Experience Diriyah Season on your own terms. Just 20 minutes from central Riyadh, this winter destination brings Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage to life through immersive cultural experiences, exceptional dining, and live performances. With a rental car, you can explore at your own pace, catch the sunset over At-Turaif, and stay for an evening show without worrying about fixed transport schedules.

Planning the drive is just as important as planning your visit. From choosing the best route from Riyadh to finding parking and arranging your return, this guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy Diriyah Season by car with Yelo.

Diriyah Season Dates and What to Expect 

Diriyah Season is an annual festival curated by Diriyah Company with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and it runs from November to March each winter. Each season brings hundreds of events and experiences built around Diriyah's living heritage, including:

• Live performances: music, poetry, and shows under the open sky

• Culinary experiences: open-air dining with local and international chefs

• Heritage experiences: guided walks, exhibitions, and storytelling in historic At-Turaif

• Arts and culture: immersive art installations, talks, and workshops

• Family activities: programmes for children built around play, crafts, and storytelling

• Outdoor experiences: evenings in Diriyah's wadis and palm groves
  
  

The events are spread across Diriyah's historic districts, from Al-Bujairi and At-Turaif to the valleys of Wadi Hanifah. Some programmes are a separate drive from the main Bujairi area, and that is where having your own car makes the biggest difference. 

Before You Drive: Licence and Rental Requirements for Visitors 

Visitors can generally drive in Saudi Arabia using recognized foreign or international driving documentation for up to one year from their date of entry, or until their licence expires, whichever comes first, subject to applicable regulations. The licence must be valid for the type of vehicle being driven. Additional documentation requirements may apply depending on your circumstances.

To rent with Yelo as a visitor, bring:

• Your passport

• An international driving licence valid for at least six more months

• A credit card

• Ensure you meet Yelo's age requirement of 18 to 70 years

The drive from Riyadh to Diriyah

Diriyah is a short, easy drive from anywhere in Riyadh. These are the main routes to Samhan Parking, next to Bujairi Terrace and At-Turaif:

Parking and drop-off at Bujairi Terrace and At-Turaif

The easiest plan is to park once and explore on foot. Diriyah offers:

• Self-parking: paid hourly parking at Samhan Parking and Bujairi Parking

• Valet parking: available at Bujairi Terrace and Zallal

• Drop-off points: the Main Entrance and the VIP Entrance, so passengers can get out before you park

Entry to At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace uses the Diriyah Access pass, which you book on Diriyah's official ticketing site. 

Opening hours and the best time to arrive

• At-Turaif: daily from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, last entry 11:00 pm

• Bujairi Terrace: Saturday to Tuesday 9:00 am to 12:00 am, Wednesday to Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 am

Leave Riyadh around 4 pm, park once, and walk into At-Turaif when it opens at 5 pm. A self-led visit of this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes two to three hours. Then have dinner at Bujairi Terrace and drive home whenever you are ready. Dress modestly, and bring a light jacket, because winter evenings in Diriyah are cool.

Renting your car for Diriyah Season with Yelo

Yelo has multiple branches across Riyadh, including Al Faisaliyyah - Al Diriyah, close to the festival. If you’re on a visit visa, you collect your car at our King Khalid International Airport branches (Terminals 1-2 and 3-4), both open 24 hours.

Features that make a festival trip easier:

• Open mileage: for a small addition to the daily rate, drive as much as you want on every category except luxury.
  
  

• Return at any branch: even one not named in your contract. Inter-city fees apply for returns in another city.
  
  

• Yelo Shield: with Shield or Shield Plus, or when you’re not at fault, you pay no insurance amount as long as a Najm or traffic report is issued, so always ask for one.

Your Diriyah Season driving checklist

Before you head from Riyadh to Diriyah by car, run through this list:

1. Passport, licence (with an accredited translation if you are visiting), and credit card.

2. Your Yelo car is booked, and your pickup branch confirmed 

3. Navigation set to your event’s venue, not just ‘Diriyah

4. Diriyah Access pass booked for At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace

5. Departure timed for At-Turaif's 5 pm opening

6. Tank filled before you return the car
   
   

Your evening in Diriyah starts the moment you pick up the keys. Book your rental car in Riyadh with Yelo and drive into the Diriyah Season on your own schedule.