Ramadan is a special time in Saudi Arabia when travel activity reaches a peak. Many people use this holy month for Umrah journeys, family visits, and experiencing the late-night festivities. As a result, Ramadan has long been a peak travel period in the Kingdom. If you plan to rent a car in Saudi Arabia during this time, you can travel with more flexibility and convenience. This Ramadan travel guide will walk you through practical tips so you can find the best car rental deals.
Ramadan travel in Saudi Arabia comes with unusual traffic patterns and high demand for transport. Roads during the day are quieter as many people work shorter hours and conserve energy while fasting. Meanwhile, evenings get busy after sunset. With more travellers pouring in for religious trips and family gatherings, having a car offers independence and time efficiency. Below, we’ll explore how a rental car helps you travel conveniently:
Performing Umrah in Ramadan is highly popular. Pilgrims from around the world flock to Makkah during this month. You can drive from Jeddah’s airport straight to Makkah or even on to Madinah. This is invaluable when organizing religious travel. You won’t be limited by tour buses or taxi availability, so you can attend prayers at the Holy Mosque at your own pace.
Cities become lively after the evening Iftar (breaking of the fast) and Taraweeh prayers. Families go out for late dinners, cafes stay open into the early morning, and special Ramadan events and markets pop up. Roads can be hectic until late at night as people enjoy the cooler hours. With a rental car, you have the convenience of joining in these late-night activities.
Saudi Arabia is a vast country, and not all interesting places are in big cities. During Ramadan, you might want to visit relatives in smaller towns or drive to less-touristy spiritual sites. Renting a car makes these trips feasible. For example, if you’re in Madinah and wish to visit the historical mosques in the surrounding region, a car will get you there much faster. Similarly, a road trip to sites like Wadi Disah or the Al Wa’bah crater is only possible if you have your own car. You’ll also have room to carry luggage, gifts, or Zamzam water for family.
Travel and car rental trends in Ramadan are predictable. Prices can fluctuate during Ramadan based on demand. Early in the month, you might find standard rates, but as the month progresses and Eid al-Fitr (the festival at Ramadan’s end) approaches, demand spikes.
Many savvy travellers start booking their Ramadan trips well in advance. Rental demand rises around Ramadan and Eid, so agencies often see reservations coming in weeks ahead. By booking early, you can lock in a lower price before the rush. Reserve your car at least a few weeks before Ramadan or your intended travel dates. If your plans are fixed, make the reservation as soon as possible.
As Ramadan progresses, travel activity tends to intensify. The final 10 days of Ramadan are very special. Many people perform I’tikaf (staying in mosques) or increase their worship, and international visitors flock to Makkah for Umrah in Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This leads to a surge in bookings. By the time Ramadan is in its last week, car rental prices often shoot up due to limited availability. Also, note that some companies may impose blackout periods for using discount codes during peak holiday times.
Not all areas of Saudi Arabia experience Ramadan travel the same way. Makkah and Madinah naturally top the list. These holy cities welcome huge influxes of pilgrims throughout Ramadan. The top booked hotels in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan are all in Makkah. While non-Muslims cannot drive into Makkah, many pilgrims rent cars in nearby cities like Jeddah to reach Makkah or to travel to Madinah. Jeddah, as the gateway to Makkah, has a very high car rental demand. Its airport is busy with international arrivals, and many travellers pick up rental cars there.
Jeddah also has its own Ramadan attractions and is a coastal metropolis where families gather, so expect competition for rentals. Riyadh, the capital, is another major hub. Many people from Riyadh travel domestically during Eid or invite relatives over. Meanwhile, Dammam and the Eastern Province also see a bump from residents on Ramadan road trips or heading to nearby Bahrain for the holiday. The pattern is in Western Saudi Arabia (Jeddah/Makkah/Madinah), the demand is tied to pilgrimage, whereas in central and eastern regions, it’s more about family and leisure travel.
Everyone loves a good deal, and with a little strategy, you can absolutely find a cheap car rental during Ramadan. Let’s dive into these money-saving strategies:
The number one tip is simple: book early. As mentioned, Ramadan is a busy season, and waiting until the last minute will likely hurt your wallet. Many rental companies offer early-bird rates or at least have their normal (lower) prices available if you book ahead of peak time. Early booking is especially crucial if you need a specific type of car, like a 7-seater van for a big family.
How long will you need the car? If it’s more than a few days, consider opting for a weekly or monthly rental package. Car rental companies typically offer discounted rates for longer commitments. During Ramadan, many visitors stay the entire month or at least two to three weeks, especially if they’re coming for the last ten nights and Eid. In such cases, a monthly rental can save a lot of money per day. When comparing, include the cost of insurance and any fees in both scenarios.
