Saudi Arabia – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How do taxis work in Saudi Arabia, and are they safe and reliable for expats?

Taxis are plentiful throughout Saudi Arabia, and every major city has thousands of them ready to ferry passengers across town. The system differs from those in cities such as London or Sydney, where licensed cabs follow uniform national standards and are easy to identify — in Saudi Arabia, taxis are privately owned and individually operated, though they must be registered with an authorised company. All licensed taxis are fitted with a fare meter, and the interior of each vehicle must display both an operator number and a photograph of the driver.

Riyadh, as the Kingdom’s largest city, has a fleet of more than 20,000 turquoise taxis introduced as part of efforts to modernise the industry and strengthen passenger protections. These taxis are metered and GPS-tracked, with all payments processed electronically — the one exception being airport transfers from Riyadh Airport, where a fixed fare structure applies. Fares are calculated by taximeter using both distance and time, and the rate does not change between day and night.

Older white taxis are also still on the roads; these vehicles do not use meters and are not guaranteed to accept card payments. If you board one, you will need to agree on a fare before the journey begins. Whenever possible, choose the newer turquoise fleet. It is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to refuse payment if the meter has not been activated — this right should be stated on a notice displayed inside the cab.

Saudi Arabia’s General Transport Authority has introduced updated draft regulations aimed at raising standards across public and airport taxi services. These measures set out rigorous licensing requirements for both drivers and vehicles, define operational zones, and establish expectations for driver behaviour — all with the objective of improving service quality and passenger safety.

Standard saloon taxis seat up to four passengers, while larger SUV and minivan options can carry up to eight, making them well suited to families travelling together. Smoking is prohibited in all taxi vehicles. It is good practice to request a receipt at the end of every journey in case you leave belongings behind, since drivers are obligated to take reasonable steps to reunite passengers with lost items.

Which ride-hailing apps work in Saudi Arabia, and how do I use them?

Saudi Arabia’s transport sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, giving rise to a vibrant mix of ride-sharing and taxi applications, accelerated by the Vision 2030 reform agenda and now spanning cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, ride-hailing platforms across the Kingdom completed over 32 million trips — a 104% increase from the previous year — with 263,000 active drivers and 15,300 operating platforms.

The key apps you should be aware of are:

• Uber — Uber provides a broad spectrum of ride options, from the everyday UberX to the upscale Uber Black and the larger-capacity UberXL for group journeys. Uber has adapted its services to comply with Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms and regulatory framework, including the introduction of options allowing female passengers to request female drivers.
• Careem — Originally founded in the region, Careem occupies a distinct and trusted position in Saudi Arabia’s ride-hailing market. Following its acquisition by Uber in 2020, it has continued to operate as a recognisable regional brand with its own identity and focus. The Careem app features multiple payment methods and supplementary services such as food delivery, making it a versatile tool for daily urban life.
• Bolt — Operating under the globally established Bolt brand, this platform has been steadily expanding across Saudi Arabia’s major cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Bolt offers differentiated ride categories — premium vehicles for business travellers and budget-friendly options for cost-conscious riders — with clear, transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
• Jeeny — Jeeny is one of several additional ride-sharing apps active in Saudi Arabia alongside the larger international platforms. It has a particularly notable presence in Riyadh.
• Kaiian — Kaiian is a locally founded ride-hailing service that has carved out a niche as a homegrown alternative to international competitors, closely attuned to Saudi culture, local preferences, and the regulatory environment. Kaiian claims to offer services in more than 60 towns and cities across the Kingdom.
• inDrive — inDrive brings a distinctive fare-negotiation model to the Saudi market, enabling passengers to suggest their own price, which drivers may then accept or counter-propose. This approach suits budget-aware travellers who are comfortable with a degree of negotiation.

