Saudi Arabia is a large country with so many places to visit, but getting there is easier than you think. If you are landing at one of the major airports in the country, you can start your trip right from there. No need to wait or take long public transport rides. Just rent a car and drive to historic villages, mountain roads, beach towns, or green valleys. Our guide will help you find the best trips from Saudi airports, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, Tabuk, and Jazan.
Just 90 kilometers from Riyadh, Edge of the World—or Jebel Fihrayn—offers one of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking views. This 1,131-meter-high cliff, located at the end of the Tuwaik Mountain range, overlooks a vast plain once used as a trade route. The rugged terrain was shaped by tectonic shifts and erosion, creating sharp cliffs and deep crevices. Marine fossils like snails are scattered across the rocks, showing that this area was once underwater. The site has no barriers, so walk carefully near the edge.
Ushaiger Heritage Village is about a 2-hour drive from Riyadh, sitting 200 kilometers northwest in the Najd region. This village is one of the oldest mudbrick settlements in Saudi Arabia, dating back 1,500 years. It once served as a rest stop for pilgrims heading to Makkah. As you walk its narrow alleys, you’ll see classic Najdi architecture—yellow mud walls, carved wooden doors, and triangular windows. Wind towers rise above the homes, built to cool rooms before electricity. Visit the Al Salem Museum to view old jewelry, tools, and clothing. For the best view, climb the nearby hill and look over the village.
Just 50 kilometers from Riyadh, the Red Sand Dunes, also called the Hidden Valley, offer a perfect outdoor escape. This desert playground is known for its soft red sand and crescent-shaped dunes. You can enjoy sandboarding, ATV rides, or dune bashing. Many visitors also stay for the sunset, which turns the dunes gold. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water, and go with a guide if you’re not familiar with desert driving. The best time to visit is during cooler months or late afternoons. The views, fresh air, and thrill of the ride make it one of the top quick trips from Riyadh.
Drive east from Jeddah Airport to Taif, a mountain city about two hours away. The road climbs through Al Hada Mountain, known for sharp turns and panoramic views, so use a car with strong brakes. The weather in Taif is cooler than in Jeddah, which makes it perfect for summer. Visit Shubra Palace, stroll through Arruddaf Park, or take the long cable car ride. Stop at local farms to smell fresh rose fields, as Taif is famous for its perfumes. For the best experience, travel during spring or early morning when the roads are clear and the mountain air feels crisp.
Before heading out, you can take a few hours to explore Al-Balad, the district close to the Red Sea. The old buildings, souqs, and traditional wooden balconies show the city’s past as a major trading hub. From there, it’s easy to drive along the Corniche road. This stretch runs next to the sea and has public parks, cafés, and food stalls. It’s a good way to see modern Jeddah before driving out to other parts of the region.
A 2-hour drive south of Jeddah takes you to Al Lith, a small Red Sea town known for boat trips to Jabal Al-Lith Island. Just 35 minutes by boat, the island offers crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and quiet beaches. You might even spot whale sharks near the coast from March to June. Snorkeling, diving, and fishing are popular here. Bring your ID if you plan to dive. Permits are often required. Stay overnight at Al-Lith Resort, which has a pool, a coffee shop, and beachfront views. This is one of the best weekend escapes from Jeddah for sea lovers.
Take the coastal highway from Dammam Airport to Al Khobar, a short 40-kilometer drive lined with sea views. The route is smooth and relaxing, with places to stop for snacks or photos. Visit the Corniche boardwalk in Al Khobar, known for its long walking path and sunset views. Families enjoy Half Moon Bay, where the water is calm and perfect for a swim. You can also shop at Al-Rashid Mall, explore exhibits at Scitech, or relax by the Golden Belt Walk. This drive is ideal if you want an easy, peaceful escape with a cool breeze and ocean air.
About 2.5 hours from Dammam Airport, you’ll reach Al Ahsa Oasis, which is the largest palm oasis on Earth. It holds more than 2.5 million trees and sits near Qara Mountain, known for its cool caves and tall passageways. You can walk into the caves, even in summer, and explore natural stone paths shaped over time. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with farms, springs, and old forts. Visit the nearby Souq Al Qaisariya for local crafts or relax in the national park. Use GPS for signs, and stay in one of the town’s small hotels for a quiet overnight trip.
Just 1.5 hours from Dammam, Jubail is a quiet coastal city with clean beaches and green parks. Drive along the smooth highway and stop at places like Al Fanateer Beach, where walking paths line the shore. For families, Al Nakheel Corniche has open space, picnic spots, and views of the Arabian Gulf. The city also has a modern marina and cafés along the Corniche for snacks or tea. Though known for its industrial zone, Jubail offers a peaceful break. You can explore parks like Andalus Park, then head back to Dammam before sunset for an easy half-day trip.
