Asia > 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Saudi Arabia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Saudi Arabia; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Saudi Arabia?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Saudi Arabia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Saudi Arabia
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Abha | AHB | |
| Al-Ula | ULH | |
| Al-Wajh | EJH | |
| Damman | DMM | |
| Gurayat | URY | |
| Jeddah | JED | |
| Jizan | GIZ | |
| Jouf | AJF | |
| Kandahar | HKW | |
| Mecca | JEDm | |
| Medina | MED | |
| Najran | EAM | |
| Qaisumah | AQI | |
| Qassim | ELQ | |
| Rafha | RAH | |
| Riyadh | RUH | |
| Tabuk | TUI | |
| Taif | TIF | |
| Yanbu | YNB | |
| Zulfi | ZUL |
Should You Rent a Car in Saudi Arabia? 🚗🏜️
Saudi Arabia offers a remarkable mix of modern cities, ancient archaeological sites, desert landscapes, and Red Sea coastline. With distances between destinations often quite large, many travellers wonder: should you rent a car in Saudi Arabia? Renting a car is one of the most practical ways to explore the country, especially if you plan to travel beyond major cities.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Major cities and certain intercity routes are well-served by modern public transport and convenient ride-hailing services.
| Location | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | Metro, taxis, Uber and Careem available | Metro, ride-hailing |
| Jeddah | Compact city areas and Corniche zone | Taxi or ride app |
| Makkah & Madinah | Linked by high-speed Haramain train | Train + local shuttle |
| King Abdullah Economic City | Planned, transit-ready city | Internal transit |
➡ Ideal for visitors who plan to stay in urban centres, attend events, or follow structured itineraries.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
To explore Saudi Arabia’s heritage sites, desert regions, and emerging tourism destinations, renting a car gives you independence and flexibility.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Scenic driving | Red Sea coast, mountain roads |
| Heritage access | AlUla, Hegra (UNESCO site) |
| Desert adventure | Empty Quarter, dune drives |
| Flexibility | Small towns, hidden viewpoints |
🗺️ Popular Self-Drive Routes
| Route | Highlights | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh → AlUla | Desert landscapes, heritage | Long-distance highway |
| Jeddah → Taif | Mountain scenery, cooler climate | Winding mountain roads |
| Tabuk → NEOM Coast | Futuristic tourism developments | Good coastal roads |
| Dammam → Half Moon Bay | Beaches and resorts | Easy driving routes |
🚦 Driving in Saudi Arabia – What to Expect
-
You drive on the right-hand side
-
Roads are wide and well-maintained, especially highways
-
Fuel is inexpensive compared to global standards
-
Speed limits are enforced by cameras
-
Road signs are in both Arabic and English
-
Women can legally drive and rent cars since 2018
Police Checkpoints
Police checkpoints operate frequently, but they are generally efficient and professional. Documentation checks are routine, and travellers with proper papers rarely face issues.
🚘 Car Rental Information
You can rent a car at all major airports and city centres. Companies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and local operators. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although licences from many countries are accepted.
| Vehicle Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Standard car | City-to-city driving |
| SUV / 4×4 | Desert routes & mountain travel |
| Luxury vehicle | Business or premium travel |
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (Haramain) | Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah | Fast and comfortable |
| Domestic flights | Long distances | Essential for AlUla and NEOM |
| Intercity buses | Budget travel | Modern and reliable |
| Taxis & ride apps | Local transport | Available in major cities |
Restrictions for Non-Muslims in Mecca and Medina
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Mecca (Makkah) and the central areas of Medina (Madinah), as these locations are reserved exclusively for Muslim pilgrims. Highways and roads leading into these cities have clearly marked checkpoints, and non-Muslim drivers must take designated bypass routes. While non-Muslims cannot access the sacred precincts, they may visit the outskirts of Medina, including the modern city areas outside the Haram boundary. It is important for travellers to follow road signs carefully to avoid entering restricted zones, as access is strictly enforced.
Women Driving in Saudi Arabia
Since 2018, women in Saudi Arabia have been legally permitted to drive, marking one of the most significant social changes in the country’s recent history. Today, women—both Saudi nationals and foreign visitors—can rent cars, hold local or international driving licences, and drive independently across the country. Female travellers regularly report positive experiences on the road, and rental agencies openly accommodate women customers. While driving is generally safe and accepted, women should still be aware of cultural norms, particularly in more conservative rural areas, where attitudes may be slower to change than in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car in Saudi Arabia is an excellent choice if you want the freedom to explore the country’s deserts, heritage sites, and coastal areas at your own pace. If your trip is focused on major cities or well-connected routes like the Haramain high-speed train corridor, you can travel comfortably without driving. Your decision depends on whether you plan to stay urban or venture into Saudi Arabia’s expanding world of culture and adventure tourism.