Jeddah is a bustling coastal city in Saudi Arabia, and driving there is an adventure and a practical way to explore. Many tourists rent a car in Jeddah for the freedom to travel on their own schedule, rather than relying on limited public transport. As a solo tourist or first-time traveller, you’ll find that driving in Jeddah is doable.In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before exploring Jeddah car. By the end, you’ll be more confident about getting behind the wheel, whether you plan to cruise the Corniche or navigate downtown traffic.
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city with approximately 3.7 million residents, so you expect a lot of vehicles on the road. The city has a modern road network with multi-lane highways and big intersections controlled by traffic lights. Still, local driving habits can be quite aggressive. Drivers often overtake quickly and may not always use indicators before changing lanes.
That said, driving in Jeddah is certainly manageable if you stay alert and patient. Always follow the traffic rules and regulations. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving is illegal. Saudi authorities have an automated camera system in place. If you speed or run a red light, you could face substantial fines, as traffic cameras are deployed on many roads.
Like any big city, Jeddah has distinct rush hour periods each day. On weekdays, the morning commute rush typically begins around 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM. There’s another surge of heavy traffic in the late afternoon to early evening from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM as people head home from work.
You’ll also notice a bump in traffic around midday, from approximately 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, when schools let out, and many workers take their lunch break. During these peak hours, major roads can become congested and slow-moving, so it’s best to avoid scheduling long drives or cross-city trips at these times if you can.
For a smoother journey, plan to drive outside of peak periods. Late evenings (after the dinner hour) on weekdays are often calmer, and early morning just after dawn can be a peaceful time to drive in the city. During weekends, which in Saudi Arabia fall on Friday and Saturday, the traffic pattern changes. Friday mornings and early afternoons are relatively quiet on the roads. Friday is a holy day, and many people are home or at prayer around midday. Friday night, however, can get busy as families go out and enjoy their weekend. On Saturdays, you can experience heavy shopping traffic and outings, especially in the evenings.
During the holy month of Ramadan, locals adjust their schedules. Daytimes might be quieter, but just before sunset (the iftar time when the fast is broken), the roads can become chaotic. Avoid driving during the hour before sundown in Ramadan, as many people hurry home to break their fast, which increases the risk of incidents. After the sunset meal, there’s usually a lull with empty streets, but later at night, Ramadan traffic picks up again when people go out visiting or shopping.
Renting a car in Jeddah is a straightforward process, but you need the proper documents and must meet specific requirements. International visitors can drive in Saudi Arabia on their home licence for up to three months, provided they have an appropriate visa status. Also, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license, as this acts as an official translation.
The legal driving age in the Kingdom is 18 years for private vehicles, but most car hire firms set their own minimum rental age at 21 years. Some companies even require drivers to be 23 years or older for certain car types. You also need a passport for identification and a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit and rental fees.
The easiest place to rent a car is King Abdulaziz International Airport. The arrivals hall has multiple major rental car desks, and many travellers pick up their pre-booked vehicles straight from the airport. In the city, you’ll also find rental offices in commercial areas. For example, some shopping malls and hotel lobbies host car rental kiosks. Book online in advance, especially during holiday seasons or busy periods, to ensure availability and secure a better rate. Most companies offer online reservations where you can choose your vehicle type and add any extras.
Before you drive off, check what insurance is included in your rental. Basic insurance (third-party liability) is usually included by law, but it may come with a high deductible. For peace of mind, consider purchasing additional coverage, such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection, either when booking or at the rental desk. This can save you from hefty charges in case of an accident or scratch. Also, inspect the car for any existing dents or scratches and ensure they’re noted in the paperwork so you won’t be charged for them later.
In Saudi Arabia, cars have steering wheels on the left side, and drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road. Automatic transmissions are very common, which is helpful if you’re not used to driving a manual. Fuel is relatively cheap in Saudi Arabia, so refuelling your car won’t cost you too much. Since 2018, females, including foreign visitors, have been legally allowed to drive.
Jeddah’s layout can be confusing for newcomers, so using a GPS navigation device or a map app on your phone is highly recommended. Major roads and districts are well-marked, and street signs are in both Arabic and English in Jeddah. Nonetheless, the city is quite spread out along the Red Sea coast. Two of the main north-south arteries are Medina Road and King Abdulaziz Road, which run through the heart of the city, while Palestine Street and King Abdullah Road are examples of important east-west routes. The Corniche Road runs along the waterfront, offering scenic views but also attracting traffic, especially in the evenings when people go for strolls by the sea.
Here are a few practical traffic tips for Jeddah:
Another important aspect of navigating Jeddah is parking and general road etiquette. Parking in busy areas can be challenging to find. Many streetside parking spots downtown fill up quickly. Shopping malls and supermarkets typically offer ample parking, while some commercial districts feature multilevel parking garages. If you’re visiting older parts of the city, such as Al-Balad, be prepared to hunt for a spot or use the paid parking lots. Parking fees, where charged, are generally reasonable. Some machines or attendants may only take cash (riyals), so keep some small bills or coins with you.
Driving in Jeddah requires awareness of weather conditions, visibility, and changes in road surface conditions.
Jeddah and the Red Sea coast are warm and humid year-round, with cooler evenings and occasional winter rain. The summer months can reach temperatures above 40°C, accompanied by very high humidity. This intense heat means you will rely on your car’s air conditioning. Always plan for sun protection. The winter months are cooler and more pleasant, with mild days and cool nights.
Rain in Jeddah is rare, but even light rain can impact driving. Water can pool on roads and may cause flooding in some areas. Drainage systems in certain districts struggle with heavy rain, which creates waterlogged streets and hidden potholes. When driving in the rain, slow down and stay alert. Avoid deep-looking puddles, as they may hide large holes. After driving through water, press your brakes gently to help them dry. Roads can also become slippery due to the mixing of dust and oil with rainwater.
Dust and sand are common on windy days. Visibility can drop if sand moves across the roads. When this happens, slow down and turn on your headlights so others can see you. Sand can build up along road edges. While main roads are cleared quickly, small roads may still have loose sand. Hitting the sand at high speed can cause your car to slip, so stay alert. If a sandstorm reduces visibility too much, stop in a safe place and wait for clearer conditions.
Rental cars are maintained, but quick checks are helpful. Ensure your tyres are inflated well, since heat can affect them. Check the coolant level and monitor the temperature gauge, especially during slow traffic on extremely hot days. Keep basic emergency items in your car. A spare tyre, jack, and simple tools should be in the boot.
Jeddah’s main roads are well-lit at night. Still, watch for unlit obstacles or cars with faulty lights. Stay alert for pedestrians in darker areas. In outer districts or on highways leading to Makkah or Madinah, watch for camels and goats near the road. These animals can be dangerous at high speeds. Follow speed limits and stay focused to avoid sudden collisions.
A hot climate, well-developed urban infrastructure, and occasional weather-related challenges characterise driving conditions in Jeddah. The roads in the city are generally smooth and well-marked, making day-to-day driving comfortable. Be prepared for extremes, such as intense heat, rare but heavy rains, and dust or sand.
Rent a car in Jeddah with Final Rentals to have a smooth trip in this busy coastal city. Pick up your selected vehicle from King Abdulaziz International Airport upon arrival. Complete your booking online and enjoy instant confirmation and transparent terms. Manage your reservations easily with the Final Rentals mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store.
