HealthTech
Compliance-ready healthcare software development for hospitals, private practices, healthtech startups, and SaaS providers.
Getting around Saudi Arabia used to mean waving down a passing cab or calling a local dispatcher. Today, things are very different. From Riyadh to Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, a new wave of taxi apps in Saudi Arabia has completely changed how people travel. Whether you need a quick ride to the airport, a late-night pickup from a restaurant, or a private car for an all-day trip, there’s now a Saudi taxi app designed to match your exact needs.
These ride-hailing apps in Saudi Arabia are more than just a way to book rides. They’re part of a broader shift in how transportation works across the Kingdom. Affordable options like InDrive are perfect for budget-conscious riders, while premium services from Uber Saudi Arabia and Careem Saudi Arabia bring comfort and reliability to your doorstep. Travelers visiting for business, tourism, or religious trips like Hajj and Umrah can quickly find trustworthy drivers in every major city using their smartphones.
With so many options available, choosing the right taxi app in Saudi Arabia can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the top-rated platforms, compare services, highlight city-specific apps such as Hala Taxi Riyadh, and help you find the best taxi app in Saudi Arabia for your needs. Whether you want the cheapest taxi app in Saudi Arabia, a safe and family-friendly option, or just the fastest way to get from point A to B, we’ve got you covered.
Our team builds scalable, user-friendly ride-hailing platforms with real-time tracking, secure payments, and growth-ready features.
Start Your Free Consultation Today!Saudi Arabia’s transportation landscape has been evolving at a remarkable pace. Just a few years ago, most people relied on traditional taxis, often booking rides through phone calls or flagging cars on the street. Today, ride sharing apps in Saudi Arabia have completely reshaped how people travel, providing safer, faster, and more reliable ways to get around cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.
This shift isn’t just about convenience. It’s part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasizes digital innovation and smart city development. With cashless payments, GPS-enabled tracking, and advanced booking features, modern ride booking apps in Saudi Arabia have replaced outdated taxi systems with streamlined, tech-driven solutions.
The growth of this sector is backed by hard data. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, ride-hailing platforms across the Kingdom completed over 32 million trips, marking a 104% increase from the previous year. The number of active drivers climbed 81% to 263,000, and operating platforms grew 87% to 15,300.
These numbers highlight just how essential taxi services in Saudi Arabia have become. Leading platforms like Uber Saudi Arabia, Careem Saudi Arabia, and Hala Taxi Riyadh now set the standard for urban mobility, while local startups are making waves with more competitive pricing and specialized services. Whether it’s a quick ride across town or a private trip for a special occasion, these apps have become the go-to solution for both residents and visitors.
As adoption continues to surge, taxis in Saudi Arabia are no longer seen as a traditional service. Instead, they represent a modern ecosystem where technology, safety, and convenience intersect, shaping the future of transportation in the Kingdom.
With dozens of taxi apps in Saudi Arabia, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Some focus on luxury, others on affordability, while a few cater specifically to tourists or women riders. Below are the top-performing platforms that have proven reliable, safe, and convenient for both residents and visitors. Each of these apps stands out among the leading Saudi Arabia ride hailing apps, playing a unique role in the country’s growing transportation network.
Uber Saudi Arabia is one of the most widely used ride-hailing platforms in the Kingdom, operating in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. Known globally for its seamless technology and professional drivers, Uber has become a go-to option for residents and tourists who want consistent, safe, and reliable transportation.
What sets Uber apart is its range of ride options. Whether you’re looking for an everyday commute through UberX, premium comfort with Uber Black, or group travel using UberXL, there’s a vehicle for every occasion. The app’s cashless payment system supports credit cards and local payment methods, aligning perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s push for digital transactions under Vision 2030. For those exploring apps like Uber in Saudi Arabia, these features make it a benchmark for convenience and innovation in ride-hailing services.
For travelers and locals alike, Uber’s brand recognition and wide availability make it a trusted choice. It’s especially valuable for visitors unfamiliar with the city’s roads, ensuring a smooth and predictable experience.
As a homegrown success story, Careem Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the Kingdom’s ride-hailing landscape. Operating across major cities and smaller towns, Careem has built its reputation on safety, convenience, and innovation. It’s particularly popular with families and women riders thanks to its Careem Women option, where female drivers are matched exclusively with female passengers.
Careem’s services go beyond simple ride booking. The app integrates food delivery, courier services, and even grocery delivery in select areas, making it a versatile daily companion. Its rewards program also allows riders to earn points for each trip, which can be redeemed for discounts or free rides.
Careem stands out for its localized approach and deep understanding of Saudi rider needs. It’s the perfect option for families, female passengers, and anyone looking for more than just a ride.
