The road trip from Riyadh to the Hijaz is one of the best drives in the Kingdom, perfect for families, Umrah visitors and anyone who loves long roads.
Approximate distances
- Riyadh to Taif: about 780 km on the highway.
- Taif to Makkah: about 90 km via the Al-Hada or As-Sail road.
- Taif to Jeddah: about 170 km.
- Riyadh to Jeddah directly: about 950 km.
Why go through Taif?
Taif is the city of roses and mountains, cooler in summer, and the Al-Hada mountain road to Makkah is one of the most beautiful in the Kingdom. Sajil has a branch in Taif, so you can rent your car there if you fly in: car rental in Taif.
Two ways to rent
- Rent in Riyadh and drive straight away: car rental in Riyadh. You can choose another return branch when you book; a fee between cities applies.
- Fly to Taif, rent at the Sajil branch there, and drive between Taif, Makkah and Jeddah.
Road tips
- Leave early in the morning and avoid driving at night in desert areas.
- Take a break every two hours; there are fuel stations and rest areas along the way.
- On the Al-Hada mountain road, drive slowly and use a low gear downhill.
- In Makkah, use the official car parks and the shuttle buses to Al-Haram in busy seasons.
City guides
Ready for the road?
Daily, weekly and monthly car rental from our branches across the Kingdom.