How to find a cheap car rental deal in Saudi Arabia
Whether you're looking for a small car for scooting around the city or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Saudi Arabia. Compare prices that start from RM54 a day and travel your way for less.
Longer adventures offer better value, starting at RM374 for a weekly rental.
Browse the range of car rentals in Riyadh. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh is the most popular city to rent a car.
Compare deals from Sixt before making a decision. More people choose it than any other company in Saudi Arabia.
There's no need to travel far after touching down to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Jeddah Airport, Riyadh Airport and Dammam Airport.
Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah and Abha are a few of the most convenient cities to organise a set of wheels.
Think about choosing a one-way rental. Providers occasionally lower prices on selected routes to move vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Saudi Arabia, select 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Plans stretch a little further? Consider a 30-day rental. Longer bookings can cost less because they involve less paperwork and handling for the company.
To avoid extra costs, pick a vehicle that comes with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You start with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for the fuel you actually use.
Select 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and let the map decide where your journey ends. You can roam wherever the road takes you without added mileage charges.
Best time to book a car rental in Saudi Arabia
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a car rental in Saudi Arabia. Try booking around one week before you go.
Think about travelling in June to score average daily rates of RM135. This is the most affordable month to rent a car.
If you want to steer clear of peak pricing, avoid January.
Compare car rental types in Saudi Arabia
Economy: Living up to its name, this option puts savings first. It combines some of the cheapest rates around with low fuel consumption to help keep the total spend down. When you'd rather save than splurge, this is an easy choice.
Small: Including mini and economy classes, small cars are made for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in Saudi Arabia, this is where you'll find some of the best deals. They're perfect for city driving and quick getaways, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Medium rentals are a comfortable middle ground. Bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a little extra space and comfort without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: More people, more bags, more places to be. Large cars offer extra passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them perfect for families and long-distance drives. Choose one of these full-size rides when comfort is non-negotiable.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your itinerary brings your way. Their versatility across a range of terrain makes them a smart match for road trip plans that take shape as you go. A higher seating position enhances your view ahead, helping you feel more in control.
Van: When you've got plenty to carry, a van rises to the occasion. This category of car for rent in Saudi Arabia makes room for everything and everyone. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a dependable pick for group transport, moving or business use.
Luxury: Ready to go all in? This is not just about getting from A to B — it's about arriving in style. Luxury vehicles combine head-turning design, next-level tech, and refined performance in one standout package.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Saudi Arabia.
Driving in Saudi Arabia: What you need to know
Age requirements can vary by provider and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Saudi Arabia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your car rental reservation in Saudi Arabia.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Driving in Saudi Arabia may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 70kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
Saudi Arabia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Leave the car behind and organise another way to get around if you expect to consume alcohol.
You'll be using the Saudi Riyal (SAR) for all your purchases on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Where to road trip in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Ula, plus airport pickup points like King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Saudi Arabia, the routes below show how pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types vary depending on the terrain and pace you're after.
Ancient Kingdoms: Al-Ula and the Northwest Hejaz
Pick up your car in Al-Ula and drive through the northwest toward a series of ancient Nabataean and Dadanite sites spread across the sandstone valleys. It's a good fit for history-focused travellers who want to cover significant ground without committing to long daily drives.
Recommended car: Compact SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport, Al-Ula.
Good for: History enthusiasts, photographers, couples.
Road conditions: Paved desert highways, graded gravel access roads.
Best time to go: November to February for cooler temperatures.
Trip length: Four to six days.
Key stops: Hegra, Khaybar.
Desert Interior: Riyadh to the Edge of the Rub' al Khali
Start in Riyadh and head south through the Nejd plateau toward the vast sand corridors at the northern fringe of the Empty Quarter. Drivers who are comfortable with remote routes and longer stretches between fuel stops will get the most out of this one.
Recommended car: Full-size 4WD.
Suggested pickup point: King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh.
Good for: Adventure travellers, off-road drivers, solo explorers.
Road conditions: Paved desert highways, unpaved sand tracks, open gravel plains.
Best time to go: October to March for manageable heat.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Najran.
Red Sea Coast: Jeddah to the Hejaz Shoreline
Pick up your car in Jeddah and drive north along the coastal road, passing coral reef access points and small fishing towns that line the Red Sea shore. It suits relaxed travellers who want easy daily distances and the option to stop often without a demanding itinerary.
Recommended car: Midsize sedan or crossover.
Suggested pickup point: King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.
Good for: Families, divers, coastal travellers.
Road conditions: Paved coastal highway, smooth urban roads, some unsealed beachfront tracks.
Best time to go: November to April for cooler, drier weather.
Trip length: Three to five days.
Key stops: Yanbu, Umluj.
Weather and driving conditions in Saudi Arabia
Weather
Summer runs from June through August, bringing intense heat across the interior and coastal regions alike. The cooler months fall between November and February, while spring and fall offer mild, transitional weather in March through May and September through October.
Intense heat is the most consistent condition you'll face when driving in Saudi Arabia, and keeping your gas tank full and water on hand helps you stay prepared on long stretches between towns. Fog rolls in along the Gulf coast and across elevated areas in the southwest, so slow down and use your fog lights if visibility drops. Snow does fall in the mountainous northwest, particularly around Tabuk, and roads there can become slick, so reduce your speed and increase your following distance.
Driving conditions
The main highways linking Saudi Arabia's major cities are wide, well-paved, and straightforward to drive. A road trip in Saudi Arabia beyond the main routes can include narrower mountain roads in the southwest and unpaved tracks in remote desert areas.
Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have wide, multi-lane roads, but traffic builds heavily during prayer times and evening hours, so factor in extra time and use designated parking structures where available. Outside urban centres, roads can stretch for long distances with limited signage in English and very few gas stations, so fill up before heading into remote areas like the Empty Quarter or the northwest highlands.
Camels are the main animal hazard to watch for in Saudi Arabia, particularly on unfenced desert highways after dark. They are difficult to spot at night, so extra care on rural roads after sunset is worthwhile.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Whether you're going far or keeping it local, a solid overnight stop can make all the difference at the end of a long drive. After booking your car rental in Saudi Arabia, check prices for hotels in Jeddah if you're passing by this major stop. You can also compare Riyadh accommodation options or check out more places to stay in Dammam as you plan the rest of your route.
