Riyadh to Dammam and Al Khobar by Car: The 4-Hour Drive to the Gulf

The drive from Riyadh to the Eastern Province is one of the busiest in the Kingdom, used every week by business travellers, families heading to the sea and visitors on their way to Bahrain. With a rental car the trip is simple: one highway, about four hours, and the Gulf at the end.

The route

• Distance: about 400 km from Riyadh to Dammam.
• Time: around 4 hours without long stops.
• Way: the eastern highway from Riyadh straight to Dammam, with Al Khobar and Dhahran just to the south.
• Start: an east Riyadh branch puts you on the highway fastest. See car rental in east Riyadh.

In Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran

• Al Khobar corniche: a long seafront promenade, best in the evening.
• Dammam corniche: parks, walking paths and playgrounds for children.
• Ithra in Dhahran: the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, with exhibitions, a library and a cinema.
• Half Moon Bay: a curved beach south of Al Khobar for swimming and picnics.
• Jubail: about 100 km north of Dammam, with quiet beaches and long corniches.

Read the Dammam guide, the Al Khobar guide and the Jubail guide.

Return in Al-Ahsa instead of Riyadh

Sajil has two branches in Al-Ahsa, about 150 km south of Dammam. You can drive from Riyadh to the coast and drop the car in Al-Ahsa on the way back, or start the whole trip there. See car rental prices in Al-Ahsa.

Which car to choose?

• Business trip: the Hyundai Elantra or Ford Taurus for a quiet highway ride.
• Family beach weekend: the Kia Carnival or Geely Okavango for everyone plus beach bags.
• Budget: the Kia Pegas or Toyota Yaris.

Thinking of crossing to Bahrain?

Taking a rental car across the King Fahd Causeway needs the rental company's written approval and suitable insurance. Ask the branch before you plan it, and do not assume it is allowed.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Sajil branch in Dammam or Al Khobar?

Not at the moment. The nearest branches are in Al-Ahsa, about 150 km away.

Daily or weekly for a trip to the coast?

For a weekend, daily rental. For five days or more, weekly rental usually costs less.

When is the traffic heaviest?

Thursday afternoon going east and Saturday evening going back to Riyadh, as well as the start and end of holidays.