Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
What is the difference between an SUV and a sedan?
When you book an SUV taxi in Saudi Arabia with us, you get a full-size American SUV such as a GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition, with captain seats, a leather interior and tinted windows. A sedan is a Corolla- or Camry-class car. The differences that matter on a long trip are seats, suitcases and price.
| Vehicle class | Typical models | Passengers | Suitcases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan | Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato | 1–3 | 2 |
| Standard Sedan | Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord | 1–3 | 3 |
| Comfort MPV | Toyota Innova, Hyundai Staria, Kia Carnival | 4–6 | 5 |
| SUV | GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition | 4–7 | 6 |
How much does each cost on long routes?
Fares are per car, one way and fixed before you book, with fuel and tolls included.
| Route | Distance | Time | Economy | Standard | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh to Dammam | 400 km | 4 h | SAR 680 | SAR 800 | SAR 1,400 |
| Makkah to Madinah | 450 km | 4 h 30 min | SAR 770 | SAR 900 | SAR 1,580 |
| Jeddah to Madinah | 420 km | 4 h | SAR 720 | SAR 840 | SAR 1,470 |
| Madinah to Al Ula | 350 km | 3 h 30 min | SAR 600 | SAR 700 | SAR 1,230 |
| Riyadh to Buraydah | 330 km | 3 h 30 min | SAR 570 | SAR 660 | SAR 1,160 |
| Riyadh to Jeddah | 950 km | 9 h | SAR 1,620 | SAR 1,900 | SAR 3,330 |
Cost per person: when does the SUV pay its way?
For 1 to 3 people a sedan is always cheaper. From 4 people the sedan option means two cars, and the comparison changes. Here is Riyadh to Dammam.
| Group | Option | Total | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 people | One economy sedan | SAR 680 | SAR 227 |
| 3 people | One SUV | SAR 1,400 | SAR 467 |
| 4 people | Two economy sedans | SAR 1,360 | SAR 340 |
| 4 people | One Comfort MPV | SAR 1,000 | SAR 250 |
| 4 people | One SUV | SAR 1,400 | SAR 350 |
| 7 people | One SUV | SAR 1,400 | SAR 200 |
| 7 people | One family van | SAR 1,280 | SAR 183 |
What do you get for the extra cost?
The Comfort MPV is the cheapest way to move 4 to 6 people, and the family van the cheapest for 7 or more; our SUV vs family van comparison goes into detail. The SUV costs more than both. What you pay for is the ride:
- Captain seats and a leather interior, which make a drive of 4 h 30 min, such as Makkah to Madinah, more comfortable.
- Space for 6 suitcases, against 2 in an economy sedan and 3 in a standard sedan.
- Tinted windows, useful in strong sun on open highways.
- One vehicle for a family of 5 to 7, so nobody travels in a second car.
When is a sedan the better choice?
A sedan is the better choice when one of these fits your trip. Our economy vs standard sedan page compares the two sedan classes.
- You are 1 to 3 people with up to 2 suitcases. An economy sedan is the lowest fare.
- You want more legroom without paying for an SUV. A standard sedan is Camry class, model year 2022 or newer, and takes 3 suitcases.
- You travel on business with a laptop bag and a carry-on.
- Budget matters most on a very long route. On Riyadh to Jeddah the SUV costs SAR 1,710 more than an economy sedan.
Do not forget the luggage
Three adults with 4 large suitcases will not fit in an economy sedan, which takes 2. A standard sedan takes 3. For more cases, choose a Comfort MPV with 5, an SUV with 6 or a family van with 10. Rest, prayer and meal stops are included on long routes in every class, so the choice is about space and comfort, not stops.
On the way home from Umrah, count Zamzam as luggage, and add a pushchair or a folding wheelchair to your suitcase total.
Booking an SUV for an intercity trip
- Send the route, date, pickup time, number of passengers and number of suitcases.
- Ask for an SUV by name if you want one. Otherwise we suggest the class that fits your group.
- Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 add 20%. A return costs about 5% less than two one-way fares.
- For a day with several stops, keep the SUV by the hour: SAR 180 per hour with a 3-hour minimum.
- Ask for a child seat, a Miqat stop or a driver who speaks your language when you book.