If you’ve got a layover in Al-Ula, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ULH. The city, in Saudi Arabia, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ULH:
First, verify that you can enter Saudi Arabia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 50 minutes into Al-Ula, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — SAR is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Exploring Al-Ula on a Layover
For a layover visit to Al-Ula, we’d suggest Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) and AlUla Old Town. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at ULH, check out ULH Airport Prayer Rooms or Al-Ula Airport Souvenir Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Al-Ula, local travelers recommend Suhail Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Pink Camel Pastries & Cafe is another popular pick.
Back at ULH, ULH Airport Cafe is the go-to. ULH Grab & Go Kiosk rounds out your in-terminal options.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Al-Ula layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$9 |
| Meal | ~$18 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$37 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Al-Ula, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ULH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Al-Ula itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Saudi Arabia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at ULH can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Al-Ula for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at ULH.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Al-Ula count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ULH. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.