Taxis in Riyadh: The Complete Guide to Taxi Services
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
A taxi in Riyadh is more than just a means of transport – it is a journey through the contrasts of modernity and tradition, comfort and local rules. How does a taxi work in Saudi Arabia, how much does a ride cost and which apps are worth installing? The answers will surprise not only tourists.
What are taxis like in Saudi Arabia?
Wondering what a taxi looks like in Saudi Arabia ? It's not just a means of transport, but also a piece of local everyday life - surprisingly diverse.
In larger cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the streets are dominated by elegant, turquoise taxis – modern, air-conditioned, most often Toyota or Hyundai. You get in and immediately feel the coolness that saves lives in 40-degree heat.
Every such taxi in Riyadh (and beyond) is a licensed vehicle – you will recognize them by yellow license plates with black characters, the inscription " Taxi " in two languages and the license number on the door. Inside: a taximeter , sometimes even Wi-Fi. That is, everything you need for a comfortable and transparent ride.
But in smaller towns it's different. White, often older cars still drive there, which don't always have a taxi meter - so you agree on a price with the driver before you set off. For some it's exotic, for others - a potential trap. You just have to keep your eyes wide open.
Interesting fact? In Riyadh and a few other cities, there are also pink taxis , driven by women – created with female passengers and families in mind. It's comfort, safety and respect for local rules all in one.
Taxi services in Saudi Arabia are a mix of modernity and tradition . Whether you’re looking for a quick taxi ride around the capital or a local trip somewhere further afield, you’ll find something for yourself. All you need to do is know where to look and… ideally, the taximeter should be on.
Prices and fare system in taxis
Before you catch a taxi in Riyadh , it's worth knowing how much you'll pay and what affects the final price. Although it may seem like a small thing, the differences in price lists can be surprising - especially if you use different taxi services, from classic cars to mobile apps.
Riyadh Taxi Price List: Rates and Fees
If you’re planning a taxi ride in Riyadh , it’s good to know what it involves – and how much it costs. Fortunately, the pricing is pretty clear, especially for the modern turquoise taxis .
The taxi rate in Riyadh is something like this:
Initial fee : approx. 13 SAR (or about 14 PLN),
Price per kilometer : 7 SAR,
Waiting (e.g. in a traffic jam) : SAR 50 per hour,
Minimum fare : usually 10–15 SAR.
For a regular ride in the city center, you will usually pay between 20 and 50 SAR - it all depends on the route and traffic. If you are interested in a taxi from Riyadh airport to the city center, the cost will be around 100 SAR. This is more of a flat rate, regardless of the time or day of the week.
Just be careful with the older, white taxis – they don’t have meters and you negotiate the price with the driver. You can haggle down the price, but you need to have a bit of judgment and confidence. It doesn’t hurt to know a few basic numbers in Arabic.
Apps like Uber and Careem are introducing dynamic taxi rates in Riyadh – prices increase during peak hours or when demand is high. On the one hand, it’s flexible, on the other – it’s worth checking the cost before confirming the rate.
Taximeter: How fares are calculated
In modern taxi services in Riyadh, the fare is not a matter of chance. Everything is based on the taximeter – a device that combines GPS and an odometer with a clock.
The counting starts immediately after take-off and takes into account:
distance traveled,
driving time (including stops),
fixed initial fee.
In turquoise taxis with a license, a taximeter is mandatory equipment. If the driver tries to "forget" to turn it on - politely remind him. You also have the right to ask for a receipt.
In apps (Uber, Careem, Bolt) everything happens automatically - before you confirm the trip you see the cost, and after the trip ends you get a summary. It's very transparent, convenient and gives you full control over your expenses.
Whether you choose a classic Riyadh taxi or a ride through an app, always make sure you know how the fares are calculated. This will ensure that your trip is stress-free and free from unnecessary surprises.
Local Taxi Companies in Riyadh
In Riyadh, you don’t have to limit yourself to the big, international apps. Riyadh taxi services also offer great local companies that often know the city like the back of their hand and offer extremely flexible travel options, from daily rides to group rides and luxury transfers. If reliability and comfort are what you’re looking for, these three brands are worth exploring:
ChaCha Taxi: Quick Booking and Mobile App
With ChaCha taxi, travel becomes easier than ever. This local company is famous for its convenient app and affordable prices. It offers, among others:
quick trips around the city,
transfer to Riyadh airport and between cities,
pilgrimage services (Umrah, Hajj),
vehicles adapted to various needs: sedans, vans, minibuses.
