Getting Around Riyadh

Public transport is available to a limited degree, consisting of minibuses, which ply a few routes and usually operate for men only. Buses that do admit women have a screened off area, separating them from the men. A better option for visitors, though, are taxis (white in color), which can be booked through the hotel or hired directly from an amenable driver. Fares are reasonable and the taxis are metered. Car hire is also possible, but driving can be a little daunting, despite the deceptively easy-looking wide roads. Directional road signs tend to have English translations, but street signs are in Arabic only. Some traffic rules differ from those in the west, and penalties for speeding or reckless driving are severe.