Riyadh to Jeddah: Distance, Drive Time & Travel Cost (Highway 40)
By Wijhatik team · Updated: August 2026
Transport comparison — Riyadh to Jeddah
Flight/bus/train prices are per person, one-way, estimated; car cost is for the whole vehicle, one-way. Check official operators for exact fares; live flight prices are in the calculator.
The road and drive time (Riyadh → Jeddah)
The main route is Highway 40 (the Riyadh–Makkah Expressway heading west), about 950 km with a driving time of ~9 hours in normal conditions (longer with stops and traffic). It passes through Al Duwadimi and Afif before nearing Makkah and Jeddah. Car fuel is roughly ~175 SAR for the whole vehicle (950 km × 8 L/100km × local fuel price).
Car or plane?
For ~950 km and ~9 hours, flying is the practical choice for most (~1h 20m, with many daily flights at competitive fares). Driving suits those who want flexibility or are travelling as a group with lots of luggage.
Fuel and rest stops
It is a long desert drive; fuel stations and rest areas line Highway 40, with the main refuelling points around Al Duwadimi and Afif. Rule of thumb: fill up whenever you can and stop every ~2 hours.
Traffic and seasons
Traffic builds near Makkah during Umrah, Hajj and Ramadan, and on Thursday evenings (the start of the weekend). For a calmer drive, start early morning and avoid peak seasons.
Is there a train?
🚆 There is no direct passenger train between Riyadh and Jeddah yet (despite how often it is searched). ✈️ Flying is best for this distance (~1h 20m). 🚌 SAPTCO buses are cheaper but slower (~11–12 hrs).
Related routes
Jeddah to Makkah · All city-to-city routes
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Bookable prices (Riyadh → Jeddah) updated in real time by our partners:
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How far is Riyadh from Jeddah?
About 950 km by road, roughly ~9 hrs driving.
What is the fastest way from Riyadh to Jeddah?
Usually the flight (~~1h 20m by air).
What is the cheapest way to travel between Riyadh and Jeddah?
Per person, the bus is usually cheapest (bus from ~90 SAR). Driving can be cheapest when the cost is shared (~175 SAR fuel for the vehicle).
Is there a train between Riyadh and Jeddah?
There is no direct passenger train between Riyadh and Jeddah yet.
How much does it cost to drive from Riyadh to Jeddah?
Roughly ~175 SAR in fuel for the whole vehicle (based on 950 km × 8 L/100km × local fuel price), excluding tolls and wear.
How many hours is Riyadh to Jeddah by car?
Driving takes about ~9 hrs for roughly 950 km in normal conditions, longer at peak times and seasons.
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