This is an ideal option for those who want to book their taxi in advance and track its location in real time. With ChaCha taxi service , you can get anywhere from the airport to religious sites without any hassle. All with full control over the route and cost.
Dispo Taxi: private, group and luxury rides
Dispo Taxi Services is a great choice for those looking for flexibility. They offer both private rides and group taxi bookings – perfect for companies, events or family trips.
What will you find in their offer?
classic city courses,
taxi buses for larger events,
luxury taxi services with Mercedes and premium SUVs.
Dispo Taxi operates not only in Riyadh but also in other major cities. You book online, get a confirmation and you are good to go – no stress and no hidden costs. It is a really reliable taxi service that you can rely on.
Ziyarah Taxi: transfers to Mecca and Bahrain
Planning a trip to the holy sites or want to go abroad? Ziyarah Taxi specializes in taxi transfers to Mecca, Medina and Bahrain. Their fleet consists mainly of buses and minibuses - ideal for group trips and pilgrimages.
Why travel with Ziyarah ?
24/7 booking option,
English-speaking drivers,
adaptation to the needs of pilgrims,
affordable prices even for larger groups.
It is also a great option if you are looking for a transfer from Riyadh to neighboring countries or cities. And with Ziyarah taxi you can be sure that you will arrive comfortably, punctually and without any unnecessary fuss.
Each of these companies offers you something different, but they all have one thing in common: your taxi needs in Riyadh are always their top priority.
Riyadh VIP Luxury Taxis
There are situations when a regular taxi in Riyadh is not enough. A business meeting? An elegant dinner? Or maybe you just want to travel in style? In such moments, luxury taxi services come to the rescue - with a chauffeur, leather interior and the highest standard of service.
Blacklane: Chauffeur-driven limousines and premium transfers
If you want elegance and professionalism, choose a Blacklane taxi to the airport or around the city. This international brand also operates in Riyadh and offers:
Business, Van/SUV and First Class limousines (e.g. Mercedes, BMW, Audi),
professional drivers in suits,
possibility of booking and riding in advance,
cancellation up to one hour before the course starts.
It is not only a comfortable taxi service , but a real premium experience. Often chosen by businessmen, diplomats and tourists who value high standards. You can also take the option of a ride with Uber in the Black version, but the limousine taxi in Riyadh from Blacklane beats it hands down in elegance.
Riyadh Limousine: Options for VIP Clients
In addition to Blacklane, there are also local companies in Riyadh that specialize in luxury limousine rentals. A service from Riyadh may include:
limousine with driver for hours or the whole day,
transport for weddings, conferences, delegation visits,
Rolls-Royce, Bentley or Lexus VIP class vehicles,
additional services: drinks, decorations, even a red carpet.
For demanding clients, we also offer transport services upon individual request – with a hotel concierge, multilingual service and card payments.
Transfers to and from Riyadh Airport
Getting to the airport on time can be stressful – especially in a foreign city. But rest assured, if you’re flying to or from Riyadh International Airport , you have plenty of convenient and safe transportation options. Whether you prefer an airport taxi , a mobile app or a chauffeured limousine – you’ve got it all covered.
Transfers from King Khalid International Airport
Khalid International Airport (RUH), located 35 km from the city centre, is Riyadh's main airport. The journey usually takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the time of day. Passengers are provided with licensed, comfortable taxis and taxi apps integrated with the terminals.
The official airport carrier is SAFWA Taxi – a reliable airport taxi , available 24 hours a day. Vehicles have designated pick-up zones in front of each terminal. A taxi from Riyadh airport to the city center costs around 100 SAR and is non-negotiable – it is a fixed, fair price.
Airport taxis and apps available at terminals
If you prefer modern solutions, you can reach for apps like Uber , Careem , Bolt or Jeeny . They are fully integrated with the airport – after landing, just a few clicks and your taxi ride is already waiting.
These apps indicate the pick-up location, show the driver’s details and allow you to pay cashlessly. For those who want to avoid queues or uncertainty, this is a great option. Plus, you can check taxi rates in Riyadh in advance, giving you full control over your spending.
