Riyadh is a city covering nearly 2,000 square kilometres, so travel distances are often very long. For visitors, deciding between renting a car and using public transport is one of the first big choices. Riyadh’s wide layout means attractions and neighbourhoods are spread far apart. This guide will help you figure out the best way to travel in Riyadh.
Riyadh’s transport network has evolved with the city’s rapid growth. Modern highways and long city streets connect the main neighbourhoods, and people have been using private cars to get around for a long time. The Riyadh public transportation system is growing with new projects, but the city is still very car-dependent. The city has wide, multi-lane roads and lots of tourist attractions, from the historic center to business districts and new developments on the outskirts.
Riyadh’s public transport includes a bus network and a state-of-the-art metro system. The Riyadh Metro is a new addition with six lines (Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple) that cover parts of the city. These include the city centre, the King Abdullah Financial District, and King Khalid International Airport. The metro stations and trains are modern and air-conditioned. Tickets are affordable. A short journey on the metro costs around SAR 4, and there are multi-day passes for tourists.
Riyadh’s bus network covers many areas that the metro does not reach. Buses are the cheapest way to travel in the city. Tourists often use them for short trips, like going from a hotel to a mall or museum. Buses share the roads with cars, so delays can happen during peak hours. Morning and late afternoon traffic can make the ride longer. The buses are clean and have air conditioning. They are a great option f you want to save money and are not in a rush. However, you may need to wait or stand when buses get full.
Many visitors choose to rent a car in Riyadh for convenience. Having your own vehicle means you can go anywhere, anytime, without relying on fixed bus routes or schedules. Rental cars are readily available. You can pick one up from King Khalid International Airport upon arrival, or from rental offices throughout the city. With a car, you can easily drive to all the sights on your itinerary, from downtown skyscrapers to desert landmarks. This is especially handy for long drives or when travelling with family. You’ll have air conditioning, plenty of room for luggage, and no need to wait for public transportation.
Most car rental agencies require a valid driving licence, and if you’re a foreign visitor, it’s best to also have an International Driving Permit. The typical minimum age for renting is at least 21 years. You’ll also need a credit card to provide a security deposit. The rental company will place a hold on some money as a guarantee. They release it when you return the car safely. Rental rates in Riyadh are generally reasonable, and petrol is quite cheap below 2 SAR per litre.
Every traveller has unique needs, so the best way to travel in Riyadh really depends on your stle and plans. Both renting a car and using public transit have their advantages and drawbacks. Let’s compare them in terms of cost, convenience, and travel time to help you decide which suits you better.
Taking buses or the metro is cheaper on a day-to-day basis. A few rides might only cost you a handful of riyals. For example, a single metro or bus trip is just a few SAR, and even a weekly public transport pass is very affordable. In contrast, renting a car involves higher upfront costs. You can expect a rental rate of around SAR 100 to 200 per day, depending on the vehicle. Add in the fuel and possibly parking fees.
Parking in Riyadh is generally available and often free in places like malls. However, in busy central areas, you may need to pay for parking at car parks or valet services at hotels. If you’re travelling solo on a tight budget, public transport will clearly save you money. However, if you are in a group or family, renting a car can offer better value. You can split the cost, and four people in one car might actually spend less and travel more comfortably than buying four separate bus tickets repeatedly.
For comfort and ease, having your own car is the better choice. With a rental car, you can set your own schedule, leave early in the morning, or stay out late at night without worrying about the last train. You’ll enjoy privacy and comfort. The car’s air-conditioning is a lifesaver in Riyadh’s heat, and you won’t be jostling with strangers or standing in a crowded bus. You can also keep your bags, shopping, or snacks in the car securely while you sightsee.
Public transport, on the other hand, has some limitations for tourists. Buses and metro trains run on fixed schedules, so you need to plan around their timings. The new metro is quite efficient when you’re near a station, but it doesn’t cover every corner of the city. You may still need to walk or grab a taxi to reach your destination if it’s not close to a metro station or bus stop.
During the middle of the day, walking even a few blocks under the hot sun can be tough. It’s something to consider if you opt for transit. Also, while the metro and buses are generally easy to use, you’ll need to buy a travel card or figure out routes. Navigating the public transport system might not feel as straightforward as simply driving a car with a GPS.
Riyadh is a huge city, so in many cases, driving is faster than taking public transport. With a car, you can take the direct routes via the highways and get to your destination quickly. Riyadh’s major roads, like King Fahd Road or Makkah Road, are designed to move traffic fast across long distances. For example, a 10-kilometre trip from the National Museum to Kingdom Centre Mall takes about 15 to 20 minutes by car when roads are clear. Using the metro or buses plus walking can take twice as long.
