Self-drive road trip · Saudi Arabia
A slower self-drive through Najdi villages, Ha’il rock art and three nights in AlUla
Per person, estimatedUS$611
Trace Saudi Arabia’s central and northern heritage on a ten-day, nine-night self-drive from Riyadh to Medina. Spend time in Diriyah, continue via Ushaiger to Unaizah, explore the Buraydah area and Ha’il, visit the rock art of Jubbah, and stay three nights in AlUla for its ancient sites and desert scenery. Finish with a night in Medina. This is a suggested route with hotels, one-way car rental and excursions to be priced for your dates.
One continuous route from Riyadh to Medina — no backtracking
Mix of UNESCO sites, ancient rock art and living heritage villages
Drive at your own pace with a one-way rental
Three full nights in AlUla to really take it in
Remote highlights like Jubbah rock art and the Hutaymah crater
Wide choice of hotels from comfortable mid-range to five-star
Connects regions most visitors skip entirely
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in Riyadh
Your stay in RiyadhDays 1–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at RIYADH (RUH), from 10:00. It's yours for all 10 days.
Arrive at Riyadh airport (RUH), collect your rental car and settle in. If your flight arrives early, explore a local market or enjoy dinner in the capital. Overnight in Riyadh.
Overnight: Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud, night 1 of 2
Explore Diriyah, including the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district subject to opening hours and timed admission. Return to Riyadh for the National Museum or another city attraction. Overnight in Riyadh.
Overnight: Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud, night 2 of 2
“Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud impresses guests with its clean, spacious rooms, exceptional service from a dedicated staff, and excellent amenities including a standout breakfast buffet with live cooking. Visitors consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, reasonable prices, and thoughtful touches that make it a top choice for both leisure and business travelers in Riyadh.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 9033 King Fahd Road Olaya, Riyadh
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Riyadh surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Unaizah
Your stay in UnaizahDays 3–4
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Leave Riyadh for Ushaiger Heritage Village, with time to walk through its traditional lanes. Continue into the Qassim region and arrive in Unaizah for the night. Check opening arrangements and allow adequate time for the drive. Overnight in Unaizah.
Overnight: Gulanar Hotel
Included in your trip1 night, Al Safir Al Shabaily Streetprince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Street Behind Saudi Telecom, Unaizah
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Unaizah surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Ha’il
Your stay in Ha’ilDays 4–6
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Explore Buraydah and the Qassim region before driving north toward Ha’il. The Hutaymah volcanic crater is a remote optional detour near Tabah; attempt it only if current access, road conditions and a suitable vehicle or local guide are confirmed. Arrive in Ha’il and overnight.
Overnight: Golden Tulip Hail, night 1 of 2
Make a day excursion to Jubbah to see its remarkable ancient rock art. Arrange access in advance and allow time for the drive out and back. Return to Ha’il for a second night.
Overnight: Golden Tulip Hail, night 2 of 2
Included in your trip2 Nights, Madina Road, Ha'il
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Ha’il surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in AlUla
Your stay in AlUlaDays 6–9
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Explore Ha’il’s heritage sites in the morning, subject to opening hours, then drive west to AlUla. Arrive and enjoy a relaxed evening in the oasis. Overnight in AlUla.
Overnight: Shaden Resort Al Ula Managed by Accor, night 1 of 3
Spend a full day discovering AlUla Old Town, the oasis and Elephant Rock. Choose guided or independently accessible experiences according to current opening times. Overnight in AlUla.
Overnight: Shaden Resort Al Ula Managed by Accor, night 2 of 3
Reserve a guided visit to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO-listed Nabataean site. If timing permits, add Jabal Ikmah or Dadan on a separately booked visit. Overnight in AlUla.
Overnight: Shaden Resort Al Ula Managed by Accor, night 3 of 3
Included in your trip3 Nights, Hail Street Alula 43515 Ksa, Al-`Ula
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let AlUla surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Medina
Your stay in MedinaDays 9–10
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Drive from AlUla to Medina. Explore accessible museums or the Hejaz Railway heritage area where open, and respect local access restrictions at religious sites. Overnight in Medina.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel Madinah
Included in your trip1 night, 4608 Khallad Ibn Suwaid, Medina
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Medina surprise you.
Return your car at MADINAH (MED) by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
Use the morning for Medina’s cultural sites or a relaxed final breakfast. Return the one-way rental car at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) for your onward flight. The Prophet’s Mosque and its premises are restricted to Muslims.
Departure day · No overnight stay
Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$1,222
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$611 | US$388 | US$1,251 | US$839 |
| Per night | US$68 / night | US$55 / nightBest | US$179 / night | US$120 / night |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 10 days, 9 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights |
| Stops | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Places | Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Unaizah Saudi Arabia, Ha'il Saudi Arabia, AlUla Saudi Arabia, Medina Saudi Arabia | The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates, Hatta - Dubai - United Arab Emirates, Fujairah - United Arab Emirates, Ras Al-Khaimah - Ras Al Khaimah - United Arab Emirates | Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Ras Al-Jinz, Wahiba Sands Desert Camp, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar | Salalah, Mirbat, Salalah Beach Villas-Beach Spa |
| Start and finish | Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport – Medina, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport | Dubai | Muscat | Salalah |
| On the road | ||||
| Total driving | About 1,585 km | About 290 km | About 590 km | About 150 km |
| Longest drive day | About 485 km | About 135 km | About 245 km | About 80 kmBest |
| Car included | Yes | Mini | Full-size | Intermediate SUV |
| Stays and extras | ||||
| Hotels included | 3 to 5-star hotels | 3 to 5-star hotels | 3 to 5-star hotels | 4 to 5-star hotels |
| Hotel choice | About 7 hotels per stop | About 9 hotels per stopBest | About 4 hotels per stop | About 4 hotels per stop |
| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
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