Best Road Trips from Jeddah: Scenic Routes, Beaches, Mountains & Hidden Gems

Jeddah, the energetic shore-front entry to Saudi Arabia, ranks among the best places to start your road trips that will last in your memory. Jeddah, nestled between the Red Sea and the mountains and only a few hours away from the deserts, villages, and seaside towns, is a treasure trove of road trips waiting to be discovered. If you seek adventure and rugged hikes, then Jeddah's roads are definitely calling you. However, if you are a beach lover looking for serene beaches, a history buff wanting to visit ancient sites, or a family looking for a nice and quiet weekend trip, then the roads around Jeddah are absolutely perfect for you.

 

Apart from the sheer beauty of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Corniche,  there is also the outstanding diversity of these road trips to Jeddah. In just a few hours, you can switch your bustling Corniche ride for the fishing villages' tranquillity, your drive through the winding mountain roads for volcanic craters, and your tour through modern cities for historic sites included on the UNESCO list. Honestly, each destination welcomes you with its character, natural beauty, and cultural wealth that you have never thought of before.

 

We have here an all-inclusive guide to road trips from Jeddah that are not only scenic and fun but also worth your time. In each of them, you will find the highlights, the tips, the distance, and the must-visit spots. You can decide either to use these road trips as short weekend adventures or as long, interspersed with overnight stays to discover the western part of Saudi Arabia at your own pace.

Road Trips from Jeddah: Scenic Escapes to Beaches, Mountains, and Ancient Wonders

1. Jeddah to Taif: A mountain escape above the clouds 

Distance: Approx. 170 km 

Travel time: 2.5-3 hours

One of the most popular and fulfilling road trips from Jeddah is undoubtedly to Taif, which offers travelers a refreshing change of scenery. When you head east, the scenery changes gradually from the city’s coastal humidity to cold mountain air and green cliffs. Driving the last part of the journey on Al-Hada Road with its steep and winding turns, breathtaking views, and wild monkeys looking at you with curiosity is certainly one of the most beautiful drives in Saudi Arabia.

 

Taif, the “City of Roses”, is widely known for its lovely rose farms that open up every spring. This place becomes a very attractive resort during the summer because of its moderate temperature, which is extremely hot and unbearable in Jeddah. 

 

Al-Rudaf Park, a serene and verdant place perfect for picnics and evening walks, is a must in any itinerary of Taif. Daredevils may take the cable car route in Al-Hada, which is an eye-popping aerial view over the mountains. Sometimes, the region gets a bit of snow in winter; hence, it turns into a dreamlike scenery that can hardly be found elsewhere in the Kingdom.

 

Without a doubt, the combination of the natural environment, cultural heritage, and pleasant climate of Taif is the main reason why this place is always chosen as a destination for road trips from Jeddah, be they quick weekend escapes or extended retreats.

2. Jeddah to Al-Baha: Forests, Fog & Mountain Villages

Distance: Approx. 350 km 

Travel time: 4.5-5 hours

Those who want cold weather, green forests, and mountain villages, a road trip from Jeddah to Al-Baha is a must-have experience. It gradually changes from the flats of the Red Sea to the humid mountains covered with clouds, so every curve of the road is like a photo from a magazine. Al-Baha, which is best known for its terraced farms, old stone villages, and green valleys, is one of the least known places in Saudi Arabia.

 

One of the area’s greatest attractions is Dhee Ayn Village, which, because of its impressive white-stone-built appearance, is called the Marble Village. Besides, banana plantations and natural springs surround it. It is a very good example of the people's way of building and living. Get lost in the old houses, find your way on the narrow streets, and take in the silence of this ancient center.

 

The Raghadan Forest Park is full of things to do for people who love the outdoors, as it has walking trails, refreshing air, and stunning views from the top of the mountain. Another letter from the area of Bani Harith, where the guests can walk in the woods filled with trees and animals.

 

The place is famous for its cold weather, foggy mornings, and nice history, which makes Al-Baha a place that seems to be from another planet as compared to Jeddah's coastal climate. It's a great Jeddah long-distance road trip that nature and history lovers would appreciate.

