Saudi Arabia is one of the best countries for road trips. The roads connect mountains, beaches, deserts, and historic towns across the country. So, if you are looking for Saudi Arabia road trip ideas, you’re about to find the best ones. You can rent a car from airports or city centers to enjoy these trips. This allows you to choose your path, stop anytime, and travel at your own pace. Keep reading to discover the best places to drive in Saudi Arabia.
If you're planning a road trip across Saudi Arabia, there are several convenient car rental locations near airports and city centers. You can pick up your car at airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha International Airport, Tabuk, and Jazan. If you're already in the city, check out rental spots in Madina Road Al Bawadi District (Jeddah), Al Worood District (Riyadh), 18th Street (Dammam), or Dhahran Road in Al Khobar.
Choose your pickup location based on the places you plan to visit. If you want to explore Riyadh’s historic sites and desert surroundings, rent from King Khalid Airport or Al Worood District. For Red Sea drives, Jeddah’s airport or Madina Road is best. Planning to drive across the mountains? Renting in Abha or Tabuk gives you easy access to scenic roads. Picking the right location can save you time.
You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Saudi Arabia. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. If you're a tourist, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required. Some rental agencies may also ask for your passport, visa, and a credit card for the deposit. Always check the full terms before booking to prepare when you arrive at the pick-up location.
A road trip from Riyadh to Shaqra and Ushaiger takes you deep into the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia. It is a 2-hour drive from Riyadh. This area is part of the Najd region, known for its old mudbrick towns, palm groves, and deep-rooted traditions. Your journey begins in Al Qasab Village, a historic salt-mining town that still produces over a third of Saudi Arabia’s coarse salt. Explore the local salt flats and visit the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim Palace, a more-than-century-old structure that gives you a feel for local architecture and heritage. The road continues through desert views, with golden dunes rising along the horizon, making the drive scenic and serene.
Next comes Shaqra, a town with a lively heritage village, traditional markets, and restored homes that show the region’s former way of life. You’ll pass through Hlewa Market, one of the oldest in the area, where merchants still sell goods in stalls that have stood for decades. After a tasty traditional lunch at a local spot like Amassi-Alref Restaurant, you continue toward Ushaiger. This ancient village, once a stop for Hajj pilgrims, is full of Najdi-stle buildings, winding alleys, and small museums such as Al Salem Museum and Dar Al-Salam, which hold artifacts from different eras. Here, you can walk through the quiet lanes, meet local families, and admire restored mud houses.
To end the day, you’ll drive out to the nearby sand dunes for some adventure. Try dune bashing or sandboarding if you enjoy adrenaline-filled fun, or simply climb a dune to enjoy a panoramic view of Ushaiger as the sun sets over the desert.
A road trip from Jeddah to Taif offers an escape into the highlands just over 2 hours away. The drive covers about 200 kilometers, climbing from the low coastal plains of Jeddah to the Al Sarawat Mountains. As you make your way up, the scenery transforms from desert to lush hills. Taif is known for its mild climate, rose fields, and natural beauty, so even the Saudi royal family visits during summer. The high elevation, at nearly 1,880 meters, makes it a refreshing retreat year-round.
You can first visit the Sharif Museum, a grand house full of cultural treasures. It’s a great place to see how different cultures shaped the area. Then you can head to the Rose Factory, where you learn how the famous Taif roses are turned into rose water and perfumes. These roses bloom in April. After this, you can explore the Bird Garden, home to colorful birds in a peaceful setting, followed by a stop at the Strawberry Farm. Here, you can see how these sweet fruits grow in the highlands, and you can try picking a few.
For the final part of your journey, drive up to Al Shafa, a mountain area full of fresh air and beautiful views. From here, you continue to Jabal Dakka, the highest peak in the region. The views here stretch far over valleys and cliffs. You can end your trip at Al-Rudaf Park, a green space with a lake, stone bridges, and photo spots surrounded by flowers and rocky landscapes.
Driving 40 minutes from Abha to Al Soudah brings you to one of the most breathtaking highland destinations in Saudi Arabia. The road climbs nearly 3,000 meters, leading to Jabal Sawda, the country’s highest peak. You’ll pass through foggy cliffs, pine-covered valleys, and dramatic slopes that stay cool all year. With summer temperatures rarely above 25°C, Al Soudah is a perfect getaway from the heat. As you arrive, you’ll find towering juniper forests, panoramic viewpoints, and cool mountain breezes that create a peaceful, almost alpine setting.