If you’re searching for the cheapest taxi app in Saudi Arabia, look no further than InDrive. This platform takes a different approach by allowing passengers to negotiate fares directly with drivers. Riders suggest a price, and drivers can accept, reject, or counteroffer — giving users complete control over what they’re willing to pay.
This system is especially useful during peak hours or in areas where demand surges, helping riders avoid sudden price hikes. The app is gaining popularity quickly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other large cities thanks to its affordability and flexibility.
InDrive is ideal for budget-conscious riders or frequent commuters looking to save on transportation costs. Its unique model makes it the most competitive choice for negotiating better fares.
Hala Taxi Riyadh is a government-backed initiative that brings Riyadh’s official taxi network into the digital age. Unlike traditional street-hailing, Hala provides real-time availability, upfront pricing, and driver ratings, giving users a modern, regulated way to book rides.
Because it’s integrated with the local government, Hala offers an extra layer of trust and reliability. It’s especially popular with tourists and visitors who prefer officially licensed taxis for safety and transparency.
Hala combines the reliability of government services with the convenience of private ride-hailing apps. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize safety and regulation over everything else.
A rapidly growing local player, Kaiian Taxi App has earned a strong reputation for affordability and ease of use. It operates across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, offering reliable rides with simple booking features and competitive fares.
Kaiian appeals to users who want straightforward service without complicated extras. The app’s focus on efficiency and fast pickups has helped it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
For riders who value simplicity and affordability, Kaiian stands out as a dependable choice among popular Saudi taxi apps, offering a reliable alternative to larger, global competitors.
The Najm Taxi App focuses on premium customer service and reliable driver availability. It’s gaining popularity across major cities by emphasizing professional drivers, consistent ride quality, and 24/7 availability, even during busy periods like Ramadan or large-scale events.
Najm also provides corporate solutions, making it a favorite for businesses that need to book rides for employees or guests.
Najm is perfect for users who value top-tier service and reliability, whether for personal rides or corporate travel needs.
Jeeny Taxi is one of the strongest regional competitors to global giants like Uber and Careem. It’s especially popular in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah, offering fast pickups and affordable pricing that appeals to both locals and tourists. Unlike some international players, Jeeny focuses on local driver recruitment, ensuring wide availability even in high-demand areas or during busy seasons like Hajj and Umrah.
The app’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for first-time users to book rides without hassle. Jeeny also provides transparent fare estimates, which helps riders plan ahead and avoid surprises. It offers a range of vehicle types, from budget-friendly cars to more comfortable rides for families and groups.
Jeeny is perfect for riders looking for affordable, reliable local service without compromising on quality. It’s especially valuable in Makkah and for those seeking a trusted taxi app Madinah, where availability during pilgrimage seasons is critical.
Bolt Saudi Arabia is part of the globally recognized Bolt brand, known for disrupting transportation markets with competitive pricing and modern technology. It has been expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia, focusing on major urban areas like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Bolt’s mission is to provide safe, fast, and affordable rides, making it a strong alternative to Uber and Careem.
One of Bolt’s standout features is its driver support system, which helps maintain high standards of service while keeping fares reasonable. Bolt also offers specialized ride categories, such as premium cars for business travelers and economy options for budget-conscious riders.
Bolt appeals to both tourists and residents who want international-level service at lower rates. Its combination of affordability and reliability positions it as a growing force in the Saudi ride-hailing market.
The SAPTCO app integrates traditional taxi services with Saudi Arabia’s public transportation network, offering a unique hybrid solution. Ideal for residents and frequent commuters, SAPTCO combines bus scheduling, intercity travel, and private taxi bookings in one platform.
This makes it especially useful for business travelers or those who need seamless transfers between buses and private cars. SAPTCO is government-backed, ensuring safety, regulation, and service quality.
SAPTCO is perfect for those who travel often between cities, such as Dammam to Riyadh, and want a trusted, government-regulated platform for booking both taxis and buses.
Taxisimi is a smaller, local taxi app that focuses on providing reliable transportation in secondary cities often underserved by global brands. It’s particularly popular in towns where options like Uber or Careem may have limited driver availability.
The app emphasizes simplicity and speed, offering a straightforward booking process and clear fare estimates. While it doesn’t have as many advanced features as bigger apps, its local driver network makes it a dependable choice for everyday rides.
Taxisimi is a hidden gem for riders outside major metropolitan areas, ensuring they still have access to quality ride-hailing services.
OTaxi Saudi Arabia caters to riders who frequently travel between cities or need specialized services like airport transfers. Its focus on intercity routes makes it a strong option for travelers moving between places like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar.
The app also supports scheduled bookings, allowing riders to plan trips in advance—a feature particularly useful for corporate travelers and families heading to events or appointments.
