A road trip from Jeddah to Taif is the perfect escape from the coastal heat. In just a couple of hours, you can go from the warm Red Sea coast to the cool mountain air of Taif. The route offers stunning mountain views as you climb into the highlands. Plus, if you rent a car in Saudi Arabia, you can start hitting the road and enjoy this scenic drive. Our guide will walk you through what to expect, where to stop, and how to make the most of this trip.
Choosing Jeddah as your starting point offers both convenience and travel perks. Here’s why:
The travel time by car is only about two hours with a distance of 171 km, so it’s a convenient weekend or day trip. The road from Jeddah eventually merges into Al Hada Road, the famous mountain pass leading up to Taif. This highway is well-known for its safety and efficiency despite the steep ascent. It was carefully engineered to handle mountain driving, with guardrails and frequent turnouts.
Being a major city, Jeddah has numerous international and local car rental agencies, especially at King Abdulaziz International Airport and around the city center. You can book online at least 2 days in advance. Rental rates are affordable, and you can find vehicles ranging from compact cars to SUVs for the trip. Renting a car in Saudi Arabia requires a valid driver’s license and a minimum age of 21 in most cases. If you’re a tourist, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required by some companies.
As you depart Jeddah, take in the coastal scenery while you can. The city lies along the Red Sea, and if you drive along the Jeddah Corniche or coastal highway briefly, you’ll get views of the blue sea and perhaps the famous King Fahd’s Fountain in the distance. Once you turn inland, you’ll leave the sea views behind and prepare for the mountains ahead. The road gradually transitions from flat coastal plains to rolling hills. Before long, the horizon changes, and you’ll start seeing the outline of the Sarawat Mountains that house Taif.
The Jeddah–Taif route has convenient rest stops and scenic viewpoints. You’ll find petrol stations with restrooms, small mosques, and eateries along the highway, especially as you get closer to the hills. These stops are great for stretching your legs, grabbing a snack, or fueling up before the mountain climb. It’s wise to take a short break here because the next section of road will be the winding ascent where full attention is needed.
Another reason to start your journey in Jeddah is the chance to explore this vibrant city. Jeddah is rich in culture and history. For instance, you can visit Al-Balad to admire traditional Arabian architecture and shop in the souks. If you go on a morning stroll by the Corniche, you can see public art installations and the Red Sea coastline. By exploring Jeddah first, you get a mix of urban culture and seaside relaxation before your mountain getaway.
Here are the top scenic locations to visit between Jeddah and Taif that showcase the changing landscapes as you climb from coastal plains to cool highlands:
Wadi Zahran Viewpoint is among the most rewarding stops when driving from Jeddah to Taif. It offers an open, unobstructed view of the expansive Wadi Zahran valley, where desert plains give way to the rocky rise of the Sarawat Mountains. This visual shift marks the beginning of the mountain climb, and it’s the perfect place to take in the geographic diversity of the region.
You’ll feel a noticeable drop in temperature compared to Jeddah, which makes this a great place to cool down before the steeper sections of the drive. The area is also a good birdwatching and wildlife spot. You may see baboons, desert foxes, or mountain goats climbing the rocky terrain in the distance. For those interested in landscape photography, golden hour from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Wadi Zahran is stunning. The sunlight paints the cliffs orange and red, making it one of the most photogenic stops.
The Al Shafa Rest Area, located high in the Al Shafa Mountains, is one of the most refreshing stops. Situated around 2,200 meters above sea level, this area is known for its cool climate, clean mountain air, and quiet landscapes.The road to Al Shafa is scenic, winding paths surrounded by green terraces, small farms, and viewpoints overlooking deep valleys. Once you reach the rest area, you’ll find picnic tables, clean restrooms, and small local cafes selling snacks like tea, fresh fruit, and baked goods.
One of the biggest highlights here is the panoramic mountain view. On clear days, you can see layers of peaks stretching into the distance. Shafa is known for its local farms that grow strawberries, figs, and pomegranates. During the harvest seasons, roadside vendors often sell these fresh fruits directly to visitors. You can also find raw honey and rose products, which are specialties of the Taif region.
Daka Mountain (Jabal Daka), located in the heart of Ash Shafa, is one of the highest peaks in Saudi Arabia. It is a must-stop destination for nature lovers and those seeking cooler air. The viewpoint near the summit provides wide, open views of rugged mountain ridges, forested slopes, and fog-covered valleys. On clear days, you can see deep into the Sarawat Mountain range from this high-altitude perch.
The site is easily reachable by car, so you don’t need to hike long distances. Once there, you can take short walks along the trails that weave through the juniper-covered slopes, or sit at shaded rest spots surrounded by cool mountain air and native trees.The mountain is home to juniper, acacia, sidr, and salam trees. Animals often spotted in the area include rock hyraxes, rabbits, and wild ibex. Daka is also part of the natural range of the Arabian leopard, though sightings are rare. In spring and summer, its slopes are dotted with wildflowers and aromatic plants, attracting bees that produce mountain honey.
Al Hada Road is a steep mountain highway nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. It features 93 sharp turns across a 20-kilometer stretch. Several designated viewpoints are spaced along the road. These spots offer safe pull-over areas with wide-angle views of the twisting highway, deep valleys, and distant ridgelines. During the climb, the temperature drops quickly. Expect cooler air by 8–10°C compared to Jeddah.
Local wildlife, such as baboons, is often seen near the roadside, especially close to bends where travelers gather. Feeding animals here is discouraged to avoid aggressive behavior. These monkeys are part of the region’s natural ecosystem and are used to passing vehicles. The best time to enjoy these viewpoints is in the late afternoon, when the lighting outlines the road’s curves and the cliffs below.
Al Kar Tourist Village is a family-friendly destination along the Al Hada mountain road. It offers a mix of fun activities and scenic views. One of the main attractions is the Taif cable car, which connects Al Hada to the village. The ride provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The village features Taif's largest water park, with pools, slides, and water games suitable for all ages. For thrill-seekers, there's a toboggan ride that winds down the mountain, offering both excitement and views. Additionally, visitors can enjoy go-karting, paintball, and an open-air theater that hosts cultural performances. The village also has restaurants serving local and international dishes and shops selling souvenirs and snacks. It's an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. Opening hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Taif, known as the ”City of Roses”, is a favorite summer destination for locals and tourists because of its green parks, rose farms, mountain viewpoints, and cultural sites. It is known for its perfumes and festivals like Souq Okaz (July or August) and the Crown Prince Camel Festival (August and September). Here are the top things to do in Taif:
Once you arrive in Taif, Al Rudaf Park is a great first stop to unwind. This is one of the largest parks in Saudi Arabia. The park is primarily known for its large granite boulders, which give the landscape a unique appearance compared to typical city parks. These rock formations are scattered across the lawns and walking paths, perfect for photos, light hikes, or quiet reflection. One of the main highlights is the dancing fountain show that starts in the evening. The water jets move in rhythm to music, with colorful lights that change with the beat.
Shubra Palace is one of the best indoor places to visit in Taif. Located right in the city center, the palace offers air-conditioned exhibits. Inside the palace, you’ll find a museum with interactive displays, traditional clothing, old photos, and tools used in everyday life. You can walk through multiple rooms and see how the architecture changes on each floor. The wooden balconies, marble stairs, and detailed ceilings are popular spots for taking photos. Exploring the museum takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The staff offers short explanations and directions as needed. The palace also has shaded outdoor areas and small gardens, where you can sit and rest after the indoor tour.
For a fun and relaxing outing, visit the Strawberry Farm in Al Hada. It’s a popular stop just outside Taif that’s open year-round. Set on a medium-sized plot in the Al Hada tourist area, the farm is surrounded by cool mountain air and beautiful natural scenery. It’s a perfect place to unwind, especially for families with children.
The farm features rows of strawberry plants, small kiosks selling fresh strawberry juice, pastries, ice cream, and a peaceful garden space. You’ll also find a small lake with ducks and turtles, and a garden where birds move freely. One of the highlights is the upside-down house, a furnished structure designed to look and feel inverted when you walk inside. It’s especially fun for kids and makes for great photos.
Located on Alshifa Road, Taif Zoo is a popular destination for families and animal enthusiasts. In this mid-sized zoo, you can see animals in a calm, open-air setting. The zoo houses over 250 species, including birds, big cats, primates, and herbivores. At 5:00 P.M., the zoo features a dolphin and sea lion show. Visitors often spend one to two hours here, walking through the animal sections, relaxing under the shaded trees, or stopping for snacks from small on-site kiosks. There’s a designated children’s play area and amusement rides suitable for all ages.
Located along Al Hada Road, Green Mountain Park is one of Taif’s most popular leisure destinations, known for its scenic landscapes, cool climate, and family attractions. It was initially a military command site, chosen for its high elevation and clear views across Taif’s valleys.
The park sits at around 2,000 meters above sea level. Cold winds from the Red Sea blow through the area, making it a pleasant escape, especially during warmer months. The mountain, also known locally as Jabal Thera, is lit with green lights in the evening to match its name. You can enjoy artificial lakes, dancing fountains, waterfalls, and tree-lined paths throughout the grounds. There are classic carnival rides like bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and spinning rides.
The park also has a bowling alley, arcade, and water activities such as lake paddling. One of the highlights is the 1,500-meter Toboggan ride. It takes you around plains and hills with fast curves and sweeping views. Beyond rides, the park features playgrounds for all ages, a shopping mall, and plenty of food and drink outlets serving fast food, desserts, and traditional snacks. Dining options range from quick bites to more upscale restaurants, and you can access views of Lake Sadd and the hills beyond. Entry to the park is SR 20 per person after 2 P.M.
A Jeddah to Taif road trip takes you from coastal heat to cool mountain air in just a few hours. The scenic drive is smooth, with rest stops, viewpoints, and attractions. Once in Taif, enjoy parks, historical sites, and mountain resorts. To make the trip easier, rent a car with Finalrentals. You'll get a reliable vehicle, transparent pricing, 24/7 support, and easy pick-up options in Jeddah. It's the simplest way to explore Taif at your own pace.
