Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia: The 2026 Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• International driving licences are accepted for tourist visa holders, but you must carry your original passport and the physical IDP — digital copies are not accepted at rental counters.
• Compact cars start at SAR 80–120/day from local agencies (e.g. Lumi, Theeb); international brands like Hertz or Budget run SAR 150–250/day. Book online to avoid airport surcharges of SAR 50–80.
• Petrol is heavily subsidised: 91-octane costs roughly SAR 0.67/litre and 95-octane SAR 0.83/litre — fill up before entering remote areas where stations can be 200 km apart.
• Speed cameras are dense on all major highways; the limit is 120 km/h on motorways and fines start at SAR 150 — rental agencies pass camera tickets directly to your credit card.
• Riyadh's Ring Roads (1st–4th) have Absher-linked Salik-style toll gates on select ramps; budget SAR 20–40 per day in tolls if driving across the city frequently.