Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How long is the drive from Riyadh to Buraydah?
A Riyadh to Buraydah taxi takes Route 65, the Qassim Highway, north-west from the capital. The distance is 330 km and the driving time about 3 h 30 min, plus any city traffic you meet leaving Riyadh. Buraydah is the capital of Qassim and the centre of Saudi date farming.
The highway is a dual carriageway, fast and straight, so this is a comfortable half-day trip. Leave Riyadh after breakfast and you can be in Buraydah by early afternoon, with time for a stop on the way.
The route and the rest stop at Al Majma'ah
The Al Majma'ah stop is included in the fare, and you can ask for more breaks. If you travel with children or elderly parents, tell us when you book and the driver plans extra stops.
- Pickup anywhere in Riyadh, or at King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
- North on Route 65 to Al Majma'ah, a university town 190 km from Riyadh, about 2 h. This is the usual rest and prayer stop.
- On along the same highway into Qassim.
- Drop-off at your hotel, home or office in Buraydah. Unaizah is 25 km further south.
Riyadh to Buraydah taxi fares
Fares are per car and fixed before the ride, with fuel, tolls and the driver included. Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 carry a 20% night surcharge, shown in your quote.
| Vehicle | Seats | Riyadh to Buraydah | Riyadh to Unaizah | Riyadh Airport to Buraydah |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 570 | SAR 600 | SAR 610 |
| Standard Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 660 | SAR 700 | SAR 710 |
| Comfort MPV | 4–6 | SAR 830 | SAR 880 | SAR 890 |
| SUV | 4–7 | SAR 1,160 | SAR 1,230 | SAR 1,240 |
| Family Van | 7–11 | SAR 1,060 | SAR 1,120 | SAR 1,140 |
| Luxury / VIP | 1–4 | SAR 1,980 | SAR 2,100 | SAR 2,130 |
Taxi, train or flight to Qassim?
The SAR North Line runs from Riyadh North Station to Qassim Station, with a stop at Al Majma'ah on the way. Qassim Station serves both Buraydah and Unaizah and is about 20 km from Buraydah, so you still need a ride at each end. Our drivers can meet you at Qassim Station.
Qassim also has an airport, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Regional Airport (ELQ), about 30 km from Buraydah. Train and airline fares and timetables change, so check with the operator before you plan around them.
For a family or a group with luggage, one car door to door is usually simpler, and the fare is per car rather than per person. See Riyadh to Buraydah: taxi vs train for a side-by-side view.
From Riyadh Airport straight to Buraydah
If you fly into Riyadh, you do not need to stop in the city. The driver meets you in arrivals and drives straight to Qassim: 354 km, about 3 h 35 min, from SAR 610 in an economy sedan.
We track your flight, and the driver waits free for 60 minutes after landing. Our post on Riyadh Airport to Buraydah covers the airport side in more detail.
When is Buraydah busiest?
Buraydah is busiest during the Buraydah Dates Festival, usually in late summer during the date harvest. It is one of the largest date markets in the world, and mornings at the market are the busiest time. Book your car early for those weeks.
Summer days in Qassim are hot. An early start from Riyadh keeps most of the drive in the cooler morning hours.
Going further: Unaizah, Ha'il and AlUla
Unaizah, a heritage town, is 25 km from Buraydah, with a flat fare between the two cities. From Riyadh, the drive to Unaizah is 350 km, about 3 h 35 min.
Ha'il is 310 km north of Buraydah on Route 65, a straight desert highway. The whole trip from Riyadh to Ha'il is 640 km, with rest stops at Al Majma'ah and Buraydah. Buraydah is also an overnight stop on the long drive from Riyadh to AlUla.