Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
What does a private driver cost in Saudi Arabia?
The private driver Saudi Arabia cost you are quoted depends on three things: the vehicle, the number of hours and where you drive. We charge by the hour with a 3-hour minimum, and a full day is 10 hours. The driver waits at every stop, and fuel inside the city is included.
| Vehicle | Seats | Per hour | 3 hours | Full day, 10 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 80 | SAR 240 | SAR 800 |
| Standard Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 95 | SAR 285 | SAR 950 |
| Comfort MPV | 4–6 | SAR 120 | SAR 360 | SAR 1,200 |
| Family Van | 7–11 | SAR 150 | SAR 450 | SAR 1,500 |
| SUV | 4–7 | SAR 180 | SAR 540 | SAR 1,800 |
| Luxury / VIP | 1–4 | SAR 400 | SAR 1,200 | SAR 4,000 |
| Female Driver / Family-Safe | 1–6 | SAR 130 | SAR 390 | SAR 1,300 |
| Wheelchair Accessible Van | 1–4 + wheelchair | SAR 170 | SAR 510 | SAR 1,700 |
| Group Bus / Coaster | 12–50 | SAR 350 | SAR 1,050 | SAR 3,500 |
What is included in the hourly rate?
The 20% night surcharge applies to rides at night (00:00–05:00), so a booking that runs late shows it in the quote. If your plan includes a long drive out of the city, send the full itinerary when you book and we quote the whole day as one fixed price.
- A driver licensed by the Transport General Authority
- The vehicle class you choose, air-conditioned
- Fuel for driving within the city
- Waiting time at every stop, so you can spend as long as you like at each place
- The driver's name and plate, sent the day before
Hourly driver or point-to-point taxi?
Book by the hour when you have three or more stops in a day, such as Ziyarat, meetings or shopping. For a single trip from A to B, such as an airport transfer, a fixed point-to-point fare is cheaper.
A day trip shows the difference. Makkah to Taif is SAR 160 each way in an economy sedan, so two one-way rides cost SAR 320, less than a full day with a driver. Keeping the driver makes sense when you want the driver to wait at each stop in Taif and drive you back when you are ready, rather than booking separate rides there. Our hourly chauffeur vs point-to-point comparison sums up when each fits.
Example days and what they cost
Some example plans, priced by the hour in the city where the day takes place.
| Plan | Hours | Economy | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah Ziyarat: Jabal al-Nour, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah | 3 to 4 | SAR 240 to SAR 320 | SAR 450 to SAR 600 |
| Madinah Ziyarat: Quba, Uhud and Qiblatayn | 3 to 4 | SAR 240 to SAR 320 | SAR 450 to SAR 600 |
| Al Ahsa Oasis half-day tour from Hofuf | 4 | SAR 320 | SAR 600 |
| Shopping and the Corniche in Jeddah | 4 | SAR 320 | SAR 600 |
| Business meetings across Riyadh | 10 | SAR 800 | SAR 1,500 |
Weekly and monthly drivers
For projects, long stays or a relocation, we offer weekly rates. Companies can put drivers on a corporate account with one monthly invoice with VAT and trip reports per cost centre. Ask for a quote with your dates, city and vehicle.
If you need the same driver every working day in the capital, read our guide to a monthly chauffeur in Riyadh.
Driver or self-drive rental?
A car with driver costs more per day than a rental car, but with a rental you pay for fuel, may leave a deposit and must find parking. Near the Haram in Makkah and Madinah, parking is difficult at busy times, while a driver can drop you at the nearest point and collect you after prayer.
Self-drive suits confident drivers on long road trips outside the holy cities. See car with driver vs self-drive rental and our Saudi road trip rules guide before you decide.
How to book a private driver
- Send the city, date, start time and a rough plan on WhatsApp.
- Choose the vehicle by passengers and luggage: economy for up to 3, Comfort MPV for up to 6, family van for up to 11.
- Ask for a driver who speaks your language. Most speak English or Urdu as well as Arabic, and many also speak Hindi and Bengali.
- For a female driver in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh or Dammam, book at least 12 hours ahead.
- Pay in cash or by card in the car, or by bank transfer or the STC Bank app before the day.
- Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time.