Taxis in Riyadh
As the largest city in Saudi Arabia, the easiest way to get around Riyadh is by taxi. Riyadh’s fleet of more than 20,000 turquoise taxis was introduced a few years back, helping to modernize the entire industry and introducing safer protocols for passengers.
You can catch a taxi in Riyadh by flagging one down on the street, taking one from a taxi stand, booking one over the phone or with a Riyadh taxi app, or pre-booking a transfer with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups.
Standard sedan taxis can accommodate up to four passengers, and larger SUVs and minivans have room for up to eight passengers, which is ideal for families. Taxis are metered and tracked and all payments must be made electronically. The exception to this is for rides from Riyadh Airport, where you will be charged a fixed fare rate.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
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HOW MUCH DOES A TAXI COST?
Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
FROM RUH TO THE CITY | 25.60 € | 25.60 € | 35 MIN |
FROM RIYADH TO AL NAKHEEL MALL | 25 € | 25 € | 20 MIN |
FROM RIYADH TO RED SAND DUNES | 117 € | 117 € | 45 MIN |
FROM RIYADH TO KING ABDULLAH PARK | 23 € | 23 € | 23 MIN |
FROM RIYADH TO AL RAJHI MOSQUE | 39 € | 39 € | 25 MIN |

Riyadh Taxi Fare
Taxis in Riyadh calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance traveled to your location, with no price difference for day or night trips. Your taxi fare in Riyadh includes a base fare, a price per kilometer, and a wait-time charge, which applies during standstill traffic or when the driver waits for you. If you pass any toll roads, these charges will be added on top of the fare price.
Initial fare: €3.30 (SAR 13)
Price per km: €1.77 (SAR 7)
Waiting time per hour: €12.70 (SAR 50)
It is important to note that for rides from Riyadh Airport to the city center, a flat rate fare will be charged, based on the destination you are traveling to. A price list will be posted next to the taxi stand.
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How to get a taxi in Riyadh
As long as you are not within 500 meters of a designated taxi stand, you can easily hail a taxi from the side of the road – just be sure they can safely pull over to pick you up. Some taxis have a rooftop sign which will be lit up if the driver is available. Keep in mind that the word “TAXI” will likely be written in Arabic, not English.
Otherwise, you can jump in a taxi at a taxi stand. These are most commonly found outside shopping malls, transport hubs, and the downtown area near major hotels. Drivers should be wearing a uniform and have their registration details on display.
How to get a taxi from King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Authorized Riyadh Airport taxis can be taken from outside each of Riyadh Airport’s five terminals. No bookings are required and you will be charged a fixed fare of around €25.60 (SR 100) to the city center, although this can vary depending on which area you are staying in.
How to get a taxi from Malaz Station
This is Riyadh’s main train station, mostly used for long-distance travel. The station is very modern and well signposted so you should have no problem finding the taxi stand outside the main entrance. Note that there is a designated pick-up area for ride-hailing services too.
How to get a taxi from the Central Bus Terminal (SAPTCO)
The taxi stand is easy to find at Riyadh’s main intercity bus terminal. After disembarking your bus, enter the terminal and exit through the main doors on the opposite side. Taxis will be parked up in front. Keep in mind that late at night there will be fewer taxis so it may be best to book one in advance.
How to get a taxi from King Abdullah Park
A popular spot for both locals and visitors, you will need to head towards Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium along Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem Street to find the official taxi stand for this expansive park. Make sure your driver turns on the meter, especially at night if you are leaving a match.
Most popular taxi apps in Riyadh
During peak hour traffic and late at night, finding a taxi on the street in Riyadh can be a challenge, especially during holidays when there are fewer drivers on the road. To arrange a pick-up at your location, you can use a Riyadh taxi app and have a driver come straight to you.
There are several available, including well-known ride-hailing services Uber, Bolt, and Careem, as well as home-grown apps, Jeeny and Kaiian. Otherwise, there is the option to share your ride with other passengers using the Rekab platform, or connect with a standard taxi using Talixo. Keep in mind that during peak hours, wait times can be lengthy, and that overseas visitors sometimes have payment and sign-up issues when using local apps.
Alternatively, if you know the time and the place that you need to be picked up, you can arrange a private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups. This way, you’ll receive a guaranteed on-time pick-up with an English-speaking driver, which can be reassuring for rides to and from Riyadh Airport.
Useful taxi numbers in Riyadh
If you’re having difficulty using an app, you can phone a Riyadh taxi number and request a call-out. While there are around 250 registered taxi companies in Riyadh, the most popular local taxi company is SAFWA Taxi – Green Taxis, reachable at +966 92 001 0068.
Benefits of booking your Riyadh taxi in advance
Arriving in a new city can be stressful, especially after a long flight. That’s why taking a taxi directly to your Riyadh hotel is the best way to start your holiday. At Welcome Pickups, we provide stress-free, personalized services and guaranteed on-time pickups. Our drivers are handpicked, trained, and fluent in English.
Avoid the stress of unknown public transportation, and pre-book your premium transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Riyadh taxi tips
- You must pay for your Riyadh taxi with a credit card since cash payments are no longer accepted.
- SAFWA Taxi is the only authorized taxi company allowed to operate at Riyadh Airport.
- It is customary to leave a 10% tip to your taxi driver in Saudi Arabia.
- Green/turquoise taxis have WiFi available in each vehicle.
- If you see a white taxi, these are the older models that don’t use meters or necessarily take credit card payments. You will need to negotiate a fare upfront if you choose to accept a ride in this type of taxi.
- Legally, you do not have to pay for your fare if the meter is not switched on. A statement of such should be displayed inside the vehicle.
- Smoking is not allowed in any taxi vehicle.
- Be sure to ask for a receipt at the end of your trip in case you leave anything behind. Drivers are required to do everything in their power to return items safely.
- Drivers are obligated to assist with disabled passengers.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Riyadh
Most taxis in Riyadh can assist passengers with disabilities and typically have space in the trunk for a foldable wheelchair. If you require a more specialized taxi service in Riyadh, Janah Al Aman provides wheelchair-adapted vehicles with ramps and lifts. Moreover, if you’re using the Careem app, you will have the option to book an accessible vehicle.
Riyadh taxi safety and complaints
Taxis in Riyadh are heavily regulated by the government so you should feel at ease when traveling. Each of the Green taxis has cameras installed, a GPS system, a tracking device, and multi-language support. Furthermore, there are family and women-only taxis with female drivers available; these are typically pink vans. Drivers are also required to undertake a training course and obtain a police clearance.
If you do happen to have a bad experience during your ride, whether that be a rude driver, reckless driving, or being taken on a longer route to increase your fare, you can either file a complaint with the taxi company you traveled with, or you can call the Ministry of Transport’s toll-free number at 938. Be sure to note down any relevant details such as the driver’s registration number and the vehicle license plate.