Dammam King Fahd Layover Guide (DMM)

What are you looking for in DMM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dammam Airport (DMM) is an international airport located in Dammam, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It lies about 20 km (12.4 miles) northwest of downtown Dammam. The airport officially opened in 1999. Dammam is a major hub in the Kingdom’s oil industry and a rapidly growing urban center. The city is known for its modern infrastructure, beautiful coastal views, and vibrant cultural scene, making it an important destination in the region.

Can you leave Dammam Airport (DMM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers on a single-ticket itinerary with layovers under 12 hours at Dammam Airport (DMM) remain in the airport transit area without a visa and cannot leave. If your layover exceeds 12 hours and you wish to exit, apply online for a complimentary 96-hour stopover visa prior to travel to ensure your compliance. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Dammam Corniche Stroll along Dammam Corniche’s waterfront promenade, admiring the azure Arabian Gulf, beautifully landscaped gardens, art installations, and iconic landmarks. Ideal spot for relaxation, people-watching, and capturing memorable photographs during layover. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 20 minutes / SAPTCO bus line 42 to Corniche stop.)
• Heritage Village Explore Heritage Village’s vibrant museum, traditional Souq, and artisanal workshops showcasing Saudi culture. Wander through restored mudbrick structures, historic exhibits, and cultural performances offering an immersive local experience during layover. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 25 minutes / SAPTCO bus to Suez Street.)
• King Fahd Park Relax in King Fahd Park’s expansive green spaces, winding pathways, and serene lake. Enjoy picnic spots, jogging trails, and vibrant playgrounds, making it ideal family-friendly destination to unwind during layover. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 15 minutes / Local bus to Al Basateen station.)
• Dammam Regional Museum Discover Saudi history at Dammam Regional Museum, featuring archaeological artifacts and traditional crafts. Engage with informative displays and interactive exhibits providing insight into the Eastern Province’s cultural heritage during layover. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 20 minutes / Bus to Museum Road stop.)
• Marina Mall Shop and dine at Marina Mall, Dammam’s premier modern retail destination. Browse international brands, enjoy waterfront cafes, and experience family entertainment at the ice rink and multiplex cinema during layover. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 15 minutes / Free airport shuttle service.)
• Half Moon Bay Beach Relax on Half Moon Bay Beach’s golden sands, swimming in calm azure waters. Take a stroll along shore, indulge in local seafood stalls, and watch spectacular coastal sunsets during layover. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 30 minutes / Rental car recommended.)
• Al Danah Park Visit Al Danah Park to experience lush gardens, beautiful walking trails, and family picnic areas. Enjoy modern playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, and serene green spaces perfect for relaxation during layover. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 15 minutes / Bus to Dammam Central station.)
• Al Marjan Island Discover Al Marjan Island’s unique man-made coral-shaped park featuring scenic lookout points, vibrant art installations, and tranquil sea breezes. Perfect for a refreshing stroll and panoramic sunset views during layover. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 20 minutes / Bus to Corniche then short walk.)

Things to Do in Dammam Airport (DMM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
King Fahd International Airport features seven lounges across domestic and international terminals, including Plaza Premium, naSmiles, and Al-Fursan. Open 24 hours, they offer comfy seating, complimentary snacks, premium dining, showers, free high-speed Wi-Fi, flight monitors, dedicated workstations, and private areas. Day passes available from around $45. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site hotel at Dammam Airport. The closest accommodation is Hilton Dammam Airport, offering direct terminal access, 272 rooms, on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting facilities, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour reception. Downtown Dammam and Al Khobar hotels are reachable via 20-minute drive with shuttle services available. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
DMM operates 24/7 but lacks dedicated rest zones, sleep pods, or nap rooms. Travelers typically rest in lounges or near seating areas with recliners and charging points. Quiet corners by gates offer the most peaceful spots, though personal safety and secure handling of valuables should be considered during overnight stays.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: DMM offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout both domestic and international terminals under the network “DAMMAM AIRPORT FREE WIFI.” Sign in using password “DAMMAM123” for unlimited access. High-speed connections are available in airport lounges, where premium options ensure faster downloads and business center services include printing and meeting rooms.

SIM/eSIM Card: STC, Mobily, and Zain operate SIM card kiosks near baggage claim in the arrivals hall. Tourist plans start at around SAR 30 ($8), offering data, local minutes, and SMS. You must present your passport for registration. Shops generally open daily from early morning until around midnight; eSIM activation is also supported by major providers. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Pre-paid taxi counters are located outside the arrivals terminal, offering fixed-rate fares to major cities: SAR 21 to Dammam, SAR 26 to Al Khobar, and SAR 85 to Riyadh. Services operate 24/7 with both standard and VIP vehicles. Ride-hailing apps Careem and Uber also serve the airport, with designated pickup zones.

Train: No direct train service at Dammam Airport. The nearest Dammam Railway Station on the Dammam–Riyadh line is about 40 km away. Operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), it runs four hourly day trains and two night trains with economy and business seating. Taxis or SAPTCO buses link the airport to the station. (more info)

Bus: SAPTCO buses operate between DMM Airport and Dammam, Al Khobar, and Dhahran from 05:30 to 23:30 daily, departing approximately every three hours. One-way tickets cost SAR 21 to Dammam and SAR 26 to Al Khobar. Departure point is outside the arrivals hall, with online and mobile app booking available. (more info)

Shuttle: The airport provides free shuttle buses between parking areas and the passenger terminal every 10–15 minutes. Services cover covered multi-storey and open-air lots, including long-term parking. Shuttles are air-conditioned with accessible space for luggage, operating 24 hours with clearly marked stops adjacent to each car park level.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Hertz, Budget, Avis, and other international and local companies are located in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from economy to luxury SUVs. Reservations can be pre-booked online or on arrival. Operating hours align with flight schedules, and a fuel desk near the terminal handles pre-paid refueling options. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: DMM offers covered parking across three floors accommodating 4,930 cars, plus two open lots and an extended long-term parking area. Rates start at SAR 1 per hour. Electric vehicle charging stations are available. A free terminal shuttle connects all parking zones and airport facilities, operating around the clock.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage lockers are available in the main terminal’s departures and arrivals areas, with authorized personnel handling storage. Secure facilities accept bags for a nominal fee per day. For larger items or longer storage, Nannybag partner locations in Dammam city can be booked online at around €6 per bag per day. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dammam Airport (DMM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks