Most Instagrammable Road Trip Routes in Saudi Arabia

Most Instagrammable Road Trip Routes in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the perfect destination for a road trip. You can drive through red sand deserts, stop at old oasis towns, explore green mountains, or relax by the blue sea with coral beaches. Thanks to new roads and easier travel rules, it’s now much simpler for you to explore the country. Renting a car in Saudi Arabia is also easy, with pickup points at major airports and city centers. Having your own car lets you stop for photos anytime and reach multiple destinations in a day. In our guide, you’ll discover the most Instagrammable road trips in Saudi Arabia.

1. Medina to Khaybar

• Drive time: 2 hours
• Distance: 174 km

This short trip takes you from the holy city of Medina to the historic oasis town of Khaybar. As you leave the modern city, the road stretches into black volcanic plains and rocky hills. When you reach Khaybar, you’ll find ruins of old forts, palm-filled valleys, and underground water canals that once supported a large Jewish community before the Islamic era.

Top Photo Stops

• Harrah Lava Fields: Outside Medina, the land turns dark and rough. These lava fields were formed by ancient volcanic activity, known locally as “Harrat Khaybar.” The contrast between black rock and bright desert sky is striking in photos, especially at sunset when long shadows add depth to the rough textures.
• Khaybar Fortress: This massive fort stands above the oasis, partly crumbled but still grand. The structure dates back hundreds of years and reflects different phases of Islamic and pre-Islamic architecture. Snap shots from the base looking up, or from nearby date farms for a full view of the site.
• Oasis Palm Groves: As you enter Khaybar, green palm groves line the road and stretch across the valley. Many of these farms still use traditional irrigation systems fed by natural springs. The low sun filters through the leaves in early morning or late afternoon, giving you warm, golden photos. You can stop at local farm stalls to try fresh Khaybari dates, which are famous in the region.

2. Jeddah to Taif

• Drive time: 2 hours
• Distance: 171 km

The road trip from Jeddah to Taif takes you from the Red Sea coast into the cooler heights of Taif, a historic city in the Hejaz Mountains. As you leave the coast behind, the highway rises through rocky hills before reaching the famous Al Hada switchbacks. These curves twist upward nearly 1,900 meters, offering scenic views in Saudi Arabia. At the top, Taif welcomes you with fresh air, fruit farms, and a peaceful atmosphere. One of the most charming spots here is the Strawberry Farm in Al Hada. You can walk through rows of strawberries, enjoy strawberry juice or hot drinks, and let the kids play near the duck and turtle pond. There's also a bird garden and a fun house where everything looks upside down.

Top Photo Stops

• Al Hada Viewpoint and Cable Car: The viewpoint offers sweeping views of the winding road far below and the cliffs around you. Arrive early to catch the low clouds drifting through the escarpment. The Al Hada cable car runs from the top of the mountain down into the valley and is one of the longest in the region, ideal for aerial shots.
• Taif Rose Fields: From March to April, visit one of the many rose farms in the region. Capture wide views of pink damask roses in bloom, especially during early harvest hours. These roses are carefully handpicked and later distilled into premium rosewater and oil. Many farms welcome visitors and offer on-site tours.
• Shubra Palace: This former royal residence is in central Taif. It blends Islamic and Ottoman design with detailed wooden screens, stone arches, and geometric carvings. A quick photo here gives your album a touch of historic elegance. The building also houses a museum showcasing Taif’s heritage.
• Jabal Dakka: This is the highest mountain in the area, known for its sunset views. A drive to the viewing point takes you through cool pine forests. From the top, you’ll see layered mountains stretching into the horizon. Evening light adds a golden glow across the cliffs and sky.

3. Dammam to Al Ahsa Oasis

• Drive time: 2 hours
• Distance: 180 km

This Eastern Province drive takes you from the modern coastal cities of Dammam and Al Khobar into one of the world’s largest oases. In just two hours, the road crosses open desert and transforms into a fertile green landscape filled with palm groves, natural springs, historic towns, and UNESCO-listed cultural sites. Al Ahsa offers a peaceful scenery, where mud-brick homes, irrigation canals, and date farms reveal a deep-rooted agricultural heritage that continues to thrive today.

