What are the cheapest cities to travel to in the Middle East?

There are lots of amazing cities to visit in the Middle East. However, some cities are cheaper than others. Below, we look at some of the most affordable places to visit in the Middle East and if they are worth travelling to.

Keep reading to find out where you can travel for less, and how booking with Alternative Airlines lets you compare airlines, prices and routes all in one place.

Even better, you can pay later for flights to the Middle East using options like Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, Scalapay and Tabby 👇

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is the capital and largest city in Egypt. It's located on the banks of the Nile River, in the northern part of the country. Cairo is famous for its ancient monuments, including the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. It's great getaway if you're travelling on a budget.

Transport

In Egypt, there are several budget-friendly ways to get around, depending on where you’re heading:

• Train, bus and taxi are the most popular ways to get around and they are all affordable and reliable.
• Egyptian Railways offer comfortable trains on routes between Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Luxor, Aswan, and Suez.
• Most major routes have good bus services with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. You can buy tickets at bus stations in most towns.
• You will also find serviced taxis a good, cost-effective travel option in Egypt transport. Traditional taxis are also available, at a higher price.
• You can also get around the city on a boat or hire a car however, these options may be more expensive.

Flights to Cairo

• Cairo International Airport is the main airport serving the city and the largest in Egypt
• It’s well connected to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with both full-service and low-cost airlines flying to Cairo
• Direct flights from the UK usually take around 5 to 6 hours
• You may find cheaper flights to Cairo between October and April, with January and November often offering the cheapest prices

With Alternative Airlines, spread the cost of your flight to Cairo with popular airlines including EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Saudia and more

Food and drink

• Food and drink in Cairo are very cheap for travellers from the UK and US, thanks to the favourable exchange rate.
• Cafes and street stalls are more affordable than tourist restaurants.
• Alcohol is available in hotels and bars but costs more than soft drinks.

Attractions

If you are heading to Cairo and Luxor, you can’t miss the Pyramids or Valley of the Kings. The Nile River and Mohamed Ali's Palace are also very popular tourist attractions. Cairo has lots of museums for those wanting to learn more about their history such as The Egyptian Museum and The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Best time to visit

April and May are great months for visiting Cairo. The weather is warm, with average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C (77-90°F), and there are less crowds than in the peak summer months. Travelling outside peak periods, such as January and November, can also help keep flight prices down.

Amman, Jordan

Amman is the capital of Jordan and has a population of more than four million. The city spreads across steep hills and is known for its white stone buildings. The city has busy markets with prices for food, transport, and attractions lower than in many other Middle Eastern capitals. It's also not too far from one of the 7 wonders of the world in Petra.

Transport

When travelling around Amman, the most popular transport options are:

• Public transport, taxi or car hire.
• The bus network is efficient and safe with a single fare costing JOD0.35 (£0.37 GBP).
• Yellow taxis are plentiful, cheap, and reliable.
• Driving in Amman can be a little frantic, with a lack of lane markings.
• Car rental is available from Budget and Sixt.

Flights to Amman

• Queen Alia International Airport is the main international airport serving the city. It is well-connected to various destinations worldwide and offers a wide range of facilities and services for passengers.
• King Hussein International Airport is approximately 330 kilometres south of Amman. It is a regional airport that serves as a gateway to the Red Sea and the popular tourist destinations of Petra and Wadi Rum.
• Major airlines flying to Amman: Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Pegasus, flynas, Iraqi Airways and Saudia.
• Low-cost options: Ryanair and Wizz Air from Europe.
• UK to Amman flights: Direct flights from London Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester.

Food and drink

In Amman and Petra, you will find a wide variety of prices, depending on the place and the restaurant standard:

• In a local restaurant downtown, a meal will not cost you more than 10 Dinars (~£10.50 GBP/$14 USD).
• In big hotels, prices might go up to 20-30 Dinars (£21-£31 GBP/$28–$42 USD) or more depending on the dishes and drinks you order.
• Hashem in the downtown area is favoured by the royal family and offers falafel, fuul, and hummus dishes from JOD1.50 (~£1.60 GBP/$2.10 USD).
• The Levant in Jabal Amman serves gourmet Arabic dishes from JOD10 (~£10.50 GBP/$14 USD).

Attractions

There are lots you can do on a budget whilst visiting Amman:

• The Amman Citadel - This historical site offers a glimpse into the ancient civilisations that once inhabited the city. The Citadel is home to the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and a stunning archaeological museum. Its hilltop location also provides breathtaking panoramic views of Amman.
• The Roman Theatre - A testament to the Roman influence in Jordan. This ancient theatre is a marvel of architectural design with a seating capacity of 6,000. It's perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
• The King Abdullah I Mosque - This iconic blue-domed mosque is a symbol of Amman's rich Islamic heritage. Visitors can explore the mosque's beautiful interior, learn about Islamic culture, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Best time to visit

Generally, the best time to visit Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is more temperate, so you can explore iconic sites like Petra or the Wadi Rum without getting scorched by the sun.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, after the capital Riyadh. Similar to numerous other major cities worldwide, Jeddah features safe tourist and business neighbourhoods. Visitors who opt for the primary tourism spots in Jeddah can confidently enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday experience in Saudi Arabia.

Transport

• Public buses are a more affordable option to car hire for getting around the city. Jeddah has seven bus lines that cover most of the city.
• You can also use taxis to get around in Jeddah - taxis are the most used means of transportation by tourists in the city. Make sure to pre-book your transport from the airport to your accommodation as it's cheaper.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport is located 23 kilometres away from the airport. You can get to the city centre by taxi and car.

