The Complete Road Trip Guide: Riyadh to Jeddah

The Riyadh to Jeddah highway (Route 40 and Route 15) is arguably the most-driven long road in Saudi Arabia. Stretching roughly 950 kilometres, the journey crosses the Nejd plateau, skirts the Hejaz Mountains, and deposits you on the Red Sea coast. Most drivers complete it in nine to eleven hours, but with the right stops it can easily become a two-day adventure.

Recommended Vehicle

A comfortable midsize or full-size sedan is ideal for this route. The highway is well-maintained dual carriageway throughout. A 4x4 is only necessary if you plan to detour into the desert or off-road areas near Al-Dawadmi.

Best Stop: Al-Dawadmi

Roughly halfway along the route, Al-Dawadmi is a natural rest stop. The town has several restaurants and fuel stations, and the surrounding landscape is studded with volcanic plugs and ancient riverbeds worth exploring.

The Hejaz Mountains Descent

As you approach Taif, the road begins to climb and wind through the western escarpment of the Arabian Shield. The mountain driving requires care — particularly in summer when heat haze affects visibility — but the scenery is spectacular.

Taif Detour

Taif sits at 1,800 metres above sea level and is notably cooler than the surrounding lowlands. Famous for its roses, honey, and mountain views, it makes an excellent overnight stop before the final descent to Jeddah.

Arriving in Jeddah

Enter Jeddah via the northern King Abdulaziz Road for the most scenic arrival, skirting the Red Sea Corniche with views of the King Fahd Fountain — one of the tallest in the world.