Riyadh Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip Cost?

A realistic Riyadh travel budget ranges from approximately SAR 180–350 per person per day for a budget trip, SAR 450–850 for a comfortable mid-range visit and SAR 1,200 or more for a luxury experience. Your final cost will depend mainly on accommodation, restaurant choices, transport and paid attractions.

Price note: All prices in this article are approximate and were checked at the time of publication. Prices may change.

Riyadh can accommodate several travel styles. Public transport and free cultural attractions help control costs, while luxury hotels, premium restaurants and private excursions can quickly increase your spending.

This guide covers expected accommodation prices, food costs, public transport, taxis, attractions and sample budgets for 3 days in Saudi Arabia’s capital.

For general planning advice, read our complete Riyadh travel guide. You can also follow our 3 days in Riyadh itinerary to organise your sightseeing efficiently.

Riyadh Travel Costs at a Glance

These approximate daily costs are per person and exclude flights:

Couples and families can sometimes reduce the cost per person by sharing hotel rooms, taxis and meals.

Sample 3-Day Riyadh Budget

Budget Traveller

• Accommodation: SAR 360–750
• Food and drinks: SAR 225–390
• Public transport and occasional taxis: SAR 60–150
• Attractions: SAR 0–140
• Miscellaneous expenses: SAR 60–120

Estimated total for 3 days: SAR 705–1,550 per person

Mid-Range Traveller

• Accommodation: SAR 1,050–2,100
• Food and drinks: SAR 450–900
• Public transport and taxis: SAR 150–360
• Attractions: SAR 115–350
• Miscellaneous expenses: SAR 150–300

Estimated total for 3 days: SAR 1,915–4,010 per person

Luxury Traveller

• Accommodation: SAR 3,000–6,000+
• Food and drinks: SAR 1,050–2,100+
• Private transport: SAR 600–1,500+
• Attractions and experiences: SAR 400–1,500+
• Shopping and additional expenses: SAR 600–2,000+

Estimated total for 3 days: SAR 5,650–13,100+ per person

These totals do not include international flights, visa costs, travel insurance or major shopping purchases.

Accommodation Costs in Riyadh

Accommodation is likely to be the largest part of your Riyadh travel budget.

Prices change according to location, hotel quality, season and major events. Rates can increase considerably during conferences, international sporting events, exhibitions and Riyadh Season.

Budget Accommodation

Expect to pay approximately SAR 120–300 per night for:

• Basic hotels
• Simple furnished apartments
• Older properties outside premium districts
• Rooms with limited services

Lower-priced accommodation is easier to find in areas such as Al Malaz, Al Murabba and neighbourhoods farther from Olaya or KAFD.

Always check recent reviews for cleanliness, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, parking and the property’s exact location.

Mid-Range Accommodation

A comfortable mid-range hotel generally costs SAR 350–750 per night.

These properties may include:

• Private bathroom
• Daily housekeeping
• Breakfast
• Fitness facilities
• On-site parking
• Reception services
• Better access to business districts or public transport

Olaya offers one of the widest selections of mid-range accommodation.

Luxury Accommodation

Luxury hotels usually begin at approximately SAR 800–1,200 per night, while prestigious properties can cost SAR 2,000 or more.

Rates may include:

• Large rooms or suites
• Premium restaurants
• Swimming pools
• Spas
• Club lounges
• Chauffeur or concierge services
• Central or high-profile locations

KAFD, Olaya and the Diplomatic Quarter are among the most popular districts for upscale accommodation.

Our guide to where to stay in Riyadh compares the city’s best neighbourhoods in greater detail.

How to Save on Riyadh Hotels

Book Early During Major Events

Hotel demand can rise sharply during important conferences, concerts, exhibitions and sporting events. Book early if your dates coincide with a major programme.

Compare the Total Price

Check whether the displayed rate includes taxes, breakfast and service charges. A low advertised rate can become more expensive at checkout.

Consider a Serviced Apartment

Apartments can provide better value for families and longer stays, especially when they include a kitchen and washing machine.

Stay Near Your Main Activities

A cheaper hotel far from your planned attractions can result in higher taxi costs and considerable time in traffic.

Check Metro Access

Accommodation near a metro station can reduce daily transport expenses. However, some attractions still require a taxi for the final part of the journey.

Food Costs in Riyadh

Riyadh has inexpensive local restaurants, international chains, stylish cafés and some of Saudi Arabia’s most exclusive dining venues.

Breakfast

Approximate breakfast costs include:

• Bakery items or a light takeaway breakfast: SAR 5–15
• Local breakfast with flatbread, beans or eggs: SAR 15–35
• Café breakfast: SAR 30–65
• Hotel buffet: SAR 70–160

Booking a hotel with breakfast can offer good value if the room-rate difference is reasonable.

Lunch

Typical lunch costs are:

• Shawarma or quick meal: SAR 8–20
• Local rice and chicken meal: SAR 20–45
• Casual restaurant: SAR 35–70
• Mid-range restaurant: SAR 70–140
• Upscale restaurant: SAR 150 or more

Traditional Saudi dishes such as kabsa, mandi and grilled meat are often served in generous portions. Sharing can reduce the cost per person.

