Many visitors consider renting a car and driving themselves between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. Saudi roads are generally excellent, but driving here has its own character: high highway speeds, strict automated enforcement, and heavy congestion around the two Holy Mosques in busy seasons. This guide sums up what a visitor needs to know. Rules and fines are updated from time to time, so the final word always belongs to official sources such as the General Directorate of Traffic.
The non-negotiables
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
- Seatbelts for the driver and passengers.
- No handheld phone while driving; cameras can detect it.
- Children belong in the back in age-appropriate seats; check the current rules on ages and seats.
- Red lights are among the most serious offences, so never treat an empty junction as an excuse.
Automated enforcement and speed limits
Saher automated cameras cover roads in and between cities, recording speeding, red-light running and other offences, and violations are linked to the vehicle or the driver's ID. Limits are posted and vary by road type: low in residential areas, higher on main roads, and up to 120 or 140 km/h on some highways. Watch for limits dropping as you approach towns and roadworks, and for electronic signs that change the limit in bad weather.
Highway habits
The left lane is for overtaking
Sitting in the left lane while slower than the traffic around you annoys other drivers. If a car approaches from behind indicating or flashing its lights, move right when it's safe.
Camels on the road
On some unfenced desert roads camels can wander across, especially at night and around dawn. Slow down where warning signs are posted.
Dust and wind
If dust cuts visibility, slow down and leave a bigger gap. If it gets bad, pull into the nearest service station rather than stopping on the hard shoulder.
Fuel and rest stops
Service stations are common on main highways and have mosques and places to eat, but fill up before long stretches rather than waiting until the tank is nearly empty.
Driving around the Holy Mosques is different
- Closures: in Ramadan and during Hajj many roads around the Grand Mosque close to private cars, and drivers are directed to distant car parks.
- Parking: scarce and crowded near both Haram areas; you can spend a long time looking for a space.
- Pedestrians: huge numbers of worshippers cross the roads after each prayer. Stopping for them is a matter of courtesy before it's a matter of law.
- The Makkah boundary: the central area of Makkah is for Muslims only, and road signs direct others to an alternative route.
If you have an accident
In a minor collision stay calm, photograph the scene and the vehicles, and follow the authorities' instructions on moving the car. Many minor accidents are handled through Najm, the insurance-linked accident service, and traffic police can be reached on 993. Save your rental company's and insurer's numbers on your phone before setting off.
Licences for visitors
Visitors can usually drive on a valid foreign licence or an international driving permit for a limited period. Durations and conditions can change, so confirm them with official sources or your rental company before you travel, and always carry your passport and visa.
Drive yourself or book a driver?
Driving yourself suits people used to fast highways who want flexible trips outside the cities. A pilgrim arriving tired after a long flight, or a family moving between the Holy Cities, usually finds a car with a driver easier: no parking, no worrying about fines, no hunting for open roads. With Mishwar Al Haramain the fare is fixed per car and paid on arrival:
| Ride | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Makkah to Madinah | 400 | 600 | 1000 |
| Within Makkah to the Haram | 80 | 150 | 300 |
The rest are in our fare guide. For getting around Makkah see Makkah taxi, and if you're flying in, Jeddah airport taxi.
Common questions
Can women drive in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, women have been able to drive since 2018, under the same licensing and insurance rules.
Can I turn right on a red light?
At some junctions, yes, after stopping and checking the road is clear; at others it's prohibited by a clear sign. Follow the sign at each junction.
When is driving in Makkah hardest?
Right after the main prayers around the central area, in the last nights of Ramadan, and during Hajj.
Can I book a driver for several hours instead of one ride?
Send us your plan on WhatsApp and we'll confirm the arrangement and fare.
To book: WhatsApp +966582918075 or the booking page.