Top Photo Stops

• Al Ahsa Oasis Palm Groves: With over 2.5 million date palms, these groves stretch across small villages and farmland. Park along designated trails or visit a farm where you can walk under thick palm canopies. Sunbeams filter through the fronds, creating soft light that’s perfect for photography. You’ll also find falaj-stle irrigation canals, stone wells, and rows of traditional clay buildings.
• Jabal Al Qarah Caves: This limestone formation rises from the flat land like a natural sculpture. Inside the mountain, wind-carved caves form winding corridors and open chambers. The cave ceilings are smooth and light-colored, reflecting sunlight through narrow skylights for surreal lighting effects. It’s a favorite among photographers for its textures, curves, and quiet atmosphere.
• Asfar Lake:Also called the Yellow Lake, this spot sits between sand dunes and farmland on the edge of the oasis. The lake changes shape with water levels, but is always photogenic. Soft reeds line the shore, and migratory birds often rest here during cooler months. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit. Golden light reflects off the still water and highlights the reddish dunes behind it.

4. Riyadh to Ushaiger Heritage Trail

• Drive time: 2 hours
• Distance: 180 km

Leave behind Riyadh’s modern towers and head northwest into the Najd heartland, where Ushaiger and Shaqra showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural roots. This short drive takes you into mudbrick villages, desert date farms, and centuries-old traditions. In just two hours, you’ll go from highways to narrow lanes once walked by pilgrims, traders, and townsfolk. The area is a goldmine for cultural photography with warm-toned architecture and bustling traditional markets.

Top Photo Stops

• Ushaiger Heritage Village: This beautifully restored village has mudbrick houses, wooden doors, and winding alleys. The colors shift from sandy tan to burnt orange as the light changes, especially around golden hour. Highlights include the watchtower for panoramic shots, palm-shaded lanes, and the local museum, which holds old tools, clothes, and household items. The traditional Najdi architecture features wind towers, latticed windows, and sculpted walls, perfect for detailed close-ups.
• Shaqra Heritage Market: Just 15 minutes from Ushaiger, Shaqra’s Hlewa Market brings local life into your lens. Capture scenes of spice sellers, textile vendors, and antique stalls framed by old mud walls and wooden beams. Many merchants wear traditional Saudi dress. Try catching candid shots as buyers chat and trade under the shaded walkways.
• Salt Flats of Al-Qasab: Located near the town of Al-Qasab, this centuries-old salt harvesting site offers a stark contrast in scenery. Pools of crystallized white salt reflect the sky, creating surreal images. Don's miss this during daytime or the blue hour.

5. Hail to Jubbah

• Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Distance: 120 km

This road trip takes you from the quiet city of Hail to the ancient rock carvings of Jubbah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most important archaeological sites. The drive northwest cuts through desert plains, basalt ridges, and pockets of palm groves. As you approach Jebel Umm Sinman, massive sandstone formations begin to rise from the earth. This is the sacred place where early humans left carvings of daily life. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jubbah holds one of the richest collections of petroglyphs in the Arabian Peninsula.

Top Photo Stops

• Jubbah Rock Art Site: The cliffs here are etched with images of camels, ibex, hunting scenes, and human figures, some dating back over 7,000 years. Follow the marked trails and info panels to understand each carving's meaning and historical context. Some carvings are clustered low enough for close-up photography, while others require wider shots to capture in full.
• Jebel Umm Sinman: This ancient mountain once provided water and shelter to nomads and early settlers. Its layered structure creates natural ledges, shade pockets, and rock shelters. Climb a small ridge to capture wide desert panoramas with the cliffs in the background. In certain seasons, sparse greenery or scattered clouds add texture to your shots.
• Desert Road Views: The open stretch between Hail and Jubbah is remote, with long desert highways cutting through the sand. Stop at roadside spots to frame winding asphalt, acacia trees, and lonely rocky hills. Golden hour makes the flat land glow with soft colors. In winter, the light stays longer and creates stronger shadows on the sand and plants.

