Top 5 Road Trip Destinations in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's landscapes are among the most diverse on earth — red sand dunes, ancient lava fields, alpine forests, and a coastline that stretches from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf. With an Enterprise rental car, every one of these destinations is within reach.

1. AlUla: The Open-Air Museum

AlUla is arguably the most spectacular road trip destination in the Kingdom. Wind your way through rose-coloured sandstone canyons to Hegra (ancient Mada'in Saleh), the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. The three-hour drive from Medina is one of the most scenic in the Arabian Peninsula.

2. Abha and the Asir Highlands

The Asir region in the southwest offers a climate unlike any other part of Saudi Arabia — cool, misty mornings and pine-forested hillsides. Abha is the gateway to the region, and the road from Khamis Mushayt to Al Soudah is a hairpin-filled drive through dramatic mountain scenery.

3. Farasan Islands via Jizan

Drive south along the Red Sea coast to Jizan, then take the ferry to the Farasan Islands for snorkelling, mangrove walks, and deserted beaches. A 4x4 SUV from Enterprise is ideal for exploring the island's sandy tracks.

4. Al-Ahsa: The Date Palm Oasis

Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province is home to the world's largest natural oasis and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive through its date palm groves and traditional mud-brick architecture feels like stepping back in time.

5. Riyadh to Diriyah

If time is short, the short drive from central Riyadh to the historic city of Diriyah is a must. The At-Turaif district, the original home of the Saudi royal family, is a beautifully restored UNESCO site that feels worlds away from the modern capital.