Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Riyadh
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Riyadh
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Riyadh
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Riyadh
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a sprawling metropolis with a rich history and modern attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Cultural and Historical Sites. Riyadh is home to numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural attractions. Renting a car allows you to easily visit places like the Al Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, and the Diriyah UNESCO World Heritage Site without relying on public transport or taxis.
Visit Modern Attractions. With your own rental car, you can enjoy the Kingdom Centre Tower, the Riyadh Zoo, and various shopping malls and entertainment venues in comfort.
Day Trips Beyond the City. A rental car allows you to take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) or explore the desert landscapes surrounding Riyadh.
Before booking a rental car in Riyadh, ensure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), possess a valid driver's license (IDP may be required), and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Additional fees may apply for extras or young drivers.
Area
Approximately 1,764 square kilometers (681 square miles)
Population
Approximately 7.6 million residents
Time Zone
GMT+3
Ideal for
Long-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM –10 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Riyadh require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in Arabic. A passport and credit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10 per day
Peak season (November to February): Sees higher demand due to pleasant weather, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (June to August): Often come with discounts due to extremely hot weather
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Riyadh is a modern metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. Exploring this vibrant city and its surrounding areas is best done with a car, allowing you to discover historical sites, modern attractions, and desert landscapes at your own pace. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access is essential for a smooth experience.
As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a city of rapid growth and significant cultural importance. It offers a unique blend of traditional heritage and modern development. While Riyadh has a developing public transport system, renting a car is often the most practical option for exploring the city and its surroundings, particularly if you plan to visit sites outside the city center. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking options to ensure a stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Al Masmak Fortress
A historic clay and mudbrick fortress that played a crucial role in the recapture of Riyadh.
National Museum
Showcases the history and culture of Saudi Arabia with extensive exhibits and artifacts.
Diriyah
A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the original home of the Saudi royal family.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use public parking garages for secure and convenient parking, especially in busy areas.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and regulations when using on-street parking to avoid fines.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the center.
Gas Stations in Riyadh
Major Brands Available
Find major fuel brands such as Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and others throughout the city.
Easy Access on Highways
Gas stations are readily available along major highways and main roads.
Plan Ahead
Ensure you have enough fuel, especially when planning trips outside the city.
Useful Tips for Visiting Riyadh
Learn Basic Arabic Phrases
Knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs and traditions.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water with you, especially during the hot summer months.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) when roads are often heavily congested.
Major Bus Stations
SAPTCO Bus Station
The primary bus station for long-distance travel within Saudi Arabia.
Railway Stations
Riyadh Railway Station
Connects Riyadh to other major cities in Saudi Arabia.
Airports
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Riyadh, it serves numerous international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Saudi Arabia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're a resident, your Saudi Arabian license is sufficient. Visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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Our clients rate such place as Riyadh as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Riyadh in the summer heat was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy. The city's modern architecture and vibrant culture were highlights. I'd definitely recommend a visit.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 03.02.2025
Exploring Riyadh was fantastic! So much to see, and having a car gave us incredible freedom.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 22.01.2025
Okay, kinda bland
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 23.07.2025
Fantastic short trip! Catching up with friends in Riyadh was effortless, thanks to easy car rental. The city's a gem.
David Lee
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Riyadh in July was surprisingly manageable with a rental car. So much to see, though the museums were a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
Wonderful last-minute trip! Riyadh was surprisingly easy to navigate with my rental, and I saw so much.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Ben Miller
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
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Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 31.05.2025