Travel tips: How to get to Al Ula by air and land
Start planning your journey to Al Ula…
It’s little wonder Al Ula is regarded as one of the world’s undiscovered treasures. Located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, 700 kilometres from Jeddah and 1,050 kilometres from Riyadh, this spectacular desert hideaway takes some seeking.
But for intrepid travellers, untapped sights await, including the spectacular Madain Saleh, and Winter At Tantora Festival.
With news that Al Ula will reopen to the public in October, find out how to get to Al Ula by air and land.
Flying to Al Ula
Al Ula’s Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport (ULH) is located 35 kilometres (a 30-minute drive) from the centre of Al Ula.
Flights are currently suspended due to Covid-19, but when they resume Al Ula will welcome four flights a week from Riyadh and two flights and week from Jeddah, returning on the same day.
- Riyadh to Al Ula: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Jeddah to Al Ula: Thursdays and Saturdays
Stay tuned for details on the resumption of flights, plus new flights to and from key destinations, including Dubai.
Driving to Al Ula
If you’d like to explore Saudi Arabia by land, then hire a car for a road trip across the country. Kick off your journey to Al Ula in Medina to the south or Tabuk to the north, both a three-hour drive away.
If time is on your side, begin your journey in Jeddah or Riyadh. Roads are well maintained across Saudi Arabia and fuel is affordable. Be sure to carry a valid driver’s licence from your country of residence, or an international driving licence.
Getting around Al Ula
Once you arrive in Al Ula, you can rent a car from a local hire company, with or without a driver. Experience Al Ula recommends Daleel AlUla (Tel: +966 0553338228) and Al Wefaq Company (Tel: +966 0559502782).
Ride-sharing services, including Careem and Uber, are also available.
Before you visit
Tourist visas are currently suspended, due to Covid-19. Once international travel to Saudi Arabia resumes, you’ll need to apply for a tourist eVisa. Find out how to apply for a Saudi tourist visa online.