Best Weekend Road Trips from Riyadh: Routes, Safety Tips & Car Prep

Saudi Arabia: If you’re familiar with Saudi Arabia’s capital, you’ve most likely observed the growing popularity of weekend road trips among Saudis and expats. This trend is bolstered by improved highways, an evolving tourism map, and the desire to be closer to nature after a hard week of work. It is not hard to notice that after Friday prayers, everyone seems to be heading out. Whether it is dune bashing near the Red Sands, exploring famous ancient spots, or simply being closer to the mountains, driving is a true stress reliever for most car lovers.

You must carefully plan your weekend trip to ensure it is truly enjoyable and memorable, as certain locations can quickly become crowded. What makes Riyadh an ideal location for a weekend trip is its proximity to diverse landscapes. There are mountains, deserts, wadis, ancient ruins, and hidden caves all within driving distance. Here’s everything you need to know before you embark on your most cherished weekend trip.

The Top Weekend Destinations from Riyadh

Destination	Distance from Riyadh	Driving Time	Best For	Vehicle Required	Season Recommendation
Edge of the World	100 km	1.5-2 hrs	Photography, geology	Any (tour required)	Fall/Spring (Oct-Apr)
Al Turaif (Diriyah)	30 km	45 min	History, culture, dining	Any sedan	Any (evening best)
Red Sands	40 km	40 min	Desert, dune bashing	4x4 preferred	Fall/Spring
Heet Cave	45 km	45 min	Swimming, adventure	Any sedan	Winter/Spring
Tuwaiq Wadis	60-90 km	1-1.5 hrs	Picnic, geology, hiking	Any sedan	Winter/Spring
Empty Quarter	200+ km	2-3 hrs	Serious desert adventure	4x4 required	November-March
Al Baha Mountains	250 km	3-4 hrs	Mountain scenery, hiking	Any sedan	September-November

Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) – 100 km, 1.5-2 hours

You can consider our list, which includes the first destination from Riyadh for your weekend trip. This is a 1.1 km cliff overlooking the Tuwaiq Mountain range that looks like the edge of the world. You will experience an exciting drive as the paved highway transitions into gravel tracks that become increasingly isolated as you get closer.

The Saudi Police strictly prohibit self-driving to the Edge of the World following a fatal accident. You must book a tour, as you can't drive to the site anymore. But the inconvenience can be compared to the site's spectacular beauty. What makes it worthy of your drive is that the landscape and morning light make for stunning photography.

Al Turaif District (Diriyah) – 30 km, 45 minutes

This is less than an hour-long drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site full of traditional mud-brick buildings, museums, and places to eat. This is the historical heart of Saudi Arabia, where you can trace the routes of the modern nation. This can be your quick but ideal short trip. If you can, then combine it with dinner in the restored Al Turaif area. You will find organized parking and a lovely atmosphere, especially at sunset.

Red Sands (Al Awsat) – 40 km, 40 minutes

If you want some more fun-filled locations, then come to the brick-red dunes southwest of Riyadh near the settlement of Al Awsat with the Tuwaiq Mountains as a backdrop. This is where most Riyadhians prefer to spend their weekend in absolute desert fun. Considering the popularity among regulars, you should expect this spot to be crowded on most weekends. To avoid that, go early or late. 

This is a drive and you should ideally get a 4x4 if you want to climb the dunes. Doesn’t mean a regular sedan cannot access the dunes, but for real fun, it is better to be something that can easily navigate the dunes themselves. The only cautionary note is that you should keep your fuel tank full, as there is no fuel station nearby if you run out.  

Heet Cave – 45 km, 45 minutes

Another quick and nearest destination is the aqua-green subterranean pool inside a cave at the foot of a rock face, accessed by scrambling down with ropes. What you will like is the cold and refreshing water. It's better if you carry proper shoes and a flashlight to use whenever needed. This location too is popular among regulars over the weekends, so expect a crowd. If you can choose your arrival time wisely, going early makes sense, or on a Friday morning, before crowds arrive. Note the exact location; on the map it is not well-marked. Also, keep offline maps before you leave.

