Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How long is the drive from Madinah to Al Ula?
Madinah to Al Ula is 350 km by road, about 3 h 30 min of driving on Route 15 north via Khaybar. With a rest stop and a short look at Khaybar, plan on half a day door to door.
Fuel up in Madinah before leaving. The road passes Khaybar oasis and its volcanic fields; Khaybar is the fuel stop, and services are limited after that.
If you fly into Madinah, the driver can collect you at the airport and go straight to Al Ula: 350 km, about 5 h 30 min.
The route: Madinah, Khaybar, Al Ula
- Madinah to Khaybar: 170 km, about 2 h, on Route 15 north.
- Khaybar: a historic oasis with old fortresses beside the Harrat Khaybar volcanic field. Fuel and rest stop.
- Khaybar to Al Ula: the remaining stretch, where services are limited, so carry water and snacks.
- Al Ula: drop at your hotel, your resort gate or AlUla Old Town.
Stopping at Khaybar
Khaybar, north of Madinah, is a historic oasis with old fortresses on the road to Al Ula. It is known in Islamic history for the expedition of Khaybar in 7 AH (628 CE), and it is the natural break on this drive.
A rest stop here is included in the fare. If you want to explore the oasis and fortresses properly, tell us when booking; we add a longer stop and include it in your quote. See Khaybar oasis and fortresses for more on the site.
Madinah to Al Ula fares by vehicle
Fares are per car and include fuel, the driver and a rest stop. Return trips are discounted; ask for the return fare when you book.
| Vehicle | Seats | Madinah to Al Ula | At night | Madinah Airport to Al Ula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 600 | SAR 720 | SAR 600 |
| Standard Sedan | 1–3 | SAR 700 | SAR 840 | SAR 700 |
| Comfort MPV | 4–6 | SAR 880 | SAR 1,060 | SAR 880 |
| Family Van | 7–11 | SAR 1,120 | SAR 1,340 | SAR 1,120 |
| SUV | 4–7 | SAR 1,230 | SAR 1,480 | SAR 1,230 |
| Luxury / VIP | 1–4 | SAR 2,100 | SAR 2,520 | SAR 2,100 |
Arriving in Al Ula: hotels, resorts and Old Town
Resorts in Ashar Valley require a resort gate booking reference for vehicle entry, so send it with your booking. For hotels in town the hotel name is enough.
Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is visited by booked tour, and we drop you at the visitor meeting point; book tours early in winter. Elephant Rock is a classic sunset stop, and AlUla Old Town is pleasant on winter evenings.
To get around Al Ula, an hourly driver costs from SAR 80 per hour with a 3-hour minimum, and waits at each site.
When to go and how long to stay
October to March are the best months for Al Ula's outdoor sites, and Al Ula Airport has most of its flights in that winter season, with reduced summer schedules.
At 3 h 30 min each way, a same-day return from Madinah leaves little time at the sites. One or two nights in Al Ula work better; see Al Ula in 2 days for a plan.
Car or flight to Al Ula?
Flights into Al Ula Airport (ULH) are limited, so the road is the usual way from Madinah. The airport is about 35 km from town; resort shuttles and private cars wait outside arrivals.
Airline timetables and fares change, so check with the airline. Our Madinah to Al Ula car vs flight comparison weighs up the two.
Checklist for the Madinah to Al Ula drive
- Send your Ashar Valley resort booking reference, if you have one.
- Carry water and snacks for the stretch after Khaybar.
- Bring a warm layer in winter for the evenings.
- Ask for an SUV or Comfort MPV if you want more room on a long drive.
- Book your return or onward trip at the same time.