Saudi Ride-Hailing Cost Matrix

Compare your ride

City

Trip distance (km)

Time of day

Class

Provider	Base	Per km	Surge mult.	Total	Notes

Best overall coverage, only app with "Careem Lady" (female driver), broadest payment methods including cash.

Best international app; strong in Riyadh and Jeddah. Limited in Makkah, Madinah.

Local app; often cheapest in daytime off-peak. Limited coverage outside Riyadh/Jeddah.

European app; entered Saudi in 2023. Cheaper on long trips; smaller fleet.

No app needed; airport queues; metered but no surge. Often the fastest airport option.

Female-only drivers; pink color. Available in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam. SAR 1–2 premium.

Estimates use published fare ranges; actual trip price can vary ±20%.
Surge: peak hours (08:00–10:00, 17:00–20:00) typically 1.2–1.5×; rain can hit 2.5×.
Cash is widely accepted in Saudi Arabia — useful if your card declines (a real risk on some apps).
Apps require working phone numbers; some carriers (Saudi visitors) have SIM-only data, so apps can drain data fast.

• Surge prices change minute-to-minute; this tool uses typical ranges.

• Makkah and Madinah have restricted app coverage inside the holy cities during Hajj season.

• Driver quality varies; rating apps as reflective matters.

Can a female traveller request a female driver?

Yes, via Careem Lady in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam. Pink taxi service exists citywide but you need a Saudi phone number to book.

Can I pay cash?

Yes on Careem and Saudi taxi. Uber and Bolt are cashless.