Don’t just visit one rental company’s website. Price comparison websites and aggregators allow you to see offers from multiple rental brands in one place. When using these tools, make sure to filter for the features like unlimited mileage, automatic transmission, pick-up location, etc. This way, you won’t be lured by a cheap deal that doesn’t actually fit your needs. Many aggregators also let you sort by price, or even set up alerts for price drops.
During Ramadan, many businesses in Saudi Arabia roll out special offers. Keep an eye out for Ramadan promotions or coupon codes. These might be advertised on the rental company’s website, social media, or via email newsletters. Promotions could include a percentage off the rental fee, a free upgrade to a larger car, or added services like free GPS included.
Picking up your rental car directly at the airport is convenient when you fly in, but it can come at a premium price. Airports often have additional fees (concession fees, higher taxes). For example, if you’re arriving in Jeddah, compare the cost of renting from Jeddah Airport (JED) versus a downtown Jeddah branch. In many cases, the city location will be cheaper. Don’t forget to factor in the logistics. You might take an airport taxi or ride-share to the city office. But in cities like Riyadh or Dammam, there are often rental offices not far from the airport. If your flight arrives during the day, an off-airport pick-up could be a smart move to get a cheap car rental during Ramadan.
The ideal vehicle depends on your group size, budget, and travel plans. Are you a solo traveller zipping around cities, or a family of six driving long distances? Below, we break down a few recommended types:
If you’re on a budget, an economy car is likely your best bet. These compact or subcompact vehicles are the cheapest to rent and also the most fuel-efficient. You can get around cities like Jeddah or Riyadh with economy models, and it’s easier to park in tight spots. However, you might struggle a bit with smaller cars if you plan to drive up steep mountain roads, like in Taif or Abha.
Ramadan is often about family. So, if you’re travelling with a larger group, an SUV can be a better choice. SUVs offer ample space for passengers and luggage, especially when carrying large dishes of food for an Iftar gathering or gifts for relatives. An SUV gives you better comfort and stability on long drives, such as from Riyadh to Qassim or Jeddah to Madinah. You’ll appreciate the roomy interior if you’re stuck in post-Taraweeh traffic with kids. Full-size SUVs or 4x4s are also perfect if you will venture on rougher routes or head out to desert camps at night.
If there’s a time people splurge on a fancy ride, it’s during the Eid holidays at the end of Ramadan. Renting a luxury or premium car can add stle to your celebrations. Luxury cars come at a higher cost, but during Ramadan, some rental companies might offer special weekend deals around Eid. Luxury models often have better safety features and comfort, like advanced navigation and plush interiors. However, driving a luxury car on unfamiliar city roads can be a bit nerve-wracking because of the aggressive drivers, so ensure you’re comfortable handling it.
Once you have your rental car, a few smart habits can help you maximise its value and avoid any hassles during Ramadan.
As mentioned earlier, just before Iftar, there can be a rush everywhere, and petrol stations are no exception. You don’t want to be the one needing fuel at 6:30 pm, only to find a long queue at the pump with an attendant on a break. To avoid this, try to fill up during quieter times. Mid-morning or early afternoon is a great time, as most people are either at work or resting. Another good time is later at night, around 11 pm or midnight, when many have finished their Tarawih prayers and outings, but before the pre-dawn activity picks up. Also note that some stations on highways might have fewer staff during Iftar.
Navigation apps are a lifesaver in unfamiliar cities, and in Ramadan, they can be your best friend to dodge traffic hotspots. Large mosques, especially the grand ones in each city, attract hundreds or thousands of worshippers for each prayer and even more for Friday Jummah prayers and Tarawih. The roads around them can get very congested just before and after prayer times. To make the most of your rental, use a GPS app with live traffic updates. These can alert you to traffic jams and automatically reroute you around clogged areas.
Whenever possible, schedule long drives for earlier in the day. There are a couple of reasons. First, as the day goes on, fatigue can set in, especially if you’re fasting. Getting a road trip done in the morning means you’re closer to your last meal (Suhoor) and more alert. Second, morning traffic in Ramadan tends to be lighter. Many people start work late, and there’s no school rush, so roads from 8 to 10 am can be empty.
By contrast, if you left in the afternoon, you might hit the slower pace and then run into pre-Iftar congestion at your destination. If you can’t leave early, then consider driving at night if you’re well-rested. Also, factor in the stops if you’re covering a long distance that spans multiple prayer times.
Renting a car during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia can transform your travel experience. We’ve seen how it provides independence for Umrah trips, late-night outings, and reaching far-flung places that make your journey richer. By booking early and anticipating the Eid rush, you can also save money and stress.
Make your Ramadan travels smoother by renting a car with Final Rentals. Choose your pick-up and drop-off location from major airports, select the ideal vehicle for your trip, and receive instant confirmation. With 24/7 support at major airports and well-maintained cars, Final Rentals ensures a relaxed, reliable, and affordable travel experience. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