To begin using any of these apps, download them via the App Store or Google Play, create an account using your phone number — a local Saudi SIM card is strongly advised for reliability, since an active internet connection is essential to book rides — and link a payment method. Careem in particular may encounter difficulties with some overseas phone numbers and foreign-issued credit cards, so setting up a locally issued card or using a widely accepted international card such as Visa or Mastercard is the most dependable approach. The leading platforms offer interfaces in both Arabic and English, ensuring non-Arabic speakers can navigate without difficulty.

Much as Grab has come to define urban mobility across much of Southeast Asia, Uber, Careem, and Hala Taxi (in Riyadh) now represent the benchmark for city travel in Saudi Arabia, though homegrown startups are gaining traction by offering more competitive fares.

Where can I find taxis and book rides in the capital city and major expat areas of Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh is home to the largest concentration of expatriates in the Kingdom. Taxis are in plentiful supply throughout the capital and represent an excellent choice for expats who prefer not to purchase their own vehicle. You can secure a taxi in Riyadh by hailing one from the kerb, joining a queue at a designated taxi stand, calling a dispatch service, using a taxi app, or arranging a pre-booked transfer through a private company. Taxi stands are most commonly located outside major shopping centres, transport hubs, and near prominent hotels in the city centre. Official airport taxis depart from outside each of the five terminals at Riyadh Airport — no advance booking is required, and a fixed fare of approximately SAR 100 (as of 2025) applies for journeys to the city centre, though this figure may vary depending on your specific destination.

Ride-hailing services including Uber and its regional counterpart Careem are fully operational in Riyadh and are especially valuable for bypassing language barriers. The Hala Taxi service — which runs through the Careem platform — is also well established in the capital. For those who prefer a local dispatch service, the national app Taxi – أجرة (available on both iOS and Android) connects passengers directly with registered taxi drivers in the city.

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city and a significant expatriate hub, with popular residential neighbourhoods including Al Hamra, Al Rawdah, and Al Andalus. Alongside Riyadh and Dammam, Jeddah has enthusiastically embraced digital ride-hailing as a means of improving convenience, safety, and transport efficiency. Uber, Careem, and Bolt all have an active presence in the city. For airport arrivals at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), taxis can be found at dedicated ranks outside the arrivals hall. At large international airports such as King Abdulaziz International Airport, taxis generally operate on set destination-based charges — always verify current transfer fares directly with the driver or via the official airport website at www.jeddahairport.com.

Dammam and the Eastern Province — encompassing Al Khobar and Dhahran — host a sizeable expat community, largely employed in the oil and energy industries. Uber and Careem are the dominant platforms in this region. Traditional taxi ranks can be found at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) and at major commercial and retail centres. For travel between towns within the Eastern Province, ride-hailing apps remain the most practical and convenient option.

The local platform Kaiian has an extensive geographic reach, serving smaller cities such as Tabuk, Buraydah, Khamis Mushait, Yanbu, Hail, Najran, and numerous others where international apps may have fewer available drivers. If you are relocating to a smaller city, installing Kaiian as a supplementary option is strongly recommended. You can access Kaiian’s support services at kaiian.com or by emailing [email protected].

For official information on licensed taxi services in the Kingdom, consult the Saudi General Transport Authority (GTA) website.

How much does a taxi or ride-hailing trip cost in Saudi Arabia?

Compared with many international cities, taxis in Riyadh are reasonably affordable, and there is no variation in tariff between daytime, night-time, or weekend journeys. Government-approved fares are calculated by taximeter, meaning the total cost reflects the actual distance covered. Across the city, fares generally fall somewhere between SAR 10 and SAR 50 per trip depending on how far you travel (as of 2025).

The starting fare is approximately 5 SAR, with a subsequent charge of around 2 SAR per kilometre for metered taxis (as of 2024 — always confirm current rates with the driver or check official sources, as these figures are subject to change). As a rough guide, a 5 km journey in Saudi Arabia costs approximately 26.5 SAR (as of 2025 third-party estimates — verify current pricing through your app or with the driver). For ride-hailing services, a comparable 5 km trip typically costs between 10 and 30 SAR depending on demand levels, the class of vehicle, and the city (as of 2025), making app-based fares highly competitive with traditional metered taxis.

