How to find a cheap car hire deal in Riyadh
In search of a cheap rental car in Riyadh? With an average price of $65 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after an economy ride, a road trip-ready SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best deals to make booking easy.
$46 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Riyadh.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from $266 and squeeze in a few road trips.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Four weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Riyadh car hire.
Sixt, Alamo and Final Rentals are some of the most popular providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you go with Sixt or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Riyadh car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $77 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $80.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly $121 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Riyadh.
Flying to Riyadh? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at King Khaled International Airport. If you're flying to Riyadh through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 32 kilometres and takes around 35 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Riyadh
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Riyadh car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Riyadh that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Riyadh car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Riyadh.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your car hire in Saudi Arabia. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Check if you need to add one to your Riyadh car hire booking.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Saudi Arabia, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 70kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
Saudi Arabia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Leave the car behind and choose a different way to get around if you'll be consuming alcohol.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
Best hotels in Riyadh for drivers
Offering valet parking, Fraser Suites Riyadh adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Riyadh and also comes with express check-out and a steam room.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Aber Al Takhassusi. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this option, which also features a sauna and a laundry.
Explore the full range of hotels in Riyadh and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Riyadh and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to explore first. Start your trip with popular attractions such as Fahad Al Owaidah Grand Mosque, King Abdulaziz Historical Centre and Masmak Citadel.
