Getting to Dar Tantora: your route into AlUla's Old Town

However you travel to AlUla, your journey ends the same way, at the doors of Dar Tantora inside the Old Town. This page covers the practical side of that final stretch: flying into AlUla, arranging a transfer, arriving by road or bus, and getting from the hotel to the wider region once you have checked in.

If you are still deciding how to reach AlUla itself from Riyadh, Jeddah or Medina, our full AlUla travel tips and routes guide covers flight times, driving distances and bus schedules city by city. This page picks up from there, with everything specific to reaching Dar Tantora once you have arrived in the region.

Flying into AlUla International Airport

AlUla International Airport (ULH) is 34 km from Dar Tantora, approximately a 30 minute drive by car. The airport receives regular domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, along with a growing number of seasonal international routes, and it sits on the edge of the wider AlUla region rather than inside the Old Town itself.

Once you land, the hotel is a short, scenic drive away through the desert landscape, straight to the doors of the Old Town.

Arranging your airport transfer

Dar Tantora offers on demand transfers in the hotel’s signature classical cars, arranged directly with the team ahead of your arrival. To book a transfer, contact the hotel at dartantora@kertenhospitality.com or call +966 53 400 3939, and let them know your flight details in advance so a car can be ready for you.

Because these transfers are arranged individually rather than booked automatically with your reservation, it is worth reaching out as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, particularly if you are arriving late in the evening or during one of AlUla’s busier festival periods, when demand for cars across the region tends to rise. The drive itself is part of the arrival experience, taking you through open desert scenery before the road narrows into the Old Town’s mud brick streets.

Arriving by road or bus

If you are driving to AlUla, whether in a rental car from Riyadh, Jeddah or Medina, or as part of a longer road trip, the final approach takes you directly into the Old Town, where Dar Tantora is located. Complimentary valet parking is available for in house and restaurant guests, from 7 AM until 11 PM, so you can leave the driving behind as soon as you arrive.

Guests travelling by SAPTCO bus service from major Saudi cities can also make their way into the Old Town on arrival, though because bus journeys run considerably longer than flying or driving, most guests combine this option with an overnight stop along the way.

Getting to AlUla's attractions from Dar Tantora

Once you are settled in, the same on demand transfer service that brings you from the airport can also take you further afield. The hotel team can arrange transport to nearby sites such as Hegra and Dadan, both under 25 minutes away, as well as longer excursions to Khaybar or Tayma, so you are not left arranging your own logistics for every part of the trip. For a full breakdown of what each site involves and how far it is from the hotel, see our guide to attractions around Dar Tