Car Shipping to Saudi Arabia – Rules, Cost & Transit Time

2025 Maserati Ghibli being loaded into an enclosed car transport truck for road shipping to Saudi Arabia.

Explore fast and secure car shipping from the UAE to Saudi Arabia by road. Learn about Fasah clearance, single recovery truck options, shared car carriers, border taxes, and delivery timelines to cities like Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Tabuk.

Shipping your car to Saudi Arabia by road is one of the most convenient and cost-efficient ways for residents in the UAE, Oman, or Bahrain. Whether you’re relocating to Riyadh, selling a vehicle to a buyer in Jeddah, or driving your car for a summer trip to Tabuk, understanding how road car transport works is essential.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know: the types of transport trucks, Fasah pre-clearance, border processes, costs, and expected timelines for door-to-door delivery across Saudi Arabia.

🚚 Why Choose Road Transport to Saudi Arabia?

Road shipping is ideal for:

  • GCC residents relocating to KSA
  • Car dealerships transporting stock to Saudi showrooms
  • Tourists entering KSA for short stays or holidays
  • Families sending a personal car to relatives in KSA

Compared to sea freight, road transport is faster, less bureaucratic, and offers direct delivery to major cities like Riyadh, Dammam, Tabuk, and Jeddah — no port clearance or container offloading delays.

βœ… Documents Required for Road Transport

Whether you’re shipping a car permanently or temporarily for tourism, you will need:

  • Passport copy
  • Emirates ID
  • UAE residence visa
  • Valid car registration card (Mulkiya)
  • Export certificate from RTA (if permanent export)
  • Proof of insurance
  • Authorization letter (if not under your name)
  • Fasah clearance approval

πŸ›‚ Fasah – Border Appointment & Pre-Clearance

Before your vehicle reaches the Saudi border (typically Ghuwaifat–Batha entry), you must pre-register your shipment on the Fasah system — Saudi Arabia’s online customs platform.

πŸ”Ή How Fasah Works:

  • Register shipment details 48+ hours before arrival
  • Upload documents, including export certificate & car details
  • Pay customs duties (if applicable)
  • Schedule a border appointment
  • Coordinate with the customs broker if required

πŸ”— Fasah Portal – https://www.fasah.sa

Delays at the Saudi border often occur due to incomplete Fasah registration or improper appointment scheduling — it’s mandatory for all road entries.

πŸš› Road Transport Options for Shipping Cars to Saudi Arabia

Depending on your budget, the nature of your vehicle, and how urgently it needs to arrive, here are the three commonly used vehicle transport methods by road from the UAE to Saudi Arabia:

Transport Type Description Best For Pros Cons Typical Cost (AED) Transit Time (Days)
Enclosed Truck (Single Recovery) Fully enclosed, private single-car transport. Ideal for luxury or classic cars. Luxury/exotic/classic cars needing maximum protection Total protection from weather, private service High cost, limited availability 6,000–9,000 3–5
Open Truck (Single Recovery) Flatbed open truck transporting one car. Cost-efficient and flexible. Standard cars, quick deliveries, tourism transport Fast scheduling, dedicated delivery No weather protection, mild risk of cosmetic damage 3,000–4,000 3–4
Car Carrier (Shared Open Trailer) Open trailer carrying 6–10 cars. Shared schedule, budget-friendly. Bulk deliveries, dealerships, cost-conscious transport Cheapest option, regular availability Shared timing, exposure to weather, slower delivery 2,500–3,500 4–6

πŸ—ΊοΈ Popular Saudi Destinations for Road Transport

  • Riyadh

Capital city and frequent destination for both personal and dealer vehicles. High customs presence and well-equipped for Fasah processing.

Route: Dubai → Ghuwaifat Border → Batha → Riyadh

Total Distance: ~1,200 km

Average Transit: 3–4 days

  • Dammam

Eastern Province and closest city to UAE by road. One of the quickest destinations with minimal inland logistics.

Route: Dubai → Ghuwaifat → Batha → Dammam

Total Distance: ~900 km

Average Transit: 2–3 days

  • Tabuk

Northern region, accessible via Jordan and UAE. Preferred by clients entering from UAE through western borders.

Route: Dubai → Saudi border via Ghuwaifat → Tabuk

Total Distance: ~2,000 km

Average Transit: 5–6 days

  • Jeddah

Although primarily a sea port, cars can still be delivered by road through internal Saudi highways.

Route: Dubai → Riyadh → Taif → Jeddah

Total Distance: ~2,200 km

Average Transit: 6–7 days

πŸ’΅ Border Charges, Taxes & VAT (Permanent Export Only)

If you are permanently exporting a vehicle into Saudi Arabia, these are the charges:

Fee/Tax Type Amount/Details
Customs Duty 5% of CIF value (Car + Insurance + Freight)
VAT 15% on total CIF + customs duty
Inspection Fee SAR 200–300 at the border
Plate Registration SAR 300–500 at Saudi traffic department
Brokerage/Fasah Filing AED 300–500 if handled by an agent

 

🚫 For tourism/travel vehicles, these charges may be refundable or exempted, provided the car exits the country within the allowed stay period.

🧭 Timeline for Road Car Transport from UAE to KSA

Process Stage Time Required
Document Collection & Export Certificate 1–2 working days
Fasah Appointment Scheduling 1 day (must be booked 48 hours prior)
Pickup and Loading 1–2 days
Border Clearance at Batha 1 day (with valid Fasah appointment)
Road Transit to Destination 1–4 days depending on city
Registration in Saudi Arabia 2–5 days (for permanent imports)

 

Average Door-to-Door Time: 3–7 days total (excluding registration)

🧾 Summary Checklist Before Shipping

βœ… Car is eligible for import (LHD, meets age requirements)

βœ… Valid RTA export certificate (for permanent export)

βœ… Fasah clearance scheduled 48h before border arrival

βœ… Choose transport option (enclosed, open, or single carrier)

βœ… All documents (passport, Mulkiya, visa, etc.) in place

βœ… Duty and VAT budgeted (for permanent entry)

βœ… Registration arranged in Saudi Arabia (if staying)

✍️ Final Thoughts

Road transport remains the fastest, most flexible, and cost-effective way to move your car from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re relocating to Riyadh, planning a seasonal stay in Tabuk, or delivering a luxury car to Jeddah, enclosed and open truck options offer a solution for every requirement.

By ensuring your Fasah appointment is registered, your paperwork is clean, and you select the right transport method for your vehicle type, cross-border car movement becomes a stress-free experience.

Need help with bookings, Fasah setup, or enclosed truck arrangements? Freight My Car specializes in door-to-door car transport to KSA, covering every detail — so you don’t have to.