 

3. Jeddah to Yanbu: Beaches, diving, and coastal relaxation

Distance: Approx. 330 km 

Travel time: 3.5-4 hours

Quite a few getaway road trips are possible out of Jeddah, but the one to Yanbu is definitely one that you need to take if you desire a refreshing coastal escape. The road is not only good and wide, but also the uninhabited desert views on both sides are very soothing and comforting. Yanbu, which happens to be one of the most beautiful Saudi coastal towns, is made up of three major parts: Yanbu Al-Nakhl, the ancient Yanbu Al-Balad, and the contemporary Yanbu Al-Sina’iya.

 

The biggest draw to Yanbu is its sparkling, clear water and unspoiled sandy beaches. The waterfront of Yanbu is totally family-friendly, where one can find a walking area, a children’s playground, and a balcony by the sea. If a tranquil atmosphere is what you are looking for, then Al-Nawras Island would meet your expectations as it is a quiet place for watching the sunset or having a picnic by the sea in silence.

 

Close to the shore of Yanbu, you will discover that the best diving and snorkeling are the main attractions of the city, which will attract the attention of adventure lovers. The Seven Sisters Reef, in particular, is the hardest place to miss due to the bright coral and a wide variety of sea animals living there. In case you are a newbie or an expert diver, the underwater sceneries you find here will be very satisfying.

 

The historic part of Yanbu Al-Balad is the area where you can stroll through the old houses, shop in the traditional markets, and visit the well-known renovated home of T.E. Lawrence for a look at the past of the city. The slow tempo of life, the fresh sea air, and the already known fact that the Jeddah-Yanbu road trip is one of the most relaxing in the world make this part of the world worth visiting.

 

4. Jeddah to Umluj: Saudi Arabia’s “Maldives of the Kingdom”

Distance: Approx. 470 km 

Travel time: 4.5-5 hours

Umluj has offered all of these natural wonders to impress and satisfy the global tourists. The road from Jeddah to Umluj is quite lengthy but straightforward, and you will be passing through deserts and small towns on your way to the lovely seaside place.

 

Umluj is regularly compared to the Maldives, being a part of the Red Sea Project and marked out especially by its calm and clear waters and a vibrant marine ecosystem. To be honest, a boat trip is the only way to reach the pristine islands like Umluj Island or Jabal Hassan Island, where you may find dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish, among other sea creatures.

 

There is no better way of having fun than snorkeling if that is what you are after, as the reefs are very close to the shore and the waves are quite small, which is good for beginners. Those who like to be on land can also take pleasure in the beaches of Umluj, which provide peaceful spots for swimming, sunbathing, or just appreciating the tranquility of the Red Sea.

 

The flawless scenery and unspoiled nature of Umluj place it definitely among the best road trips from Jeddah.

 

5. Jeddah to Rabigh: A quick beachside escape 

Distance: Approx. 150 km 

Travel time: 1.5-2 hours

Rabigh is a perfect weekend escape for a short and easy road trip from Jeddah. The drive is smooth and, therefore, great for families, a solo traveler, or anyone who wants to take a peaceful break without spending hours on the road.

 

Quiet beaches such as Al-Nawras Beach and the peaceful beaches located to the north of the city are the main attractions of Rabigh. These places have calm waters, soft sands, and are spacious for anyone to relax. Though Rabigh is not as developed as Jeddah’s waterfront, which is full of life, the simplicity of Rabigh and its natural beauty still make it attractive to people who want to relax.

 

Fishing, swimming, or just walking along the shore are some of the activities the travelers can do. The village of Thuwal, which is close by, also has more beaches and seafood restaurants that offer fresh catches of the day.

 

In case you have a very tight schedule but still want to have a refreshing break by the sea, Rabigh is one of the most convenient and enjoyable road trips that you can take from Jeddah.

6. Jeddah to Medina: A spiritual and historic journey 

Distance: Approx. 420 km 

Travel time: 4-5 hours)

Traveling by car from Jeddah to Medina is definitely a spiritual, historical, and culturally significant experience in addition to being a trip. It is true that the road trip is stunning while going through the wide desert stretches and little villages before you can breathe the fresh air of one of the calmest urban atmospheres in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, although Medina is among the holiest places in Islam.

