind of SAPTCO Smartcards are available?

You can decide on the type of smartcard depending on your travel needs. The SAPTCO smartcards are divided into multiple categories, as given below:

1. A smart card priced at S.R. 10 will have a credit of S.R. 5 on it.
2. A SAPTCO card worth S.R. 25 will provide you with a balance of S.R. 25 for travel.
3. A smart card priced at S.R. 50 will give you a credit of S.R. 55.
4. A SAPTCO smartcard priced at SR 100 will allow you a balance of SR 120.

How to recharge a SAPTCO smartcard?

The SAPTCO smartcards are rechargeable and can be topped up with credit. You can ask your bus driver to recharge your card or head to the nearest SAPTCO bus vending machine.

SAPTCO Bus service addresses many pressing concerns that people have. It is a relatively vast service that does a great deal to facilitate its users. From inter-city to intra-city travel, complete with the holy sites, SAPTCO does cover almost everything. As we move on further into this article, we talk about some of the most important F.A.Q.s about the SAPTCO bus service. There is A LOT more where that came from!

Is there a mobile app for SAPTCO?

The SAPTCO mobile application is available on the PlayStore for easy download and access. Once you have downloaded the application, you have to make a new account or log in to your SAPTCO account if you already have one. 

You can book rides on the SAPTCO application, take care of your payments, and recharge your smart card on the go. As with most applications, The SAPTCO bus service has a brilliant app that allows people ease of use from anywhere in the Kingdom.

Does SAPTCO operate on international routes?

The answer is yes. Not only on a grand scale, but the SAPTCO bus service does more than cover the routes within the country. It also transports to and from the neighboring countries of the Kingdom. This list includes the GCC countries, namely the U.A.E. and Bahrain, and more widespread routes like Egypt, Sudan, and Yemen to a limited degree. 

If you are looking to travel outside the Kingdom for more economical rates and can stomach the long travel times, SAPTCO may be the thing for you.

Does SAPTCO have special offers for certain people?

SAPTCO bus service is all for inclusive policies. They will do anything possible to make you feel welcome and supported. Hence, the SAPTCO service allows a discount of 50% to people with special needs and disabilities. That is, their return trip is free of charge. 

SAPTCO also prides itself in swift and effortless services to people with special needs and treats them on a high-priority basis.

The bus service also provides students with a 50% discount no matter where they may be traveling. SAPTCO also comes up with promotions to make travel more affordable for students and relevant university personnel.

What documents to carry for the travel?

SAPTCO buses are safe for many, and the officials are trying to keep it that way. For your safety and others on board, SAPTCO requires you to show certain documents before your journey begins. These include one of the following:

1. Original National ID card
2. Residence certificate
3. Passport

What is the allowed weight for internal trips?

SAPTCO has a strict policy regarding luggage weights within acceptable limits, and we have given them below in a simplified version.

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For intercity travel, 75 kg of luggage per adult ticket & 35 kg of luggage for a child’s ticket. One riyal will be charged for each kg of weight that goes over the limit.

For cross-border travel to the GCC countries, 50 kg of luggage per adult ticket & 25 kg of luggage for a child’s ticket. Two riyals are charged for each extra kg of weight.

Remember that a child’s ticket is only valid for ages 2 through 12 years.

What is the allowed weight for international trips?

For international trips, to say, Yemen or Egypt, the allowed weight is slightly higher. You can carry up to 100 kg for adult tickets and 50 kg for children tickets. 

A fee of three riyals is charged per kilogram for any extra weight over this limit. 

What is the SAPTCO policy for damaged luggage or lost items?

Any luggage seen to be damaged or lost on arrival at your destination should be promptly informed to the terminus officials. Although SAPTCO is not responsible for lost items, damaged or lost luggage can be compensated for at a maximum of SR 350 on presenting the lost luggage receipt. 

Any personal belongings or items of use other than luggage are not covered under the company’s policy. Hence, it would be best if you were extremely wary about what you take on you. SAPTCO offers no compensation for any such items or losses on the bus.

What are the safety measures on SAPTCO buses?

The buses are following the current health S.O.P.s and are prepared for all sorts of emergencies at hand. There are fire extinguishers available, and fire exits are marked. The buses have stocked pantries with valuable first-aid items to deal with common emergencies, and the staff meticulously trains to respond to them. 

