How to Find Short-Term Car Rentals in Jeddah

Finding transportation in Jeddah is often one of the first things travellers and residents should plan for. The city is spread out, public transport is limited, and relying on taxis or ride-hailing apps can be expensive if you visit many destinations on a tight schedule.

Short-term rentals are widely available through car rental companies in Jeddah. They’re commonly used by business travellers, tourists, Umrah visitors, and residents who need a temporary vehicle. Keep reading to know where to rent a car in Jeddah, what to expect in terms of pricing, and how to choose the right option.

What Are Short-Term Car Rentals in Jeddah?

Short-term car rentals refer to flexible vehicle hires that last from just a few hours up to a few weeks. This is different from long-term leasing, which usually involves month-to-month contracts or annual plans. In this section, we explain the typical durations for short rentals.

What Qualifies as a Short-Term Rental?

Short-term rentals include hourly, daily, and weekly car hires. Hourly rentals are for quick errands, while most bookings are daily, based on 24-hour periods. Weekly rentals usually offer lower average daily rates than single-day hires.

Anything from a few hours to several weeks counts as short-term. Longer use shifts into long-term rentals or leases. The advantage here is flexibility, with minimal commitment and easy pickup and drop-off. Prices typically include basic insurance and taxes. Requirements are simple. You will need to present a valid driving licence, a credit card for the deposit, and, for visitors, an International Driving Permit.

Who Should Consider Short-Term Rentals?

Short-term car rentals in Jeddah can be a smart choice for many situations. Here are some people who benefit most from short-term car rental deals in Jeddah:

• Tourists and Visitors: If you’re in Jeddah for vacation or a short stay, renting a car gives you freedom to sightsee at your own pace. You can drive to the Red Sea beaches, malls, or even take a day trip to Mecca without joining a tour.
• Business Travellers: Visiting Jeddah for meetings or a conference? A rental car lets you get to appointments on time without waiting for taxis. Short-term rentals are perfect for business trips of a few days. You can choose a comfortable sedan or even a luxury car to make a good impression at events.
• Pilgrims (Umrah or Hajj): Jeddah is the main gateway for pilgrims going to Mecca and Medina. If you’re coming for Umrah (or Hajj), renting a car for a few days can be handy.
• Residents with Temporary Needs: Short-term rentals aren’t just for visitors. Locals in Jeddah also use them when a temporary need arises. For instance, if your personal car is under repair, you might rent a car for a week to fill the gap.

Best Places to Find Short-Term Car Rentals in Jeddah

Jeddah offers a variety of places to rent cars, from well-known international brands at the airport to small local agencies in the city. Knowing your options can help you find a cheap car rental in Jeddah that suits your needs and budget.

Local Car Rental Companies

Local rental agencies like Final Rentals are great options for short-term car hire in Jeddah. These companies often cater to residents as well as visitors, which means pricing can be more competitive than at airport-based or international providers. It’s common to find lower daily rates, flexible mileage policies, and fewer rigid conditions.

Local rental offices are spread across Jeddah rather than concentrated only at the airport. You’ll find branches near hotels, business districts, and major roads, which makes pickup and drop-off easier and often cheaper. Renting from a city location can also help you avoid airport surcharges.

International Car Rental Brands

International car rental brands are widely available in Jeddah, particularly at King Abdulaziz International Airport and in upscale city districts. You’ll typically find English-speaking staff, clear contracts, and a wide choice of vehicles, ranging from economy cars to SUVs and luxury models.

If you plan to travel beyond Jeddah, international providers often have branches in multiple Saudi cities. Support, replacements, or one-way rentals are easier to arrange. This is helpful if you’re covering long distances or on a tight schedule. The main downside is cost and stricter terms. Airport rentals often include surcharges, daily rates can be higher, and mileage limits or rigid fuel policies are more common.

Online Car Rental Platforms and Apps

Online comparison platforms are one of the easiest ways to find short-term car rentals in Jeddah. These websites and apps let you compare prices from multiple rental providers at once. You can filter by vehicle type, pickup location, price range, and rental duration, while also checking customer reviews.