As one of the top road trips in Saudi Arabia, Al Soudah offers plenty for nature lovers and adventurers. Explore Asir National Park, Saudi Arabia’s first national park, where you can hike forest trails and spot migratory birds and raptors. Visit Rijal Almaa, a historical village known for its stone buildings, colorful shutters, and warm community. The Flowerman Festival in August adds a cultural highlight, with locals dressing in floral wreaths and celebrating their tribal customs through dance, art, and food.
If you seek excitement, you can go zip-lining, paragliding, or bungee jumping over cliffs and valleys. Or take it slow with a picnic and quiet trail walk under the trees. The view from the edge of Jabal Sawda is unforgettable, especially at sunset when the sky glows over the southern Red Sea coast.
A road trip from Dammam to Al Ahsa Oasis takes about 2 hours, covering 164 kilometers. It’s one of the best places to drive in Saudi Arabia if you want to escape the city. Once you reach the oasis, you’ll be surrounded by over 2.5 million date palms, ancient irrigation canals, and quiet villages. This UNESCO-listed site reflects thousands of years of life in the Arabian Peninsula. Visit Souq Al Qaisariya for handmade goods, explore the peaceful shores of Asfar Lake, and hike through the cool limestone caves at Jabal Al Qarah, a mountain that stays at 20°C all year round.
For nature lovers, Al Ward Farm is a must-see. This flower farm grows the vibrant Hasawi roses used in teas, perfumes, and desserts. You can tour the fields and even pick your bouquet. The land around the oasis is rich and well cared for, offering space to walk, take photos, or simply relax in the shade. Aside from seeing the oasis, you can discover how generations have lived harmoniously with the land. Guides can help you explore every corner, from the date farms to mountain views.
When it’s time to eat, try kabsa, made with turmeric rice and dried black lime, or taste marqooq, a soft dough simmered in lamb stew. Locals also enjoy thareed, where pieces of flatbread soak up a spiced broth with vegetables and meat. Don’t leave without sampling the sweet rutab dates, especially with a small cup of Saudi coffee.
A short drive from Al Khobar to Uqair Beach takes just 1 hour and covers 104 kilometers. It is one of the most scenic road trips in Saudi Arabia. The road opens into wide desert views before reaching the quiet shoreline of Uqair Beach. With shallow waters, golden sand, and wide skies, this undeveloped beach feels like a hidden corner of the Arabian Gulf.
Uqair Beach is also rich in history. The nearby Uqair Fort, dating back to the early Islamic era, is a reminder of the beach’s role as a trade port centuries ago. You can spend your day swimming in clear, warm waters, or relaxing under the sun with a book and a cool drink. Jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding are available on some parts of the beach.
The weather is perfect for family picnics, nature walks, and even scuba diving if you're visiting during the cooler months from November to March. If you like fishing, you will enjoy casting your line into calm waters, especially at sunset. Even volleyball nets are set up for a quick game with fellow travelers.
A quick getaway from the coast, the drive from Jazan to Al-Khoubah Hot Springs takes under an hour, covering 60.5 kilometers. As you leave Jazan, you’ll pass through small towns and open countryside. If you’ve already explored the Turks Castle, shopped in public markets, or enjoyed the clear night skies of Jazan, this road trip offers something new.
Once you arrive, you’ll find the Al-Khoubah Hot Springs, a natural treasure known for its warm, sulfur-rich waters that reach up to 45°C. These springs have long been visited for their therapeutic benefits. Local say they help treat skin conditions and relieve stress. The water contains over 14 types of minerals. Though facilities are simple, the untouched beauty and natural steam from the pools make it feel like a secret wellness retreat in the desert.
Bring a mat, sit along the springs, and enjoy the warm air while soaking your feet or dipping in the shallow pools. A little farther away is the Bani Malik spring, which is also popular and offers separate areas for men and women.
Saudi Arabia is full of scenic road trips. Each route brings you close to the kingdom's authentic culture, history, and beauty. You can watch the sunset over desert dunes, explore old towns made of mudbrick, walk in green mountain parks, or soak in natural hot springs.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform in Saudi Arabia. You can pick up your car from major airports or city centers and choose from various vehicles. Whether traveling solo or with family, Final Rentals helps you hit the road with affordable prices, instant booking, and excellent service.