Under the recent spell of COVID-19, SAPTCO sticks to clear and proper safety protocols for its passengers. These include careful use of face masks and hand sanitizer, and maintaining social distancing as much as possible.

The SAPTCO buses are periodically maintained and are regularly checked before undertaking a trip. Under harsh weather conditions, trips are delayed or canceled to ensure the safety of the passengers.

Pets and smoking policy

This leading bus service has a stringent no-smoking policy. Violating the policy comes with some serious repercussions. 

Pets – be it an animal of any kind are not welcome within the bus premises. This is to uphold customer satisfaction and ensure all passengers feel at home.

How long does a bus stop en route?

While traveling to a particular scheduled destination, the bus makes very few stops. Although the driver usually decides the stops, you can expect a stop to last for 45 minutes. This is enough time to take care of your prayers and other personal businesses.

How do you handle errors made on online booking?

If you made an error while booking a ticket, only panic is unnecessary. You can contact SAPTCO customer service at the number 920000877 and inform them about your trouble. They will help you fix it without any hassle.

Do economic trips have meal plans and refrigerator privileges?

Unfortunately, as of now, economic trips taken on the SAPTCO service do not come with meals. However, you can bring your snacks as long as you are tidy and not trashing the vehicle. 

A refrigerator is available on the bus; anyone can use it to store fragile or fresh items.

What are the advantages of the V.I.P. service?

The V.I.P. service of SAPTCO is enjoyable and provides city-center to city-center commute with lots of fancy perks. For instance, they come with:

• Ultra-modern buses with plenty of room, only 30 seats
• Padded, comfortable seats
• WiFi and live T.V. channels
• Private screens on every seat
• Charging ports
• Newspapers, magazines, and snacks of choice

Can I cancel my reservation?

You can cancel your bus reservation anytime, but you must visit the website or one of the SAPTCO offices. 

Subsequently, 35% of the ticket value will be discounted from the cancellation fee if you apply for cancellation and payment recovery. 

Is it possible to make an instant reservation without a prior booking?

You can make a reservation relatively late, even without a prior booking, by visiting an agent or SAPTCO office. However, you have to arrive at least one hour before the departure of a local trip and at least two hours before the departure of an international trip.

SAPTCO’s rental bus service

SAPTCO’s bus company also provides its services for rental purposes. It has been used for tourism or to take pilgrims between the cities of Mecca and Medina. Such rental services are made by the hour or by the day. 

What is the SAPTCO bus fare from Riyadh to Dammam?

The bus fare for the trip from Riyadh to Dammam for a single adult is about S.R. 92 each way, making a total of SR 184. Moreover, you can book the ticket online by choosing a departure date and time and the return date. All other necessary details to fill in are on the next page. 

Similarly, the bus fare from Dammam to Riyadh for an adult is S.R. 92 each way. There is no difference in the fare rate; hence, there is nothing to worry about or wonder about.

If you are traveling with a child (between 2-12 years of age), you have to pay another S.R. 46 for them. So, just about SR 138 per way, or a total of SR 276. Infants or children up to the age of 2 can travel free of charge.

What is the SAPTCO bus fare from Jeddah to Riyadh?

The bus fare from Jeddah to Riyadh is SR 230 each way for a single adult, hence SR 460 for a round trip. However, some departure times are less busy than others. Therefore, they have a lower price of SR 219. You can check out the rates on the official website for booking on the SAPTCO website.

The fare for a trip from Riyadh to Jeddah is the very same.

What is the bus fare from Mecca to Medina?

One of the most critical parts of the pilgrimage is the travel from the Holy City of Makkah to Madina. SAPTCO certainly offers services for this trip; the fare is affordable at S.R. 92 each way for one adult. 

As mentioned before, a child’s tick costs are half the adult ticket, and infants/toddlers can transit free of charge.

And that’s a wrap! We hope we have successfully addressed some of your most basic queries about SAPTCO in this article.

SAPTCO is a very easy and widely accessible bus service operating throughout the Kingdom. Therefore, you can find all major cities in Saudi Arabia, some small ones, on its route map. SAPTCO is dedicated to bringing you quality and comfortable travel, regardless of your business.