Many rental providers allow bookings directly through their apps. So, it’s easy to reserve, extend, or manage a rental from your phone. Last-minute bookings are another advantage of online tools. You’ll be able to check availability and pricing updates in real time.

Airport vs. City Rentals

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is a major entry point. After landing, you can walk directly to the rental desks in the arrivals area and be on the road within minutes. Airport locations typically operate long hours, so they are ideal if you arrive late at night or depart early. This option is also appealing if you want to avoid arranging taxis or transfers.

The convenience usually comes with an airport surcharge or facility fee. Prices can also be less flexible due to high demand. In many cases, the same vehicle may be cheaper at a city location than at the airport branch. On the other hand, picking up a car from a downtown office often means lower daily rates and access to smaller local agencies. This works if you’re already in the city or only need a car for part of your stay.

Short-Term Car Rental Costs in Jeddah

How much should you budget for a short-term car rental in Jeddah? Rental costs can vary based on the type of car, the duration of your rental, and the time of year.

Average Daily and Weekly Prices

Here’s an overview of typical rental prices in Jeddah:

• Economy Cars (Small): For the most budget-friendly options like compact cars, you might pay around SAR 90 to 130 per day (approximately $25 to 35). These prices are an average; deals can sometimes be found for even less.
• Mid-Range (Sedans & Compact SUVs): Mid-size sedans and intermediate SUVs typically cost a bit more, around SAR 150 to 250 per day ($40 to 67). For instance, a medium-sized car in Jeddah averages about $66 a day (around 250 SAR). These cars offer more space, which you pay a premium for. Weekly rentals again could reduce the per-day cost slightly.
• Luxury and Large Vehicles: If you go for high-end cars, large SUVs, or vans, the price jumps up. Luxury sedans or full-size 4x4s can range around SAR 300 to 600 per day or more ($80 to 160+).

Factors That Affect Pricing

Several factors can influence how much you pay for a short-term car rental in Jeddah:

• Seasonality and Events: Jeddah’s rental prices can rise during peak travel seasons or major events. One unique aspect is the religious tourism influx. During Hajj (the annual pilgrimage season) and Ramadan/Umrah periods, demand for cars can spike because hundreds of thousands of pilgrims land in Jeddah.
• Vehicle Demand and Availability: If a particular car type is in high demand, its price goes up. For instance, during a busy week, all economy cars might get booked out, leaving only larger cars, which cost more. Or if you absolutely need a 7-seater van during school holiday season when families travel, booking late can leave you only expensive options.
• Rental Duration: How long you rent will affect the pricing structure. Typically, the longer the rental, the lower the per-day cost. Once you rent for 3 to 4 days or a week, companies often apply a discounted package rate.
• Lead Time: Booking weeks or months in advance often locks in lower prices, especially if you’re booking during holidays. Last-minute bookings can sometimes be higher, although occasionally you might snag a deal if a company has excess cars.
• Location of Rental: Airport pickups might include surcharges that make them a bit more expensive than city pickups. However, if you then have to pay for a taxi to that location, it may offset the savings, so factor that in.

Takeaway

Renting a car in Jeddah for a short term is a great deal. With the tips and information provided here, you can do so confidently and affordably. Decide if a short-term rental fits your needs, choose the right car, book through reputable companies, and be aware of the local driving norms and requirements.

Rent a car in Jeddah with Final Rentals to explore everything from the historic alleys of Al-Balad to the modern waterfront of the Corniche. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select King Abdulaziz International Airport or Madina Road in Al Bawadi District as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Jeddah?

Drivers from the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and GCC countries can usually rent a car using their home driving licence. Visitors from other countries are typically required to present an International Driving Permit along with their national licence, while residents with a valid Saudi driving licence do not need an IDP.

Is insurance included in short-term car rentals in Jeddah?

Most short-term rentals include basic insurance in the price. However, excess amounts apply, and optional full-coverage insurance is available at an additional cost.

Can I extend my short-term car rental after booking?

Yes, many rental companies allow extensions if the vehicle is available. It’s best to request an extension early through the rental office or mobile app to avoid higher rates or availability issues.