Uber at the airport: UberX, Comfort, Black and RPT Link
The Uber app offers different levels of comfort, from the economical UberX (around 70–100 SAR) to the luxurious Uber Black (150–200 SAR). There is also Uber Comfort, which is something in between, and RPT Link, which connects taxis with public transport.
If you want to save money and time, RPT Link is a smart solution – for 50–80 SAR you can go to the metro station, for example. It is also great for short journeys from the terminal to the hotel.
Regardless of whether you choose an app, a limousine or a classic taxi from Riyadh – a good transfer to the Riyadh airport starts with a proven option. And there is definitely no shortage of such in the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Popular Apps for Ordering Taxi in Riyadh
You don't have to wave your hand on the street anymore - in Riyadh, your taxi can be just a smartphone away. Taxi apps have revolutionized transportation in Saudi Arabia and today they reign supreme in everyday rides. Check out which ones are worth having installed and why.
Uber: Ride Options and App Features
The Uber app works fine in Riyadh. It offers several options:
UberX – an economic ride,
Comfort – more space and better comfort,
Black – luxury cars for demanding customers,
RPT Link – Uber’s connection to public transport.
You can plan everything in advance (up to 90 days!). You have access to a map, you can see the cost of the trip, the driver's rating and the waiting time. It's a fast, online taxi service , perfect for both tourists and locals.
Careem: Dynamic Pricing and Online Payment
Careem is Uber’s local rival and a great alternative – especially if you’re looking for an affordable taxi service . It offers:
GO Budget – cheap and efficient,
Premium – newer cars and higher comfort,
Careem NOW – delivery services (e.g. food).
A big plus is Careem Pay , its own mobile payment system. For women, there is also the option of choosing a female driver – safely and in accordance with local standards. This is another convenient taxi service that is gaining popularity year by year.
Bolt and Jeeny: Alternatives to Uber and Careem
Want something different than Uber? Try Bolt or Jeeny – lesser-known apps that often offer lower prices and shorter wait times.
Bolt-on :
economical travel options,
delivery and car sharing services,
possibility of payment by card or cash.
Jenny :
intuitive application,
courses from 10 SAR,
very popular among local residents.
Both apps are great options for those looking for affordable taxi services but also looking for more than just a standard ride. The choice is always yours.
Booking and paying for taxi rides in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, ordering a taxi is a matter of a few clicks – and the payment options are as modern as the cars themselves. Whether you’re interested in a quick ride around town or booking a taxi to the airport , you have complete freedom of choice.
Booking a taxi online: how and where to order
The easiest way is through the app. Uber , Careem , Bolt , Jeeny , Kaiian – each of them operates in Riyadh and allows you to order a ride without stress.
But that's not all. Local companies like ChaCha Taxi , Dispo Taxi Services or Ziyarah Taxi have their own websites that allow you to book a ride in advance. They are great for needs like taxi transfers from Riyadh or group taxi bookings .
For traditionalists, there is still the telephone option – although this often requires knowledge of English or Arabic. You can also catch an internet taxi in Riyadh on the streets at designated points: at hotels, shopping malls or airports.
Cashless payment: available methods and applications
Saudi taxi services are not only comfortable to drive, but also convenient to pay. Most apps and modern taxis allow you to pay:
by card (debit or credit),
Apple Pay / Google Pay,
via mobile wallets such as Careem Pay .
You can also easily pay with European Visa, Mastercard or Revolut cards – they are widely accepted both in apps and by most licensed carriers. This is good news for tourists – you don't have to worry about exchanging cash right after arrival.
Your taxi bookings can be completely cashless, which is not only safe but also saves time. Of course, in some older vehicles (especially white taxis) cash is still king – but this is becoming less and less common.
At airports (e.g. Riyadh International Airport ), card or app payment is preferred, especially for companies such as SAFWA, Blacklane airport taxi or tourist taxi services .
In short, whether you use an app or a local company, you can book your ride and pay however you want. And that’s why you’ll love Riyadh taxi booking services .
Public transport as an alternative to taxis
While taxi services in Riyadh are convenient and ubiquitous, sometimes it’s worth looking at public transport. Especially if you’re looking for lower costs or just want to get a feel for the city from the inside. In Riyadh, the options are getting better and better – and in 2024, they’ve taken on a new dimension.