OTaxi is ideal for anyone who needs long-distance or time-sensitive rides, making it a valuable complement to standard city-focused taxi apps.
We help founders create custom taxi apps that compete with industry leaders — built to scale across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Makkah.
Book Your Growth Call!Saudi Arabia’s cities each have distinct transportation needs, shaped by local culture, population density, and travel habits. The most popular taxi apps in Saudi Arabia often customize their services for these unique demands. Whether you need a quick ride in Riyadh’s busy financial districts or use a trusted taxi app Makkah travelers rely on during the Hajj season, knowing which app works best for each location can save you time and stress.
As the capital and largest city, Riyadh has the most competitive taxi app market in the Kingdom, with several Riyadh taxi service apps catering to different rider needs. Daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists all rely on taxi apps in Riyadh to navigate heavy traffic and widespread neighborhoods.
For those seeking privacy or comfort, private taxi service in Riyadh is easily booked through Careem Business or Uber Black. Additionally, online taxi service in Riyadh apps allow riders to pre-book rides to airports or corporate meetings, ensuring seamless travel schedules.
Known as the commercial hub and gateway to the Red Sea, Jeddah is home to a thriving tourism scene and active business districts. The city’s demand for reliable ride-hailing has made taxi apps in Jeddah essential for both visitors and locals. For visitors, using a tourist taxi app in Saudi Arabia makes exploring attractions in Jeddah easier and more convenient.
Whether you’re headed to a seaport, beach resort, or historic district, online taxi service in Jeddah apps make it simple to plan trips without relying on street taxis.
Transportation in Makkah faces extraordinary challenges, especially during Hajj and Umrah when millions of pilgrims arrive, making taxi apps in Makkah essential for safe and efficient travel. Reliable Makkah taxi apps are crucial to managing these massive seasonal influxes while maintaining safety and efficiency.
These platforms serve as a reliable taxi app for Hajj pilgrims, helping them travel between hotels, religious sites, and key locations without the uncertainty of street taxis.
As another holy city, Madinah depends on taxi apps in Madinah that can handle both daily commutes and large groups of religious travelers. Comfort and reliability are especially important for families and elderly visitors.
By using these apps, visitors can travel stress-free between religious landmarks, hotels, and nearby towns.
Located in the Eastern Province, Dammam is a business hub that frequently connects travelers to neighboring cities like Khobar and Dhahran. This intercity dynamic makes taxi apps in Dammam a vital tool for smooth regional travel.
Every Saudi city has a unique mix of challenges and strengths when it comes to ride-hailing. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
No matter where you are, having the right app installed ensures safe, stress-free travel across the Kingdom.
From Riyadh to Madinah, our apps are built for seamless operations with multi-city management, licensed driver tools, and smart analytics.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session!With so many taxi apps in Saudi Arabia, selecting the right one depends on your priorities — whether that’s saving money, ensuring safety, traveling with family, or enjoying premium comfort. Below is a breakdown of the best apps based on specific needs to help you make the right choice.
If you’re focused on affordability, these apps help keep costs low without sacrificing quality:
Best for: Students, everyday commuters, and anyone looking to manage transportation expenses.
Safety is a top priority for many riders, especially families and women travelers. Platforms like Careem include a female taxi driver app in Saudi Arabia option, pairing female drivers with female passengers for extra comfort and security.
Best for: Families, female travelers, and visitors who want peace of mind.
Sometimes, comfort matters more than cost. Choosing a luxury taxi app in Saudi Arabia, like Uber Black or Careem Business, gives riders premium vehicles and top-tier service for a first-class experience.
Best for: Business executives, special occasions, and high-end travel experiences.
Traveling with kids or in large groups? A family taxi app in Saudi Arabia, such as Careem or UberXL, offers bigger vehicles and features designed for family comfort.
Best for: Family outings, religious group travel, and group airport transfers.
When you need rides beyond typical city limits, these apps offer specialized solutions:
Best for: Corporate travel, long-distance commuting, and travelers hopping between major cities.
Here’s a quick comparison table for the best taxi apps in Saudi Arabia, based on different needs:
Need | Top Recommendation | Other Good Options |
---|---|---|
Cheapest Rides | InDrive | Jeeny, Bolt |
Safety & Regulation | Hala Taxi | Careem, Uber |
Luxury Travel | Uber Black | Careem Business, Najm Taxi |
Family & Group Travel | Careem | UberXL, SAPTCO |
Long-Distance Trips | OTaxi | SAPTCO, Hala Taxi |
When it comes to taxi apps in Saudi Arabia, Uber and Careem are the undisputed leaders. Both platforms dominate the market across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam, offering reliable rides to millions of users every month. While they share similarities, each app brings unique strengths that can make one a better fit depending on your needs, budget, and location.
