Hofuf

Hofuf (الهفوف al-Hofuf) is a city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The city is located within the oasis of al-Ahsa (or al-Hasa), and the names are often used interchangeably. In 2018 this oasis was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

By train
Hofuf is around 3 h from Riyadh and 1.5h from Dammam by train. Saudi Railway Organisation runs four trains per day in each direction.



By bus
SAPTCO Bus service 3.5 hours from Riyadh and 2 hours from Dammam

Get around
Taxi service is available in downtown Hofuf, at SAPTCO bus station and at train station. Hard to find on road (Saudi Riyal 10 -20 per trip to get around in the city).

Many car rental services are also available. You need your ID and driving license (Saudi Riyals 70 to 200 per day per 200 km).

Southeast Asians provide an on-call cab service (this is usually through a personal contact that you can call later). These cabbies can take you within the city and to anywhere in the Gulf region.

Do
Reserve a Mazra (a farm house) and spend a day or two with date palm trees. All facilities including private swimming pools available.

Eat
Only shawarma, snacks and beverages are available in small shops nearby the cave. Since moving around takes at least 4-5 hours to enjoy the location, you will derive more enjoyment if you can carry own food, especially if you are a vegetarian.

Check out Alsaid Coffee for some pricy but authentic coffee house atmosphere in the Souq. Great place to chat especially in late hours when people are going out again.