Riyadh Metro and Uber RPT Link Integration
The Riyadh Metro is a real revolution. Launched at the end of 2024, it is modern, fully automated and – importantly – well-adapted to local conditions.
6 lines,
176 kilometers of trails,
85 stations,
frequency of services: every 3–5 minutes during rush hours.
Prices are affordable: from 4 SAR for a single ticket. The metro operates from 6:00 to midnight and is fully air-conditioned. There are signs in English, facilities for people with disabilities and comfortable platforms. For many residents, it is increasingly an alternative to taxis - especially for daily commutes.
Additionally, there is RPT Link – a feature in the Uber app that allows you to get to or from the subway station. This allows you to combine the best of both worlds: the speed of the subway and the comfort of a car ride.
DARB App: Trip Planning and Payments
If you want to plan your journey around the city efficiently, be sure to download the DARB app. It is the official public transport tool in Riyadh – a real “must-have” for anyone who wants to get around the city cheaply and efficiently.
What does DARB offer?
route planning: metro, buses, taxi,
cashless ticket purchase,
real-time vehicle tracking,
“bus on demand” function – ideal for less frequented routes.
Available on the App Store and Google Play, the DARB app is free and intuitive. It makes your ride to the airport from Riyadh , downtown or the outskirts easy and predictable – whether you choose the subway, bus or taxi with Uber .
Group transport and special services
Sometimes a regular taxi is not enough – especially when you are traveling with a larger group, planning a pilgrimage or organizing transportation for business guests. Fortunately, in Riyadh you will find taxi services for companies, tourists and families that meet all of these needs.
Taxi bus in Riyadh: ideal for groups and tours
For larger groups, taxi transfers in the form of vans or minibuses are great. Companies such as Dispo Taxi Services and Ziyarah Taxi offer:
vehicles for 6–20 people,
comfortable seats and air conditioning,
the option to adjust the route and hours,
transfers to the airport , conferences or pilgrimages.
This solution is especially recommended for tour operators, schools, companies and family trips. Such a taxi bus transfer gives you complete freedom - no one has to worry about logistics, and the trip is smooth and comfortable.
Taxi services for companies, tourists and families
There is no shortage of companies in Riyadh that offer customized taxi services for different clients. What can you find?
For companies:
professional transport for delegations,
VAT invoices,
Possibility of renting a vehicle with a driver by the hour or the whole day.
For tourists:
ride to the airport with a guide ,
possibility of booking an English-speaking driver,
additional information about attractions along the way.
For families:
pink taxis with female drivers,
larger vehicles with child seats,
flexible pickup times.
Whether it’s a transport service for yourself or a group taxi for friends – Riyadh has everything you need to get where you want to go. Just choose a provider, make arrangements and… hit the road.
Passenger safety and comfort
In Riyadh, taxi services are not only convenient, but also very safe – regardless of whether you use an app or a regular taxi. For many tourists, this is a key aspect, so it's worth knowing what to expect and what to look out for.
Taxi App Safety Standards
Apps like Uber , Careem and Bolt offer a range of features that increase passenger safety:
ability to track the route in real time,
driver details visible before the start of the trip,
ratings and opinions from other users,
SOS button in the app,
option to share the route with a loved one.
Importantly, each driver must have a license approved by Saudi authorities. This also applies to Riyadh's turquoise taxis , which are officially registered and regularly inspected.
Additionally, women can use the option to choose a female driver (e.g. in the Careem app) or order a ride in a pink taxi – which provides even greater comfort and a sense of security.
Comfortable ride options: Uber Comfort and more
Comfort is not only about soft seats, but also silence, cleanliness and the possibility of choice. In Riyadh you will find many options that improve the quality of travel:
Uber Comfort – more space, newer vehicles, ability to set preferences (e.g. air conditioning or silence level),
Careem Premium – modern cars with additional amenities,
Blacklane and other luxury taxi services – leather interiors, Wi-Fi, drinks and even newspapers on request.
Larger vehicles, child seats and specially adapted cars for people with disabilities are also available for families.
One thing is certain: regardless of whether you choose a taxi from the app , a classic taxi from Riyadh or a limousine taxi in Riyadh - you can count on a high standard and the feeling that you are in good hands.
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