Flights to Jeddah

• King Abdulaziz International Airport (also known as Jeddah International Airport) is an international airport that serves the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
• You can fly directly to Jeddah from many cities within Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as select cities in the United States.
• Popular airlines flying to Jeddah include Saudia, Wizz Air UK, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Pegasus Airlines.
• Direct flights from London take about 6-7.5 hours.

If you'd like to book direct flights to Jeddah but can't find any from your departure airport, you can still reach Jeddah with connecting flights. Search for non-stop flights to Jeddah from anywhere in the world with Alternative Airlines. Compare prices and book flights with hundreds of airlines.

Food and drink

Jeddah is a coastal city and its recipes traditionally differ from conventional Arabian cuisine as the city is famous for its seafood. When looking for a restaurant that's more budget-friendly here are some places we recommend:

• Seafood: Al Nakheel Blue Ocean
• Italian: Piatto
• Japanese: Sakura
• Turkish: Khayal Restaurant

Attractions

• Jeddah Corniche is the must-go place in the city. In Jeddah Corniche, you can enjoy the city's spectacular Red Sea sceneries as well as many sculptures, fountains, and recreational areas.
• King Fahad's Fountain is recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's tallest jet. The highlight of this site is its evening fountain show, a must-see experience included in the list of nighttime activities in Saudi Arabia.

Best time to visit

Jeddah has a desert climate with almost no chance of rain throughout the year. The hottest month is August and the coolest month is January. The best time to visit Jeddah is during winter or early spring since the weather is more pleasant and welcoming. In addition to that, visiting Jeddah in September will present you with plenty of beautiful scenery because of Saudi Arabia’s national day.

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut is Lebanon's capital and largest city, situated on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. Beirut is currently one of the most affordable cities in the region, with an average cost of around $2.26 per day for budget travellers.

Transport

• Book your taxi from the airport to the place you are staying beforehand, as it will be much cheaper and there is no public transport from the airport to the centre of Beirut.
• Getting around the city is easy with Uber and ordinary taxis.
• Hiring a car in Beirut costs £23 per day, on average, or £114 if you want to hire it for 5 days. You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 7% more expensive than in Beirut.

Flights to Beirut

• Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is the main international airport in Beirut, located approximately 9 kilometres south of the city centre. It offers a wide range of international flights and is well-connected to major cities around the world.
• Larnaca International Airport, situated in Larnaca, Cyprus, is around 200 kilometres west of Beirut. Although it is not within a reasonable driving distance, there are direct flights available between Larnaca and Beirut, making it an option for travellers where direct flights are unavailable.
• Popular airlines include Middle East Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM and more.
• Typical flight time: Direct flights from London to Beirut take about 4 hours 45 minutes.

Food and drink

If you’re looking for affordable options, Feluka Seafood Restaurant & Wine Bar (Sporting Club Beach General De Gaulle Avenue) and Rossini Osteria e Caffe (Phoenicia Hotel) are great affordable options. Core foods of the Lebanese include lamb, chicken, fish, yoghurt, cheese, chickpeas, nuts, eggplant, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Attractions

Beirut has a range of archaeological sites and historic buildings to explore. The city is also known for its food, from traditional mezze to local desserts, all available at reasonable prices. These experiences don't have to cost much money - it could be from walking around the city to visiting a local market.

Best time to visit

July is one of the hottest months in Beirut, with average highs around 30 °C and very little rain. The coldest month is January, when temperatures usually range from 11 °C to 18 °C, and rainfall is highest at around 190 mm. June and July are generally the driest months, making summer ideal for outdoor activities.

Fly now, pay later options for affordable flights to the Middle East

Looking to buy flights now and pay later? Prefer to pay for your flight tickets weekly, bi-weekly or monthly? Alternative Airlines can help. Rather than paying for your flights upfront, we've partnered with 20+ Buy Now Pay Later partners globally to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights now on over 600 airlines such as United, British Airways and American Airlines and pay later with different payment plan options available. Check out with either Affirm, Klarna, Zip, Afterpay, Clearpay, Tamara, Tabby, or one of our other options, and pay for your flights later.

You'll get greater flexibility when planning the budget for your trip! You won't need to pay any interest, however, this will depend on the specific terms set by the lending provider.

Enjoy hassle-free travel today when you book your flights to the Middle East and pay later at Alternative Airlines.

How to buy flights and pay later?

1. Firstly, fill in the search form with the dates, number of people travelling and destination you would like to visit. Then click the "Search Flights" button and select the flights that are most suitable for you.
2. Next, select the Buy Now, Pay Later options that are available - different payment plan providers will be depending on the country of residence and the currency you're paying in.
3. Then pick your plan, choose the payment plan that works for you and see if you are eligible. You'll then have to follow the instructions, put in a few details and a soft credit check will be performed- all done in a matter of seconds!
4. Once your application has been accepted, your flight booking will be confirmed and you will receive your e-ticket by email

Ready to travel to the Middle East?

When looking for the perfect destination in the Middle East we understand that you want to make your trip affordable and enjoyable. Alternative Airlines makes it quick and easy to find flights and the right payment option to make sure your trip is within your budget.

Whether you're planning on seeing the historical wonders of Cairo or walking through the vibrant streets of Beirut we are here to give you the freedom to fly. Our payment options are so flexible that those last-minute flights are always within reach.

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