A cross-city journey through central Riyadh might run to around 80–90 SAR, which may appear steep at first glance — but the sheer scale of the city means that distances between points are substantial, and longer trips are very much the norm. Airport taxis at major international airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, typically operate on fixed destination-based tariffs (as of 2024) — always settle on an agreed fare before your journey begins.

For intercity travel, fares rise considerably. The typical taxi fare from Jeddah to Makkah is around 200 SAR, while the journey from Makkah to Madinah averages around 400 SAR (as of 2024 estimates — confirm with your operator as prices differ by vehicle type and prevailing traffic). For longer intercity trips, the KDDAD app is purpose-built for travel between different cities.

During major religious and public holidays — particularly Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid — fares can rise sharply, as some drivers take advantage of elevated demand. Booking through a ride-hailing app during these periods gives you greater protection, since the fare is locked in before the journey starts. Always check live pricing directly within the app or on the Uber or Careem platforms, as surge pricing may apply.

Are there any common scams or safety issues with taxis in Saudi Arabia that expats should know about?

One of the most frequently reported problems is drivers deliberately bypassing their meters and then demanding inflated fares once the destination is reached. As soon as you board a taxi, ask the driver to activate the meter without delay. Remember that you are legally within your rights to withhold payment if the meter was never switched on — be aware of this rule and exercise it calmly if necessary.

Certain drivers — particularly those positioned at airports — may attempt to extract the highest possible payment irrespective of what a fair fare would be. Airport arrivals represent a particularly exposed moment for newly arrived expats, so wherever possible, pre-book a transfer via Uber or Careem, or proceed directly to the official metered taxi rank rather than engaging with drivers who solicit passengers inside the terminal building.

Before boarding, take a moment to verify that the vehicle displays appropriate identification and official markings. Licensed taxis carry licensing information, and each cab should have both an operator number and a driver photograph displayed inside to ensure accountability and regulatory compliance. If either of these is missing, do not get in.

The most reliable safeguard against potential scams is to use reputable ride-hailing apps — these allow you to verify driver details in advance, monitor your route in real time, and settle the fare digitally, all of which significantly reduce your exposure to dishonest practices.

While Saudi roads are generally well maintained and of high quality, driving standards can be a concern — aggressive and reckless behaviour behind the wheel is not uncommon, which is one reason many expats opt to employ a personal driver. Expats riding in taxis should keep this in mind; traffic cameras are increasingly deployed to penalise red-light violations and speeding, and fines are substantial.

Travelling alone, especially at night, warrants additional caution. If at any point you suspect a driver does not know where he is going, seems to be extending the journey unnecessarily, or makes you feel uncomfortable, insist on being let out. Make a note of the operator’s details and driver name displayed inside the vehicle so you can file a complaint if required.

How do I pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in Saudi Arabia — cash, card, or app?

The newer generation of metered taxis in Riyadh require all fares to be settled electronically, in step with Saudi Arabia’s broader drive toward a cashless economy under Vision 2030. Older white taxis do not necessarily have card payment capabilities, so if you find yourself in one, ensure you have Saudi Riyals on hand to cover a pre-negotiated fare.

Uber’s cashless payment infrastructure supports credit cards and local Saudi payment methods, consistent with the country’s digital transaction agenda. Careem likewise accommodates a range of payment options within its app. Both platforms accept internationally issued Visa and Mastercard cards in most situations, though Careem can occasionally experience difficulties with foreign phone numbers and overseas-issued cards. Once you have your residency card (Iqama) and a Saudi bank account, setting up a local payment method is the most dependable long-term solution.

In the major cities, payment by card is increasingly standard in metered taxis, though some drivers still handle cash transactions. As a sensible precaution, carry a small amount of Saudi Riyals (SAR) for situations where card readers are unavailable or malfunctioning, or when travelling through areas outside the main urban centres.

Local digital payment solutions including STC Pay and Apple Pay are gaining wider acceptance, both within apps and among some individual drivers. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) oversees digital payment regulation in the Kingdom, and its website provides useful guidance on consumer rights in relation to cashless transactions.

Are there alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Saudi Arabia as an expat?

For many years, public transport in Riyadh was severely limited — but that changed in December 2024 when the long-anticipated Riyadh Metro finally opened its doors. Featuring six lines, it now provides a fast and efficient way to navigate the capital. With 85 stations and air-conditioned carriages, the metro links key business districts, residential neighbourhoods, and leisure destinations, and connects seamlessly with the Riyadh bus network, offering a rapid, cashless alternative to driving or hailing a cab. For expats whose home and workplace are conveniently located near metro stations, this has become a genuinely practical and economical daily option.

The Riyadh Metro holds the distinction of being the longest fully automated metro network in the world, stretching 176 kilometres across six colour-coded lines and designed to handle up to 3.6 million passengers each day. Tickets can be purchased through the Riyadh Metro app or via machines at station entrances. For full details, visit the Riyadh Metro official website.

Saudi Coach Bus (SAPTCO) operates an extensive national network linking smaller towns and rural communities with major cities, with routes serving Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Tabuk, Taif, Abha, and Dammam, among others. Coaches are equipped with air conditioning and toilet facilities, making SAPTCO a cost-effective choice for intercity journeys. Tickets and schedules can be accessed through the SAPTCO website.

City bus services are available for both urban and intercity travel, and a passenger rail line connects Riyadh with Dammam. Saudi Arabia Railways operates two main rail corridors — between Riyadh and Qurayyat, and between Riyadh and Dammam. Trains are air-conditioned and generally offer a comfortable standard of service. The high-speed Haramain Western Railway additionally links Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina in considerably shorter travel times.

Car rental is a popular choice among expats seeking greater independence and flexibility. Many expats in Saudi Arabia find they can afford vehicles that would be beyond their budget back home, thanks to low import duties and inexpensive fuel. International and local rental companies are present at all major airports and city centres. Saudi Arabia has bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with Gulf countries, Canada, the USA, the EU, and Australia, which allows expats from these nations to convert their existing licence to a Saudi one without sitting a practical driving test. It is worth noting, however, that urban driving conditions can be demanding — speeding, abrupt lane changes, and failure to observe right-of-way are commonplace behaviours among local drivers.

What do expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in Saudi Arabia?

Taxis are widely available in Riyadh and represent a sound option for expats who prefer not to own a car — fares are reasonable, and most drivers will operate the meter in the absence of a pre-arranged fixed price. That said, the experience with street-hailed taxis can be inconsistent. Some drivers are genuinely courteous and professional, while others — particularly around airports — may attempt to charge well above a reasonable rate.

Language presents a real day-to-day challenge. A driver’s proficiency in English or other non-Arabic languages varies enormously — from reasonably competent to virtually non-existent. Having your destination written out in Arabic before you travel is a practical habit to develop. This is precisely why platforms such as Uber and Careem are so valued by the expat community — the destination is entered directly into the app, eliminating the need for verbal directions entirely.

Because both Uber and Careem fix the price of a trip before it begins, there is no scope for fare disputes or uncomfortable negotiation. The integration of GPS also means your driver navigates accurately to your destination without requiring you to give directions. For expats relocating from cities with well-developed public transport — such as London, Tokyo, or Singapore — the historical absence of a metro has made ride-hailing an indispensable part of daily life in Saudi Arabia, though this is changing fast: the Riyadh Metro is already reshaping how people move around the capital, and Jeddah’s bus network provides an affordable supplementary option.

Approximately 80% of ride-hailing app users in Saudi Arabia are female — a striking social shift that has unfolded since the ban on women driving was lifted. Both Careem and certain Uber service tiers now offer female-only driver options, a feature that many expat women report finding particularly reassuring, especially when travelling unaccompanied after dark.

When it comes to airport journeys, the prevailing expat wisdom is to pre-book via Uber or Careem rather than boarding a street taxi. This approach removes any ambiguity around metered versus unmetered fares, generates a digital record of the trip, and enables passengers to share their live location with a trusted contact for additional peace of mind. Some expats choose to save the details of a reliable personal driver and call on them as needed — a common arrangement for those with predictable daily schedules, such as school runs or regular commutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate in Saudi Arabia?

Uber is fully operational across Saudi Arabia and has had a transformative impact on urban mobility in the Kingdom, introducing advanced technology and a passenger-focused experience that has been widely embraced by residents and visitors alike. It offers UberX for standard everyday journeys, Uber Black for premium comfort, and UberXL for larger groups. The service covers Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other major cities. To get started, download the app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account with your phone number and a payment card.

How do I get from the airport to the city by taxi in Saudi Arabia?

At major international airports including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, taxis are available at designated ranks and generally operate on fixed destination-based charges. Always confirm the fare with the driver before departing. In Riyadh, authorised airport taxis depart from outside each terminal without the need for advance booking, charging a fixed fare of around SAR 100 to the city centre (as of 2025). As an alternative, pre-booking via Uber or Careem ensures a fully transparent, pre-agreed price.

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Saudi Arabia?

Taxis and ride-hailing services are generally regarded as safe in Saudi Arabia. For solo passengers travelling at night, using an app-based service rather than flagging down a street taxi is strongly recommended, as it provides verifiable driver identification, live GPS tracking, and a complete journey record. Where possible, limiting solo travel late at night is advisable, and sharing your live trip status with a trusted contact adds a further layer of security whenever you feel uncertain.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a taxi driver?

The moment you board a taxi, ask the driver to switch on the meter — some deliberately avoid doing so in order to charge inflated amounts at journey’s end. You are legally entitled to withhold payment if the meter was never activated. The surest protection against overcharging is to use a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Careem, where the fare is confirmed before the trip begins. Verifying driver details in advance, monitoring your route via GPS, and paying digitally are the most effective precautions against dishonest practices.

What should I do if a driver refuses to use the meter?

If a driver declines to activate the meter, you are fully entitled to exit the vehicle before the journey starts. Should you decide to continue, negotiate and agree on a fixed price before getting in, so there are no disagreements when you arrive. Non-compliant drivers can be reported to the General Transport Authority via their official website or through the relevant consumer complaint channels.

Do I need a local phone number to use Uber or Careem in Saudi Arabia?

In many cases, both apps can be registered using an international number, but a local Saudi SIM card is strongly recommended for the most seamless experience. Careem in particular may have difficulty with foreign numbers and overseas credit cards. Having a local SIM also guarantees a reliable data connection at all times, which is essential given that an active internet connection is required to book rides through any of these platforms.

Are there ride-hailing options in smaller Saudi cities outside Riyadh and Jeddah?

Yes. Kaiian operates across Saudi Arabia and offers ride-hailing in dozens of towns including Tabuk, Buraydah, Khamis Mushait, Yanbu, Hail, and Najran. In locations where Uber and Careem have a limited pool of available drivers, Kaiian and inDrive serve as practical alternatives. Conventional taxis are also available in most towns, though meter usage may be less consistent in areas outside the major cities.

Is public transport a viable alternative to taxis for expats in Riyadh?

The Riyadh Metro, which opened in December 2024, now offers a fast and efficient way to travel across the capital via six lines. With 85 stations and air-conditioned trains serving key business districts, residential areas, and leisure destinations, the network integrates with the city’s bus services and provides a swift, cashless travel option. For expats whose daily routine takes them between locations close to metro stations, it has already become a practical and affordable complement to ride-hailing apps.