Just 1.5 hours from Abha Airport, the drive to Rijal Almaa Village takes you through the green Asir Mountains. The road has many sharp turns, so drive slowly and choose a car with strong brakes. The village sits 45 kilometers west of Abha and is famous for its colorful stone houses, stacked like towers. Rijal Almaa was once a trade link between Yemen and Makkah. Visit the local museum, housed in an old fort, to see tools, clothing, and handwritten texts. Don’t miss the Honey Hut, where you can taste pure local honey before returning to Abha.
Asir National Park surrounds the area near Abha and is full of pine trees, wildlife, and picnic areas. A good stop is Al Soudah, which is the highest point in Saudi Arabia. There is a cable car, shaded rest areas, and a few viewing spots. The roads here are narrow but paved. This drive is relaxing and perfect for nature lovers. Come in the early morning to avoid fog and heavy clouds.
Only 25 minutes from Abha, Khamis Mushait is a lively city known for shopping, food, and parks. The name comes from its old Thursday market, and today, the town is full of cafés, guesthouses, and busy boulevards. Head to Khamis Mushait Boulevard for fountains, live music, and outdoor seating. Try local dishes at Al Majilis Al Khaleeji or seafood at Shrimpianu Restaurant. For dessert, enjoy coffee and sweets at Cinnabon or Overdose Café. The city is also a gateway to the Asir Highlands, often used as a base by travelers heading to Al-Soudah or Rijal Almaa Heritage Village.
One of the best trips you can take from Tabuk Airport is the drive to Wadi Disah, a hidden valley surrounded by high red cliffs and palm trees. It is a 3-hour drive from Tabuk Airport. The final stretch of the road is rocky, so use a 4WD vehicle. This area is known as the “Valley of Palm Trees” and is full of fresh springs, tall sandstone walls, and even fruit trees in season. Visit between November and March when the weather is cool. Bring plenty of water and food, as there are no shops nearby. Stay for sunset or try camping under the stars. The views, silence, and night sky make this trip unforgettable.
Just 20 minutes from Tabuk, the Hejaz Railway Station offers a glimpse into Ottoman-era history. Built in 1909 under Sultan Abdulhamid II, the railway helped pilgrims travel to Makkah and Madinah faster than the old camel routes. The site still holds old engines, tracks, and signs in Arabic and Turkish. Entry is free, and the station is open during the day. This place once connected Muslim regions from Syria to Saudi Arabia. For history lovers, it’s a peaceful stop that tells a powerful story about Islamic unity and early transportation across the Arabian Peninsula.
About 1.5 hours west of Tabuk, Sharma Beach offers a quiet escape on the Red Sea coast. The road is smooth, and you’ll pass scenic desert rocks along the way. The beach is peaceful, not crowded, and perfect for swimming or a picnic. There are no shops nearby, so bring food, water, and shade gear like a tent or umbrella. The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is cool and sunny. Sharma is also near the future NEOM project, but for now, it’s a great spot to enjoy the sea and silence.
From Jazan Airport, it takes less than 30 minutes to reach the Farasan Islands ferry terminal. Ferries to the islands run twice daily, and tickets are free for passengers, but you must bring your passport or ID. The islands are known for white beaches, coral reefs, and a peaceful vibe. You can swim, explore old coral houses, or visit Qassar Heritage Village. The ride takes about one hour. Try to get your ticket a day early, as seats fill quickly. If you want to dive, bring your own gear or ask a local boat driver for a trip offshore.
Before your island trip, spend a few hours exploring Jazan city. The Corniche offers sea views and walking paths. The Heritage Village shows traditional homes and tools from the region. It’s small but worth seeing. Jazan has a few good hotels, like Novotel and Radisson Blu, where you can rest before heading out.
A 2-hour drive from Jazan takes you to the Fayfa Mountains, a highland area over 2,000 meters above sea level. The road winds through green terraces, coffee farms, and peaceful villages. Locals call these peaks “Neighbors of the Moon” for their height and beauty. You’ll find cool weather, scenic views, and quiet trails. Visit Al-Abbasiyah Peak for the best lookout, or explore Khuba Hot Spring for its natural vapors and healing minerals. The mountains are ideal for hiking, relaxing, and photography. A few guesthouses and cafés are available, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the stars.
To rent a car in Saudi Arabia, you need a valid license, either from your home country or an international driving permit. Many rental offices are open at major airports, and you can choose from compact cars, SUVs, or luxury models. Compact cars are fine for city drives, but if you’re going to mountains or the desert, rent a 4WD. Check if insurance is included and make sure you know local traffic rules. Roads are wide and usually in good shape, but some areas have few signs, so it helps to use GPS.
You don’t need to go far to have a good time. Some of the best places in Saudi Arabia are just outside the airport. Land in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, Tabuk, or Jazan, and you’re already close to somewhere worth seeing. Looking for quiet beaches, red cliffs, green valleys, or old mountain villages? Just grab a car, pick a direction, and explore.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Saudi Arabia. You get airport pick-up, free cancellation, and instant booking confirmation. Choose from a wide range of cars, from compact to 4WD, and hit the road with support when needed.