Dinner

Dinner expenses can vary considerably:

• Fast food or inexpensive local meal: SAR 15–35
• Casual sit-down restaurant: SAR 40–80
• Mid-range dinner: SAR 80–180
• Premium restaurant: SAR 200–500 or more

Restaurants at Bujairi Terrace and premium hotels tend to cost more than neighbourhood restaurants.

Coffee and Drinks

Approximate prices include:

• Bottled water: SAR 1–3
• Soft drink: SAR 3–8
• Traditional tea: SAR 5–15
• Coffee from a local café: SAR 12–25
• Speciality coffee: SAR 18–35
• Fresh juice: SAR 12–30

Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia and is not available in hotels or restaurants.

Daily Food Budgets

A practical food allowance is:

• Budget traveller: SAR 75–130 per day
• Mid-range traveller: SAR 150–300 per day
• Luxury traveller: SAR 350–700 or more per day

You can reduce costs by eating one substantial local meal, choosing a simple breakfast and avoiding expensive hotel restaurants.

Public Transport Costs

Riyadh’s metro and bus network is one of the most economical ways to travel.

Regular-class fares currently include:

• 2-4 pass: SAR 4
• 3-day pass: SAR 20
• 7-day pass: SAR 40
• 30-day pass: SAR 140

A valid pass allows unlimited travel on the integrated metro and bus system during its validity period. Children under six can travel free when accompanied, according to the current official transport guidance.

First-class fares cost more, but regular class is sufficient for most visitors.

Tickets can be obtained using supported contactless payment methods, ticket machines and the official Darb transport system. Confirm the latest payment options when you arrive.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Costs

Uber, Careem and taxis are widely used in Riyadh.

Approximate ride costs include:

• Short journey within one district: SAR 15–30
• Journey between nearby districts: SAR 25–50
• Longer cross-city trip: SAR 50–100 or more
• Airport to central Riyadh: approximately SAR 70–140

Prices depend on distance, traffic and demand. Event closing times and rush hour can cause higher fares.

Travelling with another person makes taxis more economical because the fare can be shared.

Rental-Car Costs

A basic rental car may cost around SAR 100–220 per day, excluding fuel, insurance upgrades, tolls and parking.

Renting a car can be useful for families, business travellers and visitors planning trips outside central Riyadh. However, driving in heavy traffic may be stressful for first-time visitors.

Additional expenses can include:

• Comprehensive insurance
• Airport collection charges
• Additional-driver fees
• Parking
• Fuel
• Deposits or card holds

Read the rental conditions carefully and inspect the vehicle before leaving.

Attraction Costs in Riyadh

Many important Riyadh attractions are free or inexpensive.

Saudi National Museum

Admission to the permanent galleries is currently free. Temporary exhibitions and special events may require advance registration or a separate ticket.

King Abdulaziz Historical Center

The landscaped public areas are generally free to explore.

Al Masmak Palace

Admission has generally been free, but opening arrangements can change. Confirm access before travelling.

Souq Al Zal

Entering and walking around the traditional market is free. Your only cost is anything you choose to buy.

Wadi Hanifah

Public sections are generally free. Private venues, cafés and organised activities charge separately.

KAFD

Walking through accessible public areas is generally free. Restaurants, exhibitions and special events have their own charges.

Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre

The official booking platform has recently listed adult admission at approximately SAR 115, including VAT. The displayed price and availability can change, so verify the current rate before visiting.

At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace

Diriyah access prices and promotions can change seasonally. At the time this guide was prepared, complimentary-access promotions had been announced for certain dates.

Reserve through the official Diriyah platform and check the current rate for your visit.

Parking costs currently listed by Diriyah include:

• Bujairi Parking: SAR 10 per hour
• Samhan Parking: SAR 30 for three hours
• Additional time: approximately SAR 10 per hour
• Valet parking: approximately SAR 195

Public transport or a taxi may be cheaper than driving if you plan to spend several hours in Diriyah.

Suggested Attraction Budget

Set aside approximately:

• Budget sightseeing: SAR 0–120 for three days
• Mid-range sightseeing: SAR 150–400 for three days
• Premium experiences and tours: SAR 500–1,500 or more

A budget traveller can visit the National Museum, historical centre, Souq Al Zal, Wadi Hanifah and KAFD without paying significant admission fees.

Shopping and Souvenir Costs

Souvenir prices depend on quality, materials and where you shop.

Typical purchases may include:

• Small souvenir: SAR 10–30
• Dates or packaged sweets: SAR 20–80
• Oud or incense: SAR 30–300 or more
• Prayer beads: SAR 15–150
• Traditional clothing: SAR 80–500 or more
• Handmade carpet: from several hundred to several thousand riyals

At traditional markets, polite bargaining may be possible. Prices in shopping centres and branded stores are normally fixed.

Set a separate shopping allowance rather than including souvenirs in your everyday travel budget.

Mobile Data and Internet

Visitors can purchase prepaid SIM cards or eSIM plans from Saudi telecommunications providers.

