Hail is one of the most rewarding road trips from Riyadh: granite mountains, sand seas, ancient rock art and a city famous across Arabia for its generosity. The roads are good the whole way, so an ordinary rental car is enough for the main sights.
The route
- Distance: about 640 km, 6 to 7 hours of driving.
- Way: north-west from Riyadh to Buraidah in Qassim (about 340 km), then north to Hail (about 300 km).
- Start: a north Riyadh branch saves time getting onto the Qassim highway. See car rental in north Riyadh.
A night in Qassim breaks the trip nicely. Read Qassim by car: Buraidah and Unaizah.
What to see in Hail
- A'arif Fort, the mud-brick fort on a hill above the city, best at sunset.
- Al Qishlah Palace, a large historic fort with towers in the city centre.
- The Aja and Salma mountains, the dramatic ranges around the city, linked in local legend to an ancient love story.
- Jubbah rock art, about 100 km north-west of Hail and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Rock Art in the Hail Region", with thousands of carvings of people and animals.
Read the Hail guide for more places and the nearest Sajil branches.
Which car to take?
- Couples and small families: the Hyundai Elantra or Geely Coolray, comfortable on long highways.
- Big families: the Geely Okavango or Chevrolet Tahoe.
- Sand and desert tracks: a 4x4 like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Read SUV and 4x4 rental for desert trips.
Tips for the northern roads
- Winter nights in Hail are cold, often near freezing, so pack warm clothes from November to February.
- Fill up before leaving Buraidah and again in Hail before going out to Jubbah.
- Watch for camels on the open roads, especially at night.
How long to rent?
A Hail trip usually takes four to six days with Qassim. Weekly rental is normally cheaper than paying day by day for that length.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Sajil branch in Hail?
Not yet. Rent in Riyadh and bring the car back to a Sajil branch.
Do I need a 4x4 for Jubbah?
The road to Jubbah is paved. You only need a 4x4 if you plan to drive into the sand dunes.
What is the best season?
October to March, when days are pleasant. Summer days are very hot.
Ready for the road?
Daily, weekly and monthly car rental from our branches across the Kingdom.
