Saudi Arabia Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the wonders of Saudi Arabia on a road trip from Riyadh to Riyadh! This 14-day journey takes you through the beautiful cities of Zalim, Jeddah, Yanbu, Duba, and Mada'in Saleh south gate, covering a distance of 3445km. The best time to enjoy this drive is in the winter season, when the roads are in excellent condition and the views are breathtaking.
Explore the historic sites of Zalim and the ancient city of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the natural beauty of Jeddah and Yanbu, and enjoy the coastal views from Duba. This road trip is suitable for any driver and can be managed with a moderate budget. Enjoy your journey through the stunning landscape of Saudi Arabia!
14
number of days
3,339 km
route length
fair
budget
adventurer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Riyadh
Distance 3,339 km
Driving time 37.7 h
Pace: fast
1,001.8 kWh
Airports
RUH
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Riyadh, the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia, is an ideal starting point for the "Saudi Arabia Road Trip". This city has something for everyone, from its captivating culture and history to its modern facilities and entertainment.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it convenient to start your road trip.
Riyadh offers a lot of attractions for visitors. A must-see is the Al Masmak Fortress, the site of the battle that marked the beginning of the Saudi dynasty. The National Museum houses artifacts from the Kingdom's past, while the National Gallery showcases traditional and contemporary art from around the world.
For a taste of culture, visit the Souq al-Thumairi, a traditional open-air market in the heart of the city. For a more modern experience, explore the many shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes in the city. Riyadh also has several parks, including the King Fahd Park, which is perfect for a stroll.
Riyadh is a great starting point for the "Saudi Arabia Road Trip", with its vibrant culture, captivating history, and modern facilities. Whether you explore the city or hit the road, Riyadh has something to offer everyone.
1
Riyadh
- Zalim
Distance 573 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: fast
172.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Riyadh to Zalim? This journey of 576 km will take you less than 6 hours to complete, so you can enjoy your time in the car and take in the sights of the stunning scenery along the way.
Start your road trip in Riyadh and take in the city’s culture and rich history. Don’t forget to visit the Masmak Citadel, the Al-Murabba Palace and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Continue your journey to Zalim, where you can explore the city’s ancient architecture and visit the Al-Masjid Al-Haram Mosque. The city is also home to the Al-Qasr Castle and the Al-Qasr Museum, both of which are worth a visit.
On your drive to Zalim, take the time to admire the beautiful landscape and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any historical sites.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip from Riyadh to Zalim today!
Zalim - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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2
Zalim
- At Taif
Distance 245 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
73.4 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Zalim to At Taif and experience the stunning landscapes of Saudi Arabia! This stage of your journey is only 245km long, and you can drive it in less than 3 hours.
Start your journey in Zalim, where you can explore the historical city of al-Ula, visit the ancient tombs of Mada’in Saleh and admire the beautiful architecture of the Hejaz Railway Station.
Continue your trip to At Taif, the city of roses and jasmine, where you can enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and experience traditional Saudi hospitality. Take a stroll through the city centre and visit the Hejaz Railway Museum, the old Souq and the King Fahd Garden.
This is only one of the stages of your tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Enjoy this amazing road trip and have a great time!
At Taif - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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3
At Taif
- Jeddah
Distance 166 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
49.9 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from At Taif to Jeddah, and experience the beauty of the Saudi Arabian landscape! This 172 km journey takes less than two hours, and all along the route, you will find plenty of historical sites, UNESCO Heritage sites, and other attractions. Get ready to explore some of the most iconic places in the area, such as the Al-Hada Mountains, Al-Shafa Village, and the Al-Safa Waterfall. As you make your way to Jeddah, you will also get to experience the beauty of Al-Noor Mountain, the Al-Hada Dam, and the Al-Hada National Park. Don't forget to take a few pictures of the stunning views of the Red Sea! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Jeddah - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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4
Jeddah
- Rabigh
Distance 163 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
48.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Starting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and ending in Rabigh, this stage of your journey covers a distance of 169km with a driving time of fewer than 2 hours.
The first stop on your journey should be the King Fahd's Fountain, a spectacular fountain that is the tallest of its kind in the world. Then, you can visit the spectacular and historic Al-Balad district, where you can admire the traditional architecture and take a stroll through the markets.
Next, you can make a stop at the King Abdullah Economic City, a modern city built on the Red Sea coast with a beautiful beach and a variety of attractions. You can also visit the Rabigh Corniche, where you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the beach.
Finally, you can visit the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a modern university with a beautiful campus and a variety of attractions.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set off on an amazing adventure!
Rabigh - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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5
Rabigh
- Yanbu
Distance 173 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
51.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Rabigh to Yanbu? This 173 km journey will take you less than two hours of driving time. Along the way, you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in Saudi Arabia.
In Rabigh, you can visit the Rabigh Beach, which is known for its stunning views of the Red Sea. You can also explore the nearby historical sites, such as the Rabigh Grand Mosque and the Rabigh Castle.
