Driving gives you freedom to visit Taif or Jeddah Corniche.
Requirements
- License:
- GCC Nationals: Your home license works.
- Tourists: Your International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required alongside your home license. (US/UK licenses are often accepted directly, but carry IDP to be safe).
- Passport & Visa.
Companies
- International: Budget, Avis, Hertz (at Airports).
- Local: Yalo (Iyalo) and Theeb are huge and reliable. Often cheaper.
The Danger: Saher (Cameras)
- Speeding: Cameras are EVERYWHERE. Hidden in boxes, cars, and tripods.
- Fines: Start at 150 SAR and go up fast. Crossing a red light is 3000 SAR + Jail risk. Drive exactly at the limit.
- Haram Boundary: Non-Muslims cannot rent cars to drive into Makkah. There are checkpoints.
