# Alula Airport (ALU) > Alula, SO Web: https://airport.flights/airport/alu JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/alu.json ## Facts - **IATA**: ALU - **ICAO**: HCMA - **Timezone**: Africa/Mogadishu - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 1 ## Overview ## Welcome AlUla International Airport (ALU) stands as a minimalist desert outpost where convenience meets stark simplicity. As an entryway to a vast UNESCO landscape, this airport offers a quick transition from tarmac to transport. Be ready, though, to pay handsomely for onward travel into the desert-scape, with fares like a 100–120 SAR taxi ride from the airport to AlUla town at night. Stepping off your plane, you're greeted with the absence of around-the-clock services; yet, this means fewer crowds and less hassle compared to larger Saudi airports. ## At a glance Located about 30 to 40 kilometers from the town center, AlUla International comprises a single terminal, T1, void of long queues or frantic connections. With flynas and Saudia as its primary carriers, the airport serves as the backdrop to what is more a launch pad into adventure than a layover hub. While transport prices can be a deterrent, the simplicity of the airport itself helps speed you on your way. ## Terminals & layout The airport operates solely out of Terminal 1, making navigation straightforward. Here, the space is stripped to essentials: a Dunkin' Donuts for those in need of caffeine, an ATM, a currency exchange booth, and the all-important rental car desks from Budget and Lumi. Shopping opportunities are non-existent, which means more openness and less clutter. ## Getting to and from the city With public transport options limited, your main choices for reaching the city (AlUla town, about 30-60 minutes away) include car rental or taxi services. Budget and Lumi offer rental cars right at the terminal, and it’s advisable to book ahead to ensure availability. AlUla Taxi charges around 50–60 SAR at daytime and about 100–120 SAR at night for the journey. For group travel, this can be split amongst passengers, which is a budget-friendly option. ## Traveller essentials Before embarking on your travels, ensure you have cash in both SAR and possibly USD, as private transfers from the airport (which can cost about 350 SAR) frequently require cash payment. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are unreliable here, often with drivers demanding more money than quoted, hence, traditional taxis or pre-booked services are your best options. ## Dining & shopping highlights The highlight of Terminal 1 is its Dunkin' Donuts booth, your pit stop for a quick coffee before facing the desert sun. With no other dining, shopping, or lounge options, passengers should plan accordingly and perhaps carry snacks or meals, especially for long waits. ## Lounges There are no dedicated lounges within the terminal, so the Dunkin' Donuts is your best bet for a pre-journey respite. The lack of such amenities is part of the trade-off for the raw, unvarnished experience of flying into AlUla. ## Insider tips - **Money**: Expect taxis from the airport to charge 50–60 SAR in the day and 100–120 SAR at night, avoiding any surprises upon arrival. - **Local**: Visit the visitors' information center in Terminal 1 as soon as you land to grab maps and check on any last-minute transport or tour options. - **Time**: Allocate 30–60 minutes for your drive from the airport to town or further afield to resorts in Ashar Valley. - **Quiet**: Dunkin' Donuts in T1 doubles as the default lounge for many travelers. It's a rare corner for snacks and caffeine. - **Transport**: Pre-book a car with Budget or Lumi upon arrival to secure a vehicle before other passengers rush the limited stocks. - **Avoid**: Usage of ride-hailing apps like Uber often leads to fare disputes. Stick to traditional taxis or pre-arranged transport. - **Photography**: The short walk from terminal to curb will give you an unmatched open view of the desert sky — a photogenic welcome to AlUla. ## Terminals (1) - **Main Terminal** — Saudia, flynas ## Dining (1) - **Dunkin' Donuts** ## Ground transport (5) - **AlUla Taxi** — Local taxi service - **Budget** — Car rental - **Lumi** — Car rental - **SAPTCO** — Intercity bus to AlUla region - **UTA AlUla** — Private transfer company ## Insider tips - _Money_: Expect taxis from the airport to charge 50–60 SAR in the day and 100–120 SAR at night, avoiding any surprises upon arrival. - _Local_: Visit the visitors' information center in Terminal 1 as soon as you land to grab maps and check on any last-minute transport or tour options. - _Time_: Allocate 30–60 minutes for your drive from the airport to town or further afield to resorts in Ashar Valley. - _Quiet_: Dunkin' Donuts in T1 doubles as the default lounge for many travelers. It's a rare corner for snacks and caffeine. - _Transport_: Pre-book a car with Budget or Lumi upon arrival to secure a vehicle before other passengers rush the limited stocks. - _Avoid_: Usage of ride-hailing apps like Uber often leads to fare disputes. Stick to traditional taxis or pre-arranged transport. - _Photography_: The short walk from terminal to curb will give you an unmatched open view of the desert sky — a photogenic welcome to AlUla.