As you continue your journey, you will reach Yanbu, the city of palm trees. Here, you can visit the Yanbu Corniche, a beautiful waterfront promenade, and the Yanbu Commercial Port. You can also explore the Yanbu Fish Market and the Yanbu Fish Souq.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for this amazing road trip from Rabigh to Yanbu. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage.
Yanbu - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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6
Yanbu
- Al Wajh
Distance 339 km
Driving time 4.7 h
Pace: fast
101.7 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Yanbu to Al Wajh? This 348 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours to complete and you'll have the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in Saudi Arabia.
Start your trip in Yanbu, a city located on the Red Sea coast, and don't miss the chance to visit the Yanbu Fish Market, where you can buy fresh seafood and enjoy the sunset over the sea.
Continue your journey to Al Wajh, a coastal city with a long history. Here you can visit the Al Wajh Old Town, an area with traditional buildings, and the Al Wajh Castle, a historic fort built in the 18th century.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your road trip from Yanbu to Al Wajh today!
Al Wajh - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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7
Al Wajh
- Duba
Distance 151 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
45.2 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers!
Today, let’s take a look at the route from Al Wajh to Duba. This is one of the most beautiful and interesting stages of the tour, with a distance of 151km and a driving time of fewer than 2 hours.
The journey starts in Al Wajh, a coastal city famous for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Here, you can visit the Al Wajh Old City, which is surrounded by walls of coral stone and full of old houses and narrow streets.
The second stop is at the historical city of Al Ghuwaiyah. Here, you can visit the ancient fort, the old cemetery, and the traditional Souk.
The next stop is at the city of Tabuk, where you can visit the Tabuk Castle, the Islamic Museum, and the Tabuk Regional Museum.
The last stop is in Duba, a port city and one of the most important ports in the region. Here, you can visit the ancient fort and the beautiful beaches.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Happy travels!
Duba - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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8
Duba
- Tabuk
Distance 200 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
60.1 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Duba to Tabuk? This journey will take you through some of the most interesting sites in Saudi Arabia. The 259 km route will take you fewer than 3 hours, so you can take your time to explore the historical sites along the way.
Start your journey in Duba and visit the archaeological sites of Thaj, the city of Al-Ula, and the ancient city of Mada’in Saleh. Then, head to the city of Tabuk and explore its historical sites, including the ancient city of Al-Hijr, the city of Tabuk, and the city of Al-Wajh.
This journey is one of the stages of a larger tour, so take your time to explore the sites and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, so you can make the most of your trip. For more information on the attractions and other details, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey from Duba to Tabuk!
Tabuk - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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9
Tabuk
- Madain Saleh
Distance 267 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: fast
80.2 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers, to one of the most exciting stages of your tour: Tabuk to Mada'in Saleh south gate. This 267km journey will take you less than 4 hours of driving, and is full of amazing places to visit.
In Tabuk, you can explore the ancient city and its archaeological sites, as well as the beautiful Tabuk Castle. Make sure to visit the Tabuk Regional Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts and artwork.
Continue your journey to Mada'in Saleh, the first World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. This ancient city is renowned for its unique architecture, with tombs and monuments carved into the rock. The South Gate is the most popular entrance to the city and is a must-see.
We hope you enjoy this stage of your tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Madain Saleh - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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10
Madain Saleh
- Asbtar
Distance 259 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: fast
77.7 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Mada'in Saleh south gate in Saudi Arabia to Asbtar, a distance of 259km that can be covered in fewer than 3 hours!
Your journey starts in Mada'in Saleh, a historical site, full of ancient tombs and ruins of a once-thriving city. You should definitely visit the Qasr al-Bint temple, the main temple of the city, and the tombs of the Nabataean kings.
Next, you will pass through Al-Ula, a city with a rich history and culture. The Al-Ula Old Town is an archaeological site with ancient ruins and artifacts from the past, and the Al-Ula Museum is a great place to learn more about the city's history.
Finally, you will arrive in Asbtar, a city with a unique landscape and stunning views. You should visit the Al-Qasim Fortress, a 16th-century fortification, and the Al-Qasim Valley, a picturesque valley with lush vegetation.
This is only one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Asbtar - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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11
Asbtar
- Hail
Distance 168 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
50.5 kWh
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The road trip from Asbahar to Hail is an exciting journey of 171 km that can be completed in less than two hours. Along the way, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the Arabian desert. You will also be able to visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located along the route. As you drive, be sure to take in the picturesque landscapes that you will encounter. Be sure to take plenty of photos to capture the beauty of the area!
The journey from Asbahar to Hail is only one stage of a larger tour. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road! The journey from Asbahar to Hail is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hail - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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12
Hail
- Buraydah
Distance 277 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
83.2 kWh
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Welcome to the exciting road trip stage from Hail to Buraydah! This stage of the journey is 290 km long and can be completed in less than 3 hours.
