Ultimate 10 and 14 Day Saudi Arabia Road Trips

These perfect Saudi Arabia road trips takes you to the cities of Riyadh, Buraydah, Hail, Al Ula, Medina, Jeddah, and (optionally) the ancient cities of the south. It is entirely self-driving, and it is definitely not for the faint of heart!

READ FIRST: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia

I reccomend reading this guide before delving into these itineraries. It will give you the overview of everything that you need to know before planning the specifics of your Saudi Arabia Itinerary

I honestly do not reccomend doing either of these itineraries alone, as they both contain is massive amounts of driving. If you have a friend to travel with, it is much more enjoyable if you can split the driving!

Renting a Car

Both of these Saudi Arabia road trips depends on renting a car. You don’t need a 4×4 car to visit anything on this itinerary, but I reccomend choosing a car that is comfortable, as you will be spending a lot of time in it!

I reccomend booking through rentalcars.com, as they tend to have the best prices and availability.

If you choose the 10 day option, be sure to pick a rental car company that allows you to pick up the car in Riyadh and drop it off in Jeddah.

Looking for a tour with less driving? Check out my Perfect One Week Saudi Arabia Itinerary

Days 1-2: Arrive in Riyadh, explore Riyadh, Edge of the World

Driving Time: City Driving Only

Once you arrive at Riyadh airport, you’re going to want to pick up your car rental and transfer to your hotel.

Al Turaif

Afterwards, head to Al Turaif District. This was the first capital of Saudi Arabia, and it is one of the most important sites in the country. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

Note: the timings of Al Turaif change with the seasons, so be sure to check ahead.

Edge of the World

The highlight of today is a visit to the Edge of the World. The site is an 1.1 km cliff that looks over the Tuwaiq Mountain range.

You used to be able to self-drive to the Edge of the World, but after an accident that resulted in the death of several tourists, the Saudi Police strictly prohibited independent travel to the Edge of the World. I’ve been to the Edge of the World twice since self-driving was prohibited, and there are police monitoring the site each day.

The best option to get to the Edge of the World today is via tour. I’ve taken this tour twice, and I cannot reccomend it enough.

Day 3: Riyadh, drive to Buraydah

Driving Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Al Masmak Palace

The first stop of the day is Al-Masmak Palace. This is the site where Ibn Saud, the founder of Modern Day Saudi Arabia, took over and established the state. Nearby, you can walk through Deera Square, the site where Saudi Arabia previously held their infamous public executions. It is also near Souk Al-Zal, which is one of the most traditional and largest markets in Riyadh.

Then, begin your journey to Buraydah

Ushiyer Heritage Village

Along the way to Buraydah, you can stop and explore one of the best-restored traditional Saudi Villages. It is one of my favorite places in Saudi Arabia!

Afterwards, continue onto Buriydah, where you will spend the night.

Day 4: Buraydah Camel Market and Date Market, Jubbah Thumb, Overnight Ha’il

Driving Time: 5 hours, 13 minutes

Buraydah Camel Market

You have to start this morning very early! Everyday between 5 and 6am, the largest camel market in the world takes place in Buraydah. You can come witness it for yourself here. The sellers and buyers are usually very friendly, and you can take pictures as you like.

Buriydah Date Market

Buriydah is also famous for its date industry, and it is also home to the largest date market in the world, found here. After visiting the camel market, stop by the date market to see hundreds of vendors selling hundreds of different types of dates.

You’ll be able to taste the dates as well, as vendors are very open to letting customers and tourists try their dates.

Then, you’ll want to continue onwards to the city of Hail.

Jubbah Petroglyphs

Located north of the city of Hail, you’ll find one of the best display of pre-modern rock art in the world. As a history nerd, this is one of the best sites I’ve ever been to in my life. It is by far one of my favorite things on these Saudi Arabia road trips. There are hundreds of thousands of carvings in the rock. In fact, there are so many that they don’t even have them all counted; if you walk into the desert, nearly every rock will have ancient carvings on it! You can enter the site here.

Afterwards, return to the city of Hail, where you will want to spend the night.

Day 5: Drive to Al Ula

Driving Time: 5 hours

Start your morning early, as you have a five hour drive between Hail and Al Ula.

Important note about Al Ula: All of the tours to see the main sites in Al Ula must be pre booked, so pay careful attention to time.

Dadan and Jebel Ikmah Tour

Once you arrive in Al Ula, book an afternoon tour to see Dadan and Jebel Ikmah. This is a 2.5 hour to tour to see two incredible sites, and it costs 60 SAR. Dadan is the site of an ancient kingdom run by the Dedadnites. The tour includes a visit to see ancient tombs carved into the mountains. Afterwards, you continue on to see Jebel Ikmah, another incredible collection of cave drawings and writings carved into a mountain side. The carvings are in numerous languages and span thousands of years.