Practical Tips for Road Trip Photography in Saudi Arabia

Capturing Saudi Arabia’s beauty requires a good eye and preparation. Here are some tips for the best photo stops in Saudi.

• Plan for the Golden Hours: Desert and mountain landscapes look most stunning at sunrise and sunset. Midday sun can be harsh. Schedule your photo stops for early morning or late afternoon when possible, to get that golden glow on dunes, rocks, and village walls.
• Protect Your Gear: Saudi Arabia can be sandy and dusty. Bring zippered plastic bags or camera covers to shield your equipment when not in use, especially if you’re shooting in the desert or during a windy day. A microfiber cloth and air blower are essential for cleaning lenses.
• Use a Polarizer Filter: The sky in Saudi Arabia is often clear and bright. A polarizing filter can deepen blue skies, reduce glare, and make clouds pop. It also cuts through haze when shooting vast landscapes like Edge of the World.
• Include Human Element Wisely: Include a person or vehicle in the frame to convey scale, like the enormity of a canyon or cliff. A lone figure on a dune or at the crater rim can show how grand the scene is. However, be mindful of cultural norms. Always ask permission before photographing local people, especially women and families.
• Stay Safe and Hydrated: When focused on getting the shot, it’s easy to forget your surroundings. Drink plenty of water. Watch your footing near cliffs or craters, and beware of the heat. For remote areas like Wadi Disah or Wahbah Crater, it’s best not to explore alone; have a buddy or a guide.
• Night Sky Opportunities: Saudi Arabia’s remote deserts have minimal light pollution. If you’re a photography enthusiast, bring a tripod for night shots. You can capture magnificent starry skies or even the Milky Way over desert landmarks.
• Drones and Permissions: Drone photography can take incredible aerial perspectives of these vast landscapes. Just ensure you obtain the proper permits, as Saudi Arabia has regulations on drone usage. Some areas (especially around heritage sites or near borders) may be off-limits to drones.

What to Know When Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia

Most rental agencies require you to be at least 21 years old. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. If it’s not in English or Arabic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Be sure to bring your passport and a credit card, as most agencies place the deposit on the card. Always review the rental agreement to understand what’s included, especially regarding insurance and mileage limits.

You’ll find rental counters at all major airports, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Abha. In large cities, local offices are in central areas like Riyadh’s Al Worood or Jeddah’s Madinah Road. Pick up your vehicle near your travel route. For instance, rent in Abha if you plan to explore the Asir Mountains, or in Tabuk if you're heading to the northwest. Choose a vehicle based on your itinerary. A standard sedan works fine for city drives and highways, but if you’re heading off-road to places like Edge of the World or Wadi Disah, go for a 4x4 SUV. Always check if off-road driving is allowed in your rental agreement.

Saudi roads are generally in excellent condition, but traffic moves fast, especially on highways where speed limits often reach 120 to 140 km/h. Drive on the right side, wear your seatbelt, and remember that speed cameras are standard. Fines are automatically passed to your rental company. Fuel is cheap compared to global prices, which makes long-distance trips affordable, but you should plan fuel stops carefully. Gas stations may be spaced far apart in remote areas, sometimes over 150 km, so it’s best to fill up when possible.

Takeaway

Road trips in Saudi Arabia offers beautiful views. You’ll pass through lava fields, palm groves, old towns, and cool mountain roads. Every stop adds color to your travel album, from ancient rock carvings in Jubbah to rose fields in Taif and caves in Al Ahsa. These scenic drives help you see how wide and rich Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are. So grab your camera, follow the sun, and let the road guide you through these unforgettable places.

Final Rentals is a trusted car hire company in Saudi Arabia. You can book online, choose from economy or SUV models, and enjoy clear prices with no hidden fees. We offer pick-up locations near major airports, unlimited mileage, and reliable customer service—perfect for a stress-free road trip anywhere in the Kingdom.