Both Uber and Careem have extensive coverage throughout Saudi Arabia, but there are subtle differences:
Choose Careem if you’re traveling outside large cities. For big metropolitan areas, Uber offers a slight edge with more ride categories.
Price is often a deciding factor when selecting a taxi app:
For everyday trips, Careem might save you a bit of money. However, if you need predictable fares and premium service, Uber is a better option.
Safety is a top priority for both platforms, but Careem offers unique features tailored to local needs:
Careem takes the win here with its women-focused service and family-friendly approach, especially for safe taxi app requirements.
Variety matters when it comes to travel preferences:
For pure ride-hailing flexibility, Uber offers more tiers. For multi-service convenience, Careem has the edge.
Careem goes beyond ride booking by rewarding frequent users:
Careem is the clear winner for riders who travel often and want added value.
During high-demand periods such as Ramadan, Hajj, or national events:
Careem is more reliable during large-scale events and religious seasons.
Here’s a quick comparison table to conclude the debate of Uber vs. Careem in Saudi Arabia:
Feature | Uber | Careem |
---|---|---|
Coverage | Best in major cities like Riyadh & Jeddah | Wider reach, including smaller towns |
Pricing | Slightly higher, especially for premium rides | More affordable for standard rides |
Safety | Strong safety tools, live ride tracking | Women-only driver option + family focus |
Ride Variety | Multiple tiers: UberX, UberXL, Uber Black | Standard rides + food & parcel delivery |
Rewards Program | Not available in Saudi Arabia | Careem Rewards for frequent users |
Peak Season Performance | Reliable in major cities, may face delays | Better availability during Hajj & Umrah |
For most riders, keeping both apps installed is the smartest strategy, allowing you to compare prices and availability on the spot. This flexibility ensures you always get the best value and quickest ride — no matter where you are in Saudi Arabia.
Understanding the cost of using taxi services in Saudi Arabia is essential for both residents and tourists. Prices can vary depending on the city, time of day, type of vehicle, and the platform you use. While traditional street taxis are still available, online taxi services in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and other major cities often offer more transparent pricing with fare estimates provided upfront.
Most ride-hailing apps in Saudi Arabia, such as Uber, Careem, Hala Taxi, and Jeeny, follow a structure that combines:
While exact prices vary by city and service tier, here’s a general estimate for standard rides:
City | Base Fare (SAR) | Per KM (SAR) | Average Trip (5–7 KM) |
---|---|---|---|
Riyadh | 7–10 | 1.80–2.50 | 18–28 SAR |
Jeddah | 7–9 | 1.70–2.40 | 17–26 SAR |
Makkah | 6–8 | 1.60–2.30 | 16–24 SAR |
Madinah | 6–8 | 1.60–2.30 | 16–24 SAR |
Dammam | 6–8 | 1.70–2.40 | 16–25 SAR |
Note: 1 Saudi Riyal (SAR) ≈ 0.27 USD (based on recent exchange rates).
Here are the main factors that affect taxi pricing in Saudi Arabia:
During prayer times, weekends, or public holidays, prices can rise temporarily due to high demand, especially on apps like Uber and Careem.
In some cities like Riyadh, government-regulated services such as Hala Taxi Riyadh maintain consistent pricing with limited fluctuation, making them predictable and reliable.
For long trips like Riyadh to Dammam or Jeddah to Makkah, apps like OTaxi and SAPTCO are better suited, offering fixed fares for intercity travel.
If you want to reduce expenses while using private taxi services in Saudi Arabia, here are a few tips:
By understanding these costs, you can plan your transportation budget effectively and choose the best taxi app in Saudi Arabia based on both price and convenience. Whether you prefer government-regulated services like Hala Taxi or premium experiences through Uber Black, the Kingdom’s ride-hailing ecosystem offers options for every budget and travel style.
Our experts map out realistic budgets with no hidden fees — from MVPs to multi-city platforms — so you launch with financial clarity.
Get Your Free Cost Estimate!The demand for taxi apps in Saudi Arabia is at an all-time high, with cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah relying heavily on ride-hailing platforms. Competing with major players such as Uber and Careem requires more than a basic app — it takes a powerful, scalable solution designed to deliver seamless experiences for both riders and drivers.
As a leading mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia, AppVerticals builds custom applications that help businesses stand out in competitive markets. Our expertise spans multiple industries, from ride-hailing and real estate app development to e-commerce, healthcare, logistics, and more. Every app we create is built with precision, using modern technology to drive performance, scalability, and growth.
Whether you’re launching a taxi platform, a property marketplace, or another digital service, AppVerticals delivers high-quality apps that help businesses lead and grow in Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
Tap into our consultative approach and next-gen tech to fast-track your digital success.