Diriyah and Bujairi Terrace: best time to visit and getting there

Diriyah: how to get there from Riyadh

If you are planning Diriyah and wondering how to get there, the simplest way is by car. It is 20 km from central Riyadh on King Khalid Road, about 25 min, and a fixed-fare taxi costs from SAR 60.

From King Khalid International Airport (RUH), the drive to Diriyah is 38 km and takes about 30 min, from SAR 70. Tell us where in Diriyah you are going, At-Turaif, Bujairi Terrace or a hotel, so the driver heads for the right drop-off.

What are At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace?

At-Turaif is the UNESCO-listed mud-brick district of Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state. Founding Day, on 22 February, celebrates the founding of that first state in Diriyah.

Bujairi Terrace is a dining terrace in Diriyah that overlooks At-Turaif. The usual pairing is a walk through At-Turaif followed by dinner on the terrace.

When is the best time to visit Diriyah?

October to April is the best season, when the evenings are pleasant for walking. In summer, plan your visit for after dark.

A good plan is At-Turaif in the late afternoon, then dinner at Bujairi Terrace in the evening. Weekend evenings are the busiest, so a weekday visit is calmer.

Do you need tickets?

Visits to At-Turaif may need timed tickets, and opening hours can change for events and seasons. Check the official Diriyah website before you go, and book the taxi around your ticket time.

Restaurants on Bujairi Terrace can be busy at weekends, so check with the restaurant about bookings if you have a set time in mind.

Getting back to Riyadh

The return is the part people forget. Evening traffic to and from Bujairi Terrace is heavy, and many people leave at the same time.

Book your return time in advance, or keep the driver with you. Our hourly chauffeur in Riyadh costs from SAR 80 per hour with a 3-hour minimum, which covers a visit to At-Turaif and dinner. The driver waits and is ready when you are.

Events that make Diriyah busy

Event dates change each year, so check the official websites before you plan.

• Founding Day on 22 February brings heritage events, many of them in the evening, so allow extra time.
• The Formula E Diriyah E-Prix, usually early in the year, races at night on a street circuit in Diriyah. Traffic builds before the race, so leave early and book your ride back.
• Riyadh Season, usually October to March, adds evening traffic across the city.

What else can you pair with Diriyah?

Diriyah fits well into a day of Riyadh sights. In the morning, visit Masmak Fortress, the mud-brick fort in old Riyadh linked to the founding of the modern Saudi state, and the souqs of Al Dirah nearby. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia and Murabba Palace share a park and make a good stop in the midday heat.

Then head to Diriyah for the late afternoon and dinner. If you have another evening free, the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge in Olaya is best at sunset or after dark. Save the Edge of the World day trip for a separate day, as it takes most of the day on its own.

Which vehicle should you book?

All fares are per car and fixed before the ride. For a special dinner, our luxury and VIP cars come with a suited chauffeur.