Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
AlUla airport transfer: what to expect
An AlUla airport transfer is short and simple once you know two things: where your driver waits, and what your hotel needs at the gate. Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ULH), usually called AlUla International Airport, has a single boutique terminal. Resort shuttles and private cars wait outside the arrivals exit.
The airport is 35 km from Old Town and about 45 km from Hegra. Most flights operate in the winter season, roughly October to March, and summer schedules are reduced, so check with your airline before you fix your dates.
AlUla Airport at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport code | ULH |
| Terminals | Single boutique terminal |
| Where your driver waits | Arrivals exit; resort shuttles and private cars wait outside. |
| To AlUla Old Town | 35 km, about 35 min |
| To Madinah | 317 km, about 5 h 5 min |
| Busiest season | Winter, October to March; fewer flights in summer |
| Resort entry | Ashar Valley resorts ask for your booking reference at the gate |
Taxi fares from AlUla Airport
Fares are per car, fixed before the ride, and include fuel, driver and meet-and-greet. Long legs to Madinah, Tabuk and the Red Sea coast include rest and prayer stops. Rides at night (00:00–05:00) add 20%, shown in your quote.
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive | Economy sedan | Family van | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central AlUla | 35 km | 35 min | SAR 60 | SAR 120 | SAR 140 |
| Madinah | 317 km | 5 h 5 min | SAR 540 | SAR 1,020 | SAR 1,110 |
| Khaybar | 182 km | 3 h 10 min | SAR 310 | SAR 590 | SAR 640 |
| Tayma | 198 km | 2 h 55 min | SAR 340 | SAR 640 | SAR 700 |
| Al Wajh | 246 km | 4 h 15 min | SAR 420 | SAR 790 | SAR 870 |
| Umluj | 296 km | 4 h 45 min | SAR 510 | SAR 950 | SAR 1,040 |
| Duba | 318 km | 5 h 55 min | SAR 550 | SAR 1,020 | SAR 1,120 |
| Tabuk | 461 km | 6 h 20 min | SAR 790 | SAR 1,480 | SAR 1,620 |
| Yanbu | 357 km | 6 h | SAR 610 | SAR 1,150 | SAR 1,250 |
| Al Henakiyah | 431 km | 6 h 20 min | SAR 740 | SAR 1,380 | SAR 1,510 |
Resort and hotel drop-offs
Resorts in Ashar Valley need a booking reference before a vehicle can enter. Send us your resort name and reference when you book, and the driver gives it at the gate. For hotels in and around AlUla town, the driver drops you at the entrance.
Some resorts run their own airport shuttle. Check with your resort first; if the shuttle times do not suit your flight, or you want to stop on the way, book a private car instead.
Getting to Hegra and the heritage sites
Entry to Hegra is by booked tour, and the driver drops you at the visitor meeting point. Book tours and tickets before you arrive, especially in winter. Our AlUla in 2 days itinerary suggests how to group the sites.
| Sight | From the town centre (approx.) | Typical visit | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hegra (Mada'in Salih) | 25 km | 3 h | October to March |
| Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) | 10 km | 1 h | Sunset |
| AlUla Old Town | 2 km | 2 h | October to March, evenings |
| Dadan | 12 km | 1 h 30 min | October to March |
| Jabal Ikmah | 15 km | 1 h | October to March |
| Harrat Viewpoint | 25 km | 1 h | Sunset |
Hourly driver or separate rides?
With several sites in a day, an hourly driver from SAR 80 per hour, with a 3-hour minimum, waits at each stop and keeps your water and bags in the car. An SUV is from SAR 180 per hour for families who want more room.
For a single trip, such as the airport to your hotel, a one-way fixed fare is simpler. You can mix both: a one-way transfer on arrival, then an hourly driver for your touring days.
Driving on: Madinah, Khaybar, Tabuk and the coast
You can fly into AlUla and leave by road. Madinah is 317 km, about 5 h 5 min from the airport, past the Khaybar oasis; the driver refuels at Khaybar, as services are limited on the rest of the road. If you are going to Madinah first, you do not need Ihram for that leg. Our Madinah to AlUla car or flight comparison helps if you are still choosing how to travel.
To the west, Al Wajh and Umluj are the gateways to the Red Sea resorts and islands, 246 km and 296 km from the airport.
Flying out of AlUla
There are fewer flights than at the big airports, so check your airline's check-in cut-off and leave a good margin. From Old Town the drive is about 35 min; from an Ashar Valley resort, ask us for the time from your gate. Book the return when you book your arrival, and cancellation stays free up to 24 hours before pickup.