Al Ula International Airport

Al Ula International Airport: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Medina Province, Saudi Arabia

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Al Ula International Airport, officially known as Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport, is the main gateway for travelers seeking to explore the extraordinary historical and cultural riches of Medina Province, Saudi Arabia. This airport is the entry point to Al Ula, a region renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra (Madain Saleh), as well as other ancient wonders like Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, and the majestic Elephant Rock. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative prioritizing tourism and heritage, the airport has seen significant expansion to handle millions of visitors annually, offering world-class facilities, improved connectivity, and a seamless travel experience (Travel and Tour World; The National News).

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on Al Ula International Airport’s services, visiting hours for major sites, ticketing advice, and essential travel tips for a rewarding journey through Saudi Arabia’s ancient heartland.

Welcome: Your Gateway to Heritage and Adventure
Airport Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Transportation: Getting To and From the Airport
Accessibility and Facilities
Top Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips
Al Ula International Airport: Vision 2030 and Tourism
Detailed Airport Guide
Exploring Al Ula: Monuments, Tickets, and Tours
Summary and Recommendations
Sources

Welcome: Your Gateway to Heritage and Adventure

Located roughly 25 kilometers southeast of Al Ula city, the airport connects travelers with the region’s archaeological wonders and natural beauty. As a 24/7 operational hub, it caters to both domestic and international visitors, providing modern amenities and efficient services designed for a smooth arrival.

Airport Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Operating Hours: The airport operates around the clock, every day of the year.
Airport Entry: No ticket or entry fee is required; flight schedules and bookings should be managed directly with airlines.
Booking Advice: Advance ticket booking is recommended, particularly during the high season (October–April).
Historical Site Tickets:
- Hegra, Dadan, and Jabal Ikmah: Combined and individual tickets are available via the Official Al Ula Tourism Website or at the airport’s information desk.
- Prices: Tickets for key sites like Hegra start at SAR 50 for adults, with discounts for children and residents. Advance online purchase is encouraged for guaranteed access and to streamline your visit.

Transportation: Getting To and From the Airport

Taxis: Available outside the terminal for direct transfers to hotels and attractions.
Car Rentals: Agencies such as Budget and Lumi operate onsite. Early reservation is advised, especially during festivals or peak tourist periods (Postcards from the World).
Private Transfers: Many hotels offer shuttle or pre-arranged transfer services.
Future Tramway: A low-carbon tramway is planned, connecting the airport with key districts, further supporting sustainable tourism.

Accessibility and Facilities

Universal Design: The terminal is accessible, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistance available for travelers with disabilities.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange
- Dining options and café
- Prayer rooms
- VIP lounge with design elements inspired by Al Ula’s heritage
- Information desk with multilingual staff (Cluster2 Airports)

Top Nearby Attractions

Hegra (Madain Saleh): Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with well-preserved Nabataean tombs.
Al Ula Old Town: A historical mud-brick settlement, offering insight into traditional desert life.
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah: Archaeological sites with rock inscriptions and ancient ruins.
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil): A stunning natural rock formation, especially beautiful at sunset.

Most sites are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with minor seasonal adjustments. Check current hours before visiting (Experience AlUla).

Visitor Tips

Best Season: October to April offers comfortable weather for outdoor exploration.
Advance Booking: Flights, car rentals, and attraction tickets should be booked ahead, especially during festivals.
Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended out of respect for local customs.
Health Precautions: Carry sun protection, drink water regularly, and bring any required medication (SaudiVisa.org).
Photography: Most sites allow photography, but drone usage may require special permits.

Al Ula International Airport: Vision 2030 and Tourism

The airport’s expansion is pivotal to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, driving economic diversification and sustainable cultural tourism. With capacity set to reach 6 million passengers annually, new routes are being established to connect Al Ula to major domestic and international cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Doha, and Dubai (Travel and Tour World; Gulf News).
In 2023, 250,000 visitors passed through, 35% of whom were international travelers.

The airport’s terminal, spanning 2.4 million square meters, features locally inspired architecture, sustainability measures, and hospitality services such as hotels and spas. Enhanced VIP and private aviation services support Al Ula’s position as a luxury destination.

Detailed Airport Guide

Terminal Layout: User-friendly design, with clear bilingual signage; arrivals and departures are separated for efficient passenger flow.
Check-in and Security: Generally swift, though wait times may increase during major events.
Parking: 500 spaces, short- and long-term, at 5.75 SAR per hour, secure and well-monitored.
Passenger Services:
- Baggage handling
- Waiting areas with charging points
- Retail and food outlets (limited but expanding)
Accessibility: Notify airlines in advance for special assistance.

Exploring Al Ula: Monuments, Tickets, and Tours

Hegra (Madain Saleh):
- Open: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tickets: SAR 50–100, depending on package and visitor category. Book here.
Al Ula Old Town & Elephant Rock:
- Open all year, usually free entry. Ideal for morning or sunset visits.
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah:
- Open: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tickets required.
Guided Tours: Enhance your visit with an expert guide. Tours are available in multiple languages and can be booked online or through hotels.
Events: Don’t miss the Winter at Tantora Festival, featuring music, art, and cultural events.

Summary and Recommendations

Al Ula International Airport is the perfect launchpad for discovering one of the world’s most remarkable regions. With modern facilities, strategic airline connectivity, and comprehensive visitor services, the airport ensures a smooth start to your adventure.

Key Recommendations: