Riyadh to Madinah by Car via Qassim: Distance, Stops and Tips

Driving from Riyadh to Madinah is one of the most rewarding road trips in the Kingdom. The highway is excellent, the route passes through the date capital of Qassim, and having a car in Madinah makes it easy to visit the historic sites around the city.

The route at a glance

• Distance: about 850 km.
• Driving time: 8 to 9 hours without long stops.
• Route: north-west from Riyadh to Buraidah in Qassim (about 340 km), then west on the Qassim to Madinah highway (about 500 km).

Most families leave early in the morning and arrive by the afternoon, or spend a night in Qassim.

Stops worth making

• Buraidah: the date market is one of the largest in the world, especially busy during the harvest season in late summer. Read the Buraidah guide.
• Unaizah: a short detour for its heritage quarter and traditional souq.
• Rest areas on the Madinah highway: stations are well spaced, but fill up whenever the tank drops to half.

In Madinah

• The Prophet's Mosque: use the underground car parks around the central area, or park further out and take a taxi at busy times.
• Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud: both are an easy drive from the centre.
• Further afield: AlUla is about 300 km north and Yanbu about 230 km west. See the Madinah guide and the AlUla guide.

Which car for the trip?

• Couple or small family: the Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Yaris, quiet and economical on the highway.
• Family with grandparents: the Kia Carnival for easy entry and space to rest.
• Large family with luggage: the Chevrolet Tahoe or Geely Okavango.

Start from a north Riyadh branch to reach the Qassim highway quickly. For a trip of a week or more, weekly rental costs less than daily.

Safety on the long road

• Take a 15 minute break every two hours, and swap drivers if you can.
• Avoid driving the empty stretches late at night, when tiredness and camels are the main risks.
• Keep to the speed limit; the highway has many speed cameras.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Sajil branch in Madinah?

Not yet. Rent in Riyadh and bring the car back to a Sajil branch. The Madinah guide shows the nearest branches.

Can I continue to Makkah and return via Taif?

Yes. Madinah to Makkah is about 450 km, and you can return the car at the Taif branch if you choose it as the return branch when you book.

How much fuel will I need?

An economy sedan usually needs two to three full tanks for the round trip. See how to save fuel in a rental car.