Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Why do desert camps need an SUV?
Winter is the season for desert camps around Riyadh and other cities, when evenings are cool enough to sit outside. Desert camp transport from Riyadh needs some care, because many camps sit away from the main road and are reached on unpaved sand or gravel tracks.
Our sedans and vans are built for paved roads. For a camp, we send a full-size SUV, such as a GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition, with seats for up to 7 passengers and room for 6 suitcases. An SUV handles rough access roads better than a sedan, but it is not a dune vehicle, so deep sand is a matter for the camp's own transport.
Before you book: confirm the location and access
The organiser knows the track; we need their answers before we confirm the car. Ask them for:
- The exact location pin of the camp, not just the area name.
- Whether the track is passable for a road SUV, or whether the camp meets guests at the paved road.
- The entry point or gate, and whether there is a guest list.
- The arrival time and when the evening ends.
- Whether there is mobile signal at the camp, so you can message the driver for the return.
What does the drive cost?
We quote a fixed fare per SUV once we know the location. The figures below are examples by distance from your pickup, one way. Camp fees, food and activities are paid to the organiser, not to us; our fare covers only the car and driver.
| Trip | SUV fare from |
|---|---|
| Camp about 50 km away, one way | SAR 180 |
| Camp about 80 km away, one way | SAR 280 |
| Camp about 120 km away, one way | SAR 420 |
| SUV with driver, per hour | SAR 180 |
| SUV with driver, 3-hour minimum | SAR 540 |
Drop and return, or a driver who waits?
There are two ways to book. You can book a drop-off and a return pickup at a set time, each at a fixed fare. Or you can keep the SUV by the hour, and the driver waits at a spot the organiser agrees. Hourly suits shorter evenings close to the city; for a long night far out, a drop and a booked return is usually simpler.
If the return pickup is after midnight, rides between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in the quote. For an overnight stay, book the return for the next morning.
Groups and families
An SUV seats up to 7. For a larger group, we send two or more SUVs that travel together. If the organiser meets guests at the paved road with its own transport, a family van or group bus can take the whole group to that meeting point instead.
Child seats are available on request. Tell us the children's ages and the number of bags, including any cool boxes or blankets.
Other desert trips from Riyadh
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): about 100 km north-west of Riyadh. The last stretch is an unpaved track, so we send an SUV, and access can close in bad weather. See our Edge of the World day trip guide.
- King Abdulaziz Camel Festival: held in the desert at Rumah, about 120 km from Riyadh, usually in winter. We send an SUV; book a return time or an hourly driver.
- Riyadh Season: the capital's winter festival, usually from about October to March, with events in the city if you prefer an evening closer to home.
Weather and safety in the desert
Winter nights in the desert can be cold, so bring warm layers as well as water. Rain can turn tracks to mud, and sandstorms cut visibility. If the weather turns, we check the route before you set off and agree a new time with you if needed. Our guide to sandstorms and rain on the road explains the risks.
How to book your camp transfer
Message us on WhatsApp or call +966 57 951 9804.
- Send the camp's location pin, the date, and the arrival and leaving times on WhatsApp.
- Tell us the number of passengers and bags.
- Share the organiser's access instructions.
- We reply with a fixed fare for the SUV, and send the driver's name and plate the day before.
- Cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.