 

In fact, one can say that Medinah is the true hometown of the Prophet, where the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is situated at the center of it, which is a very important place. Even non-Muslim travelers can gain very great experiences by visiting public areas which include museums, Islamic monuments, and the peaceful city streets.

 

Moreover, Medina has the ability to lure visitors with a variety of places like Mount Uhud, Quba Mosque - the first mosque, Hejaz Railway Museum, and local markets where you can find traditional handmade goods and Saudi delicacies.

 

Because of its great roads and culturally rich places, Medina becomes one of the most historic and spiritual road trips full of cultural depth which can be done from Jeddah to the delight of the travelers.

7. Jeddah to AlUla: Timeless desert landscapes and ancient wonders 

Distance: Approx. 620 km 

Travel time: 7-8 hours

A road trip from Jeddah to AlUla is a journey into the past of Saudi Arabia’s stunning landscapes. Although the drive is quite far, it is very rewarding, as it offers the ever-changing desert landscape, empty roads, and even some views of the countryside life.

 

AlUla is a place of no comparison- a place where huge cliffs, old tombs, and archaeological marvels are combined flawlessly. The UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra (Madain Salih) is the heart of the region, consisting of the monumental Nabatean tombs carved into the red sandstone cliffs, very much like Petra.

 

The weird-shaped rocks of Elephant Rock give you a chance to take wonderful photographs, especially if you are there at sunset. The Old Town of AlUla, with its traditional narrow alleys made of stone, mud-brick houses, and a lively market full of local crafts, lets the visitors experience the typical Arabian lifestyle.

 

People with a thirst for adventure can go hiking, stargazing, take hot air balloon rides, or do desert camping. AlUla, with its otherworldly charm and its importance to archaeology, is definitely one of the most amazing road trips you can make from Jeddah.

8. Jeddah to KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City): Modern, clean and relaxing 

Distance: Approx. 125 km 

Travel time: 1-1.5 hours

KAEC is definitely among the most convenient and trendsetting road trips from Jeddah intimating a sudden getaway of the kind that suits you the best. The coast city equipped with every necessity is recognized for its hygienic roads, orderly layout, attractions safe for children, and a rejuvenating sea side vibe.

 

Yam Beach is really the place to be. In addition to the crystal-clear waters and the top-notch facility, the beach offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. Moreover, families can have fun in the parks by the sea, on the cycling tracks, and in the shaded picnic areas.

 

Moreover, KAEC is home to Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, Bay La Sun Marina, and a multitude of cafés and restaurants offering the beautiful view of the sea. The calm atmosphere of the city makes it perfect for couples, families, and anyone who needs a break from the fast Jeddah life.

 

KAEC is short, accessible, and fun. That is why it ranks as one of the most practical road trips from Jeddah for a day trip or weekend escape.

Conclusion

Road trip missions from Jeddah are your ticket to some of the most varied and stunning places in Saudi Arabia. In fact, if you fancy the idea of calm beaches, sky-high mountains, historic villages, or mind-boggling volcanic terrain, the streets leading out of this seaside town are just full of your dream destinations. Each venture gives you a different face of the Kingdom, the cold mountain air of Taif, the green and dense forests of Al-Baha, the bright blue water of Umluj, or the ancient wonders of AlUla.

 

It is the liberty to go at your own pace that makes these trips different. Why not stop at beautiful spots, discover small towns, try local dishes, or simply ride on the open road and uncover the Kingdom’s natural and cultural treasures? Whether it is a short one-hour escape or a full-day adventure, these road trips are a source of unforgettable experiences for families, couples, solo travelers, and adventurers alike.

 

So, if you are planning your next weekend retreat or putting together a longer itinerary of travels in Saudi Arabia, this road trip guide from Jeddah is your ticket to not only the best but also the most beautiful and diverse of western Saudi Arabia, with loads of stories waiting to be discovered.