Qassim is the agricultural heart of Najd: endless palm groves, wheat fields and some of the largest date markets in the world. It is close enough to Riyadh for a weekend, and a car is the only practical way to see the region's towns and farms.
Getting there
- Distance: about 340 km from Riyadh to Buraidah.
- Time: around 3.5 hours on the Qassim highway.
- Start: a north Riyadh branch puts you straight on the road north. See car rental in north Riyadh.
Buraidah
- The date market: in the harvest season at the end of summer, trucks and crates of fresh dates fill huge market yards from early morning. Go early to see the auctions.
- Parks and the central souqs: good for an evening walk with the family.
See the Buraidah guide for more places and the nearest Sajil branches.
Unaizah
About 30 km south of Buraidah, Unaizah is known for its well-kept heritage quarters, traditional markets and old merchant houses. It is a pleasant half-day trip, best in the late afternoon.
Farm roads and rest houses
The roads between the towns run through palm farms and fields. Many families rent an istiraha (rest house) or a farm for the weekend. Drive slowly on farm roads, where tractors and animals cross.
Which car to take?
- Couples and friends: the Toyota Yaris or Kia Pegas, economical on the highway.
- Families: the Geely Coolray or Kia Carnival, with room for boxes of dates on the way home.
- Group of friends: see friends road trip car rental.
Going further
Qassim sits on the road to Hail and to Madinah, so it is a natural first stop on longer trips:
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Sajil branch in Qassim?
Not yet. Rent in Riyadh and return the car to a Sajil branch.
Daily or weekly for a Qassim trip?
For a two or three day weekend, daily rental in Riyadh from SAR 87 per day. For a longer trip, compare weekly rental.
When is the date season?
The harvest and the busiest markets are usually from late July to September.
Ready for the road?
Daily, weekly and monthly car rental from our branches across the Kingdom.