A short-term data package may cost approximately SAR 35–150, depending on the provider, data allowance and validity period.

Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafés, shopping centres and some public spaces. Do not rely solely on public Wi-Fi for maps, transport or booking confirmations.

3-Day Budget Example for a Solo Traveller

Here is one possible affordable 3-day plan:

Accommodation

3 nights in a budget hotel at SAR 220 per night:

SAR 660

Food

• Breakfast: SAR 20 per day
• Lunch: SAR 35 per day
• Dinner: SAR 55 per day
• Water and coffee: SAR 20 per day

3-day food total: SAR 390

Transport

• 3-day public-transport pass: SAR 20
• 4 short taxi rides: approximately SAR 100
• One longer return journey to Diriyah: approximately SAR 80

Transport total: SAR 200

Attractions

• National Museum: Free
• Historical centre: Free
• Souq Al Zal: Free
• KAFD public areas: Free
• Sky Bridge: approximately SAR 115

Attraction total: SAR 115

Additional Expenses

Allow SAR 100 for small purchases and unexpected costs.

Estimated Total

Approximately SAR 1,465, excluding flights, visa, insurance and shopping.

A couple sharing one hotel room and taxis may spend less per person.

3-Day Mid-Range Example for Two People

A couple could estimate:

• Mid-range hotel for 3 nights: SAR 1,800
• Food and cafés: SAR 1,200
• Taxis and public transport: SAR 450
• Attractions: SAR 350
• Additional expenses: SAR 300

Estimated total for two people: SAR 4,100

This equals approximately SAR 2,050 per person, excluding flights, visa costs and shopping.

Money-Saving Tips for Riyadh

Use the Metro Whenever Practical

A SAR 20 3-day regular pass can cost less than one medium-distance taxi journey.

Combine Nearby Attractions

Visit the National Museum, King Abdulaziz Historical Center and Al Murabba Palace together. Combine Al Masmak Palace with Deera Square and Souq Al Zal.

Grouping attractions reduces transport costs and time spent in traffic.

Eat at Local Restaurants

Neighbourhood restaurants serving kabsa, mandi, shawarma and grilled dishes usually offer better value than international hotel restaurants.

Share Large Meals

Rice and meat dishes are often served in portions suitable for sharing. Ask restaurant staff about serving sizes before ordering.

Choose Free Attractions

Several of Riyadh’s cultural and outdoor attractions can be enjoyed without admission fees.

Carry Water

Purchasing small bottles repeatedly at premium venues costs more than buying water from a supermarket or carrying a refillable bottle.

Avoid Event-Driven Hotel Prices

Check Riyadh’s event calendar before booking. Moving your visit by a few days can sometimes reduce accommodation costs.

Reserve Flexible Rates

A flexible hotel booking allows you to change properties if prices fall or your itinerary changes.

Limit Cross-City Travel

Choose accommodation close to the places you most want to visit. Riyadh is large, and repeated taxi journeys can substantially increase your budget.

When Is Riyadh Cheapest?

Summer—particularly June, July and August—can offer lower hotel rates because the weather is extremely hot and outdoor sightseeing is difficult.

However, saving money on accommodation may mean spending more on taxis and remaining dependent on air-conditioned attractions.

March, April and October can offer a better balance between cost and weather. For a full seasonal comparison, read our guide to the best time to visit Riyadh.

Cash or Card in Riyadh?

Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and many taxis.

It is still useful to carry a small amount of Saudi riyals for:

• Small shops
• Traditional markets
• Tips
• Minor purchases
• Unexpected card-terminal problems

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Inform your bank about international travel and check foreign-transaction fees before departure.

How Much Money Should You Take to Riyadh?

Excluding flights and prepaid accommodation, a reasonable amount for 3 days is:

• Budget traveller: SAR 500–900
• Mid-range traveller: SAR 1,000–2,000
• Luxury traveller: SAR 3,000 or more

You may not need to carry this amount in cash because cards and contactless payments are widely used.

Is Riyadh Expensive?

Riyadh can be moderately priced or expensive depending on your choices.

The city offers inexpensive food, affordable public transport and several free attractions. However, premium hotels, international restaurants, private drivers and luxury entertainment can make a trip costly.

A visitor using public transport, staying in a simple hotel and eating local food can keep expenses relatively low. Travellers choosing five-star accommodation and premium dining should prepare for prices comparable with other major international cities.

Final Riyadh Travel Budget

For most first-time visitors, a comfortable Riyadh travel budget is approximately SAR 450–850 per person per day, excluding flights.

Budget travellers can reduce this to around SAR 180–350 per day by choosing affordable accommodation, using public transport, eating at local restaurants and prioritising free attractions.

Luxury travellers should allow at least SAR 1,200 per day, with no practical upper limit for premium hotels, restaurants, shopping and private experiences.

Plan your largest expenses—accommodation and transport—first. You can then adjust food, attractions and shopping to match your preferred budget without missing Riyadh’s essential experiences.

Explore more places through our destinations page or browse our complete collection of itineraries.