If you’ve got a layover in Hail, don’t let it go to waste sitting at HAS. The city, in Saudi Arabia, is within easy reach — roughly 50 minutes by Taxi / Ride-sharing. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of HAS:
- Can you legally enter Saudi Arabia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Taxi / Ride-sharing, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the SAR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some SAR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Hail
If you head into Hail, here are two things worth checking out:
Qishlah Palace is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the main features in a short visit.
A’arif Fort is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at HAS, check out Al-Fursan Golden Lounge or Ha’il Airport Retail & Duty-Free to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Hail Layover
For food in Hail, local travelers recommend Al Taj Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Shawayat Al Zaytoun is another popular pick.
Back at HAS, Costa Coffee is the go-to. Airport Quick Bites rounds out your in-terminal options.
How to Get Into Hail
From HAS, the Taxi / Ride-sharing gets you to Hail in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-sharing offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Hail layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$8 |
| Meal | ~$16 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$34 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Hail, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Bag Storage Near HAS
You can store your luggage at Luggage storage facilities are generally not available at Ha’il Airport.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Hail as well.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at HAS for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Hail or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at HAS
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 HAS.
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
A layover in Hail is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Hail.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.