Public transport in Riyadh is improving, but it still can’t match the point-to-point flexibility of a car. The metro lines are excellent for certain corridors. But if your itinerary includes far-flung spots, you might have to take a circuitous route or multiple transfers. Buses, while extensive, naturally stop often and thus move more slowly.
In late afternoon and early evening, Riyadh’s roads get very busy. Your car may move very slowly on crowded highways. The metro is a great choice at this time because it does not depend on road traffic. A trip that takes an hour by car in heavy traffic might take only 30 minutes on the metro. Still, many tourist spots are not close to metro stations, so driving often saves time. With a car, you can also use a navigation app to pick another route if one route is jammed.
Both transport options have scenarios where they shine. It’s all about matching your choice to your travel plan. Here’s a look at when renting a car is the smarter move and when public transport can serve you well while in Riyadh.
A rental car is the best choice if you plan to cover long distances or leave the city centre. Long drives to places on the edge of Riyadh are much easier with your own car. For example, Diriyah is 20 kilometres from central Riyadh. You can reach it in about 50 minutes by car. Travelling by bus is possible, but not easy.
The Edge of the World is about 90 km from the city. Public transport cannot reach it. You need a car, and a 4x4 is the best option. The same is true for places like Thumamah Desert Park and the Red Sand Dunes. These areas need highway or desert driving, so renting a car is almost necessary unless you join a guided tour. A rental car is also great if you want comfort. Families can fit car seats, snacks, and strollers. You can also carry gear like cameras or picnic items. Riyadh’s highways are wide and smooth, with clear signs in Arabic and English.
Public transport is a good choice if your plans stay inside central Riyadh or along the metro lines. For example, you can visit the National Museum, Masmak Fort, and Al Zal Market using the metro or a few short bus rides. The metro reaches many busy areas, including Olaya, where you find the Kingdom Centre Tower and big malls. Many modern malls and attractions are located near metro stations or bus stops. If your hotel is also located in a connected area, you can easily move around using public transit and short walks.
Public transport is excellent for solo travellers or anyone on a budget. Fares are very cheap, and you can cross large parts of the city for only a few riyals. You also avoid driving rules and navigation. You can just sit and watch the city pass by. It is also helpful if you are not used to city driving.
One thing to remember is that many of Riyadh’s most exciting sights aren’t actually in the city proper but in the surrounding region. Day trips to the desert or nearby historical towns are a highlight of visiting Riyadh.
Riyadh is surrounded by desert landscapes and outdoor adventure spots. If you’re keen on exploring nature sites like the desert, a car is essential. Take the Edge of the World, for example. This stunning cliffside viewpoint in the Tuwaik Mountains is about an hour and a half's drive from Riyadh. There is no public transport that goes deep in the desert west of the city. Travellers typically either drive themselves or join a tour. With a rental car, you can catch the sunrise or sunset at Edge of the World, and stop by other interesting spots on the way.
Another popular spot is the Al Thumamah Desert to the north of Riyadh, known for its dunes, quad biking, and camping sites. The Red Sand Dunes area is often visited for dune bashing and camel rides. Driving on the desert outskirts is part of the adventure. You’ll be on open roads with beautiful sandstone hills or endless sands in view. Just be prepared. Carry water, check your spare tyre, and ideally travel with someone or inform others of your trip if you’re going far into remote areas.
Beyond the modern skyline of Riyadh, the surrounding region boasts several historical and cultural sites. Diriyah is the birthplace of the Saudi state and features mud-brick architecture, museums, and cafes in a heritage setting. While Diriyah is relatively close to the city, the easiest way to get there is by car. Another enjoyable trip is to Al Kharj, a city about 101 kilometres south of Riyadh, known for its agricultural heritage and historical forts. There are also some old underground water tunnels, known as the Ain Heet cave, nearby.
To wrap up, getting around Riyadh depends on your travel needs. If you value freedom, comfort, and door-to-door access, a car will make your trip easier. If you’re watching your budget or just exploring the city centre, Riyadh’s public buses and new metro can get you to many places. In any case, Riyadh is a city of contrasts where ancient history meets modern skyscrapers, and having the right transport will help you experience all its sides.
If you decide that driving is for you, you can easily rent a car in Riyadh with Final Rentals. Final Rentals offers a convenient way to find and book rental cars at great prices. You can choose from compact cars for city cruising to spacious SUVs for family trips. The booking process is simple and fast, and you can pick up your car from King Khalid International Airport Terminals. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