To make the most of your journey, we recommend starting your tour in Hail, where you can visit the Al-Qurayyat Castle, a historical structure that dates back to the 12th century. After taking in the sights and sounds of the castle, you can also explore the Al-Salam Park, a lush green oasis with a lake and plenty of recreational activities.
As you drive towards Buraydah, you will pass by the Al-Hada Mountains, an area filled with natural beauty and stunning views. Upon arriving in Buraydah, you can visit the Al-Qasim Heritage Village, a traditional village that shows the history and culture of the region. The Buraydah Museum is also worth a visit, where you can learn more about the city's history and culture.
We hope that you enjoy this stage of the road trip and that you find the attractions and activities along the way to be enjoyable and memorable. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Buraydah - Saudi Arabia - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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13
Buraydah
- Riyadh
Distance 357 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: fast
107.2 kWh
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If you are looking for an exciting road trip, then a journey from Buraydah to Riyadh should be at the top of your list. This 365 km route will take you less than 4 hours to complete and is one of the most interesting routes in Saudi Arabia.
Start your journey in Buraydah, a city known for its historical sites, and make sure to visit the Al-Omari Mosque, the city's most famous landmark. From there, head to the Al-Qassim Province, where you can explore the desert landscape and take in the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
When you reach Riyadh, you can take a tour of the city's most famous attractions, such as the Kingdom Tower, the National Museum, and the Masmak Fortress. Don't forget to visit the Al-Murabba Palace, a beautiful palace built in the early 20th century.
Along the way, make sure to take time to appreciate the stunning landscape of the Arabian Desert. You can also take advantage of the many camping spots and restaurants along the route.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Riyadh
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Riyadh is the final destination of the "Saudi Arabia Road Trip" and the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located at the center of the country, Riyadh is one of the most important cities in the Middle East.
When traveling by car, the most popular route is to take the Riyadh-Qassim Highway. This highway is the longest in the Middle East with a length of 604 kilometers and passes through several cities. The route is dotted with oases, sand dunes and palm groves, making it an ideal road trip destination.
In Riyadh, visitors can explore the old town, Masmak Fort, and the National Museum. For a more modern experience, the city also boasts some of the best shopping malls in the region. The Al Faisaliah Mall, Kingdom Centre and Othaim Mall are all popular attractions, offering a great selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
For those who prefer nature, the Riyadh Wildlife Park is the perfect spot. Located on the outskirts of the city, this park is home to over 200 species of animals and birds. It also features a variety of recreational activities, such as camel riding, fishing, and camping.
For international travelers, the closest international airport to Riyadh is King Khalid International Airport (RUH). This airport offers flights to major cities around the world and is only 25 minutes away from the city.
Riyadh is the perfect destination to end the "Saudi Arabia Road Trip". With its rich history and culture, modern amenities, and natural attractions, Riyadh is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Saudi Arabia Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Riyadh
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End:
Riyadh
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Distance:
3,339 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
King Khaled International Airport (RUH)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an enchanting 14-day Road Trip spanning approximately 3445 kilometers, commencing and concluding in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. This meticulously planned journey is a celebration of the kingdom's rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural landscapes, steering you through captivating cities, historical landmarks, and coastal paradises.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Zalim: Step back in time in Zalim, a place that encapsulates the historical magnificence of Saudi Arabia, inviting you to uncover its storied past.
- Jeddah: Revel in the vibrant urban atmosphere and unwind along its tranquil Red Sea shoreline. Don't miss the historic Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its distinctive coral architecture.
- Yanbu: Indulge in the pristine natural splendor and picturesque waterfront views that make Yanbu a hidden gem for nature lovers.
- Duba: Be captivated by the breathtaking coastal landscapes, often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Red Sea,' offering a serene escape from the bustle of city life.
- Mada'in Saleh south gate: Immerse yourself in the archaeological wonder of Mada'in Saleh, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved tombs and monumental rock-cut structures that echo the grandeur of the Nabatean kingdom.
Best Time to Go:
The winter months are the most opportune time for this Road Trip, when the climate is mild and agreeable, creating perfect conditions for outdoor exploration and comfortable travel.
Potential Risks:
Given the extensive distances involved, Roadtrippers should prioritize vehicle maintenance and preparedness. Familiarity with local driving regulations and cultural etiquette is also essential to ensure a smooth and respectful journey.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This journey is a moderate budget-friendly adventure, accommodating a wide range of travelers.
- It is accessible to any driver, with no extreme Road conditions to navigate.
- Experience the dramatic transition of landscapes, from the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert to the serene shores of the Red Sea.
- Discover the fascinating blend of Saudi Arabia's ancient traditions and modern evolution, offering a deep dive into the country's storied heritage and contemporary culture.
A good choice for:
This Road Trip is a harmonious fusion of exploration, cultural enrichment, and picturesque vistas, providing Roadtrippers with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the essence of Saudi Arabia in all its diversity and splendor.
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