Should Tourists Explore Saudi Arabia by Car or Join a Tour?

Should Tourists Explore Saudi Arabia by Car or Join a Tour?

Saudi Arabia is a vast and fascinating country with dramatic deserts, towering mountains, and vibrant cities. As a foreign traveller, you have two main ways to discover its treasures: rent a car in Saudi Arabia for a self-drive adventure, or join organized tour packages. This guide will walk you through both options so you can decide how to explore the Kingdom.

Advantages of Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia

Tourists like to drive in Saudi Arabia because the roads are modern and gas is cheap. Highways connect big cities and even faraway places, so having a car lets you get to places that public transportation might not be able to take you. Here are the advantages of renting a car in Saudi Arabia:

• Freedom and Flexibility: With a rental car, you set your own schedule. There’s no fixed timetable like public buses or tours have. You can start your day early or late, spend extra time at places you love, and stop whenever you want for breaks or photos. This is ideal because sights can be hundreds of miles apart, and spontaneous detours are a memorable part of the road trip in Saudi Arabia.
• Access to Remote Sites: A car lets you reach remote destinations that guided tours or public transport might skip. For example, you could drive out to hidden desert vistas or small mountain villages. You can also drive to natural wonders like Wadi Disah canyon or the Al Wahbah crater, which are not included in typical tour itineraries.
• Comfort and Privacy: It's more comfortable to drive than to ride a crowded tour bus. You can pick a car that fits the size of your group. You can listen to your own music and enjoy the air conditioning. You can wear whatever you want in the car because it's your private space. You can also safely store your luggage, snacks, or camping gear there. You keep the car, which is great for families with kids who might need to change plans.
• Cost-Effective for Groups: Renting a car can save money if you travel with family or friends. Tours and taxis may be cheap for people travelling alone. But for a group, splitting the cost of the rental and gas can make it more affordable per person than buying multiple tour tickets or hiring a private driver. Also, renting a car and using it for many stops is usually cheaper than hiring separate cabs or excursions for each stop over a few days.
• Time Efficiency: Driving is usually faster than relying on tour schedules or public transit. You can take the quickest route to your next destination without multiple stops. Major highways in Saudi Arabia are wide and fast, so you can cover large distances in a day. By renting a car straight from the airport, you save time that would be spent arranging buses or waiting for group tours.

Advantages of Tour Packages in Saudi Arabia

If you prefer not to drive, Saudi Arabia has many tour packages for travellers. Tour companies offer guided itineraries that cover top attractions, from cultural city tours to desert adventures and heritage visits. These packages are convenient and often include transportation, guides, and other services. Here are the main advantages of joining tour packages in Saudi Arabia:

• Ease of Planning: A tour package handles your travel plans from start to finish. The company arranges your transport, guide, and schedule. You do not need to worry about routes or timings. This is helpful if you are visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time and want everything organised. You simply show up and enjoy the trip without the stress of planning every detail.
• Guided Experience: Every tour includes a professional guide who explains the history and culture of each destination. They share local stories and answer your questions. For visitors who enjoy learning while travelling. A guide also helps with language barriers and local customs.
• Comfort and Safety: Tour packages include air-conditioned vehicles, often vans or buses, ideal for Saudi Arabia’s hot climate. You travel in a group, and the driver handles the roads, which can make long distances less tiring.
• Time Management: Tours have fixed itineraries, so you can see many highlights within a limited time. This is useful for short trips, where you might not know how to plan your own route. A tour ensures you don’t miss key sights like Al-Ula, Riyadh, or the Red Sea coast. The schedule may be strict, but you can travel efficiently.

Car Rental vs Guided Tour in Saudi Arabia

Should you drive yourself or stick with a tour? It’s a common question when planning a Saudi trip. The answer depends on your comfort level with driving and the kind of experience you want. Let’s compare car rental vs guided tour in Saudi Arabia:

• Flexibility and Control: Car rental gives you total control over your itinerary. You decide where to go and how long to stay. In a guided tour, you follow a preset plan and timing. Driving is the best choice if you want to move at your own pace. For example, if you reach a beautiful viewpoint, you can stay longer or leave early as you wish, whereas a tour group would have to stick to the schedule.
• Local Expertise: You benefit from a knowledgeable local guide on a guided tour. They can explain history, culture, and handle any language barriers. When you drive independently, you must research beforehand or use audio guides/apps to learn about the places. However, you can always hire a local guide at specific sites. For example, hire a guide at a museum or historic site, even if you drove there.
• Comfort and Effort: In a tour, someone else does the driving. You can sit back and relax in the vehicle. This is stress-free if you’re not confident driving abroad or navigating new cities. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia’s roads are generally driver-friendly, and most rental cars have GPS navigation available. Renting a car with an automatic transmission also makes it easier. If you really dislike driving, a guided tour might be better. However, the comfort of setting your car’s temperature and music and detouring can outweigh the effort of navigation.
• Cost Considerations: Compare the costs for your situation. A packaged tour’s price might seem high, but it includes a guide, transport, and sometimes meals. Renting a car include daily rental fees, fuel, and highway tolls. For solo travellers, joining a group tour could be cheaper than renting a car. But for a group of two or more, renting and sharing a vehicle often beats the per-person cost of tours. Also, tours sometimes take you to shopping stops or include activities you might not be interested in. With a car, you pay as you go for only what you want to do.
• Safety and Accessibility: Safety on the road is an essential factor. Saudi Arabia has strict traffic laws and, contrary to some beliefs, driving here can be safe if you do it defensively and follow driving rules. If you’re uneasy about driving, tours remove that worry. Another aspect is the accessibility of sites. Some attractions, like deep desert dunes or remote canyons, require a 4x4 vehicle and experienced driving. If your plan includes places like the far reaches of the Empty Quarter or rough tracks to sites like Wadi Lajb, going with a tour or local driver for those segments might be wiser. You can always do a mix. For example, self-drive between cities, but hire a local guide with a jeep for the rough terrain.

Takeaway

Exploring Saudi Arabia by car opens up a world of possibilities. You can roam freely from futuristic cities to ancient ruins and quiet deserts on your own schedule. While tour packages offer a comfortable introduction with guides, the advantages of renting a car in Saudi Arabia are hard to ignore if you crave adventure and flexibility.

To make your visit smooth, rent a car in Saudi Arabia with Final Rentals. Start your journey easily by selecting a pick-up and drop-off spot, such as major international airports or city locations. Choose the right vehicle from compact cars for city drives to spacious SUVs for long desert routes. Once you select your car and dates, you’ll receive instant confirmation with no hidden fees. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.