Tuwaiq Escarpment & Wadis: 60-90 km, 1-1.5 hours

If you’re a fan of various wadis and geological formations, this is the perfect one that dots the escarpment. Some canyons have water pools, especially after rainfall, while others are shallow valleys perfect for picnicking. It is not hard to find that each location is unique and to explore different spots each weekend. The landscape changes noticeably by season. Winter offers cooler temps and potential water, while summer is empty and hot, and spring shows green vegetation.

Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) – 200+ km, 2-3 hours

The largest area of sand on earth, surprisingly easy to access from Riyadh, is just over three hours along Route 10. This is a serious trip requiring preparation. A regular car can reach the edge, but venturing into the dunes requires a solid 4x4, and local guides are also recommended. It is huge, and so getting lost here is genuinely possible; having enough water, fuel, and communication devices is a must. 

Pre-Trip Vehicle Checklist

Check Item	Details
Fluids	Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer, and power steering fluid
Tyre	Check pressure, condition, tread depth, spare tire presence, and inflation.
Brakes	Test braking distance; soft/spongy brakes require a prompt fix
Cooling System	Test AC function; make sure fans cycle properly, vital in Saudi heat.
Battery	Check terminals for corrosion, keep them clean
Lights	All headlights, taillights, and brake lights must function properly.
Windshield	No large cracks, wipers work, stock extra washer fluid.

Essential Items to Carry

Vehicle-Specific

• Extra engine oil 
• Coolant mixture
• Extra water for the radiator
• Spare tire
• Jack and lug wrench
• Basic tool kit comprising screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench
• Jump starter or jumper cables
• Spare serpentine belt
• Spare fuses

Safety & Emergency

• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Multi-tool or knife
• Rope or tow strap
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Mobile phone with offline maps downloaded
• Portable charger

Comfort & Supplies

• 20+ liters of drinking water per person
• Food and snacks
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat and sunglasses
• Extra clothing as the desert cools dramatically at night
• Headlamp for exploring caves

Don’t forget to follow Important tips to Protect Your Car From Saudi Heat & sandstorms.

Safety Tips for Weekend Driving

Safety Consideration	Action Required	Impact
Road condition checking	Study  the route in advance	Help avoid traffic and save time
Fuel planning	Keep the tank filled up before starting the journey	No worry of running out of fuel
Night navigation	Always drive during the daylight	Daytime driving reduces any acident risk.
Offline maps	It is important to have an offline map downloaded	If internet connectivity is poor, it works without cell coverage
Speed compliance	It your interest to stay within the legal limits	Save you from hefty fines
Vehicle inspection	Pre-trip checklist completion	No inconvenience of breakdowns
Emergency supplies	Keep enough water, food, and first aid	Helps just in case you get stranded
Communication	Keep your phone charged with offline maps	Enables emergency assistance
Time management	Always help if you start the trip early.	Ensures daylight arrival at the destination

Check out Quick Car Maintenance Guide for Saudi Drivers: What to Check After Every Desert Trip.

Car Rental Considerations

If you’re an expat or wish to be in a big group, and don’t want to drive yourself, consider renting a car or van. Generally, a large number of Saudi weekenders prefer renting as a better option than using their personal vehicles. 

If you decide to rent a car, then consider some of the key points below. 

• It will cost in the range of SAR 1,477 (USD 393) for six days with unlimited mileage, insurance, and one-way drop-off options
• For a foreign national, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required 
• You need to deposit a credit card for a security deposit (up to SAR 1,000-2,000)
• Some service providers levy additional driver fees. You'd better be sure to avoid extra cost at the last moment. 
• You should read the insurance details, as the coverage varies significantly

Prefer companies that allow one-way rentals if planning longer routes.

Conclusion

Weekend trips from Riyadh offer deserts, mountains, caves, and cultural experiences within 2-3 hours. This makes them quick to plan, drive, and return safely with some great time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, being closer to nature, fully recharged and rejuvenated. If you plan well and stick to all the dos and don’ts, Riyadh offers an incredible weekend getaway.