Elephant Rock

For sunset, head to Elephant Rock. Here, you can enjoy snacks and listen to music while watching the sunset.

Day 6: Al Ula

Driving Time: only around Al Ula

Hegra Tour

Start your morning with a Hegra tour to see the ancient Nabatean tombs that are the most famous site in all of Al Ula. Tickets cost 95 SAR and can be bought here.

Old City Tour

If you have time, you can also do a tour of the Al Ula Old Town. This 1,000 year old mud brick town is absolutely fascinating to explore. Tickets cost 70 SAR and can be bought here.

Al Maraya

Maraya, the worlds largest mirror-covered building located in the desert of Al Ula, has become famous in recent years as an amazing place to take photos. Unfortunately, to get there, you have to have a reservation at the very expensive restaurant.

You can learn more about it here. I’ve never been there, but I know a lot of people who simply make a reservation and pay the reservation fee just to take pictures, therefore avoiding a very expensive meal.

Day 7: Drive to Madinah, Madinah

Driving Time: 5 hours

This morning, say goodbye to Al Ula and head to Madinah. After a long drive, you’ll arrive in the afternoon.

Masjid Al Nabawi

For sunset, head to Masjid Al Nabawi, the second holiest site in Islam where the Prophet Mohammed is buried. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but you can go and observe the Mosque’s incredibly courtyard.

The area near the mosque is very busy and it is almost impossible to find parking, so I reccomend that you take a taxi from your hotel.

Note on clothing: Men and women are required to follow the Islamic dress code here. Men should cover past their knees and cover their shoulders. Women should wear a hijab and loose clothing that covers the chest, to the wrists, and to the ankles.

Stay overnight in Medinah.

Day 8: Drive to Jeddah

Driving Time: 6 hours, 45 minutes

Al Wa’bah Crater

Today’s first stop is Al Wa’bah crater. It is a 250 meter deep volcanic crater, and it is incredible to see.

Afterwards, continue onwards to Jeddah, were you will spend the night.

Day 9: Jeddah

Driving Time: only in the city

Al Tayebat Museum

Start your morning at the Tayebat Museum. This is one of my favorite museums in Saudi Arabia, because it’s fun and quirky and incredibly informative. The museum costs 80 SAR to enter, and you can easily spend hours here. The local staff speak great English and are happy to give you a guided tour.

Al Balad

Al Balad is the old city of Jeddah. It is a UNESCO world heritage site made up of hundreds of beautiful wooden houses. Spend a few hours wandering through its incredible streets.

Jeddah Corniche

In the evening, head to the Jeddah Corniche. It comes alive after dark. Some famous sites on the corniche include King Fahd’s Foundation, which is one of the largest fountains in the world, and the Al Rahma Floating Mosque, a beautiful floating mosque. (non muslims cannot enter inside)

Overnight in Jeddah.

Day 10: Depart

If you chose the 10 day itinerary, depart from Jeddah today having completed an epic Saudi Arabia Driving Itinerary.

14 Day Saudi Arabia Self-Driving Extension

Day 10: Taif, Thee Ain

Driving Time: 5.5 hours

Today, if you’re doing the 14 day trip, you’ll head to the mountainous, green landscape of Southern Saudi Arabia.

Taif

You’ll start your journey driving through the mountainous landscapes of Taif. On the way, you’ll drive near Mecca, where you will see signs instructing non-Muslims to take the roads that go around Mecca. I particularly love this viewpoint near Taif.

Also, be on the lookout for monkeys, as they are very common in this area!

Thee Ain

Thee Ain is a collection of 8th Century houses built within the mountains of Saudi Arabia. It is truly a majestic site. After visiting Thee Ain, stay at one of the nearby hotels.

Day 11: Rijal Almaa

Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Rijal Alma

Rijal Alma is an ancient city comprised of 60 multi-floor buildings built of mud, clay, and stone. The city was an important trading post between Yemen and Mecca.

After visiting, stay at one of the hotels in the area.

Day 12: Rijal Alma to Najran

Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Najran

Najran is an ancient city with massive historical significance. It’s been inhabited since the year 4,000 and has been under control of Roman, Christian, and Jewish Leaders. It is also famous for its mud-brick architecture.

Najran Heritage Village: This historical museum offers a glimpse at the traditional sytle of Najrani houses. It can be found here.

Saadane Archeological Palace: This 400 year old palace showcases Najrani archetecture and is a must see. It can be found here.

AlOkhdood Archeological Site: This active archeological site has a museum that looks at the archeological history of the region. It can be found here.

Day 13: Drive back to Riyadh

Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Day 14: Depart

Congrats! You’ve finished one of the epic Saudi Arabia road trips..

Return your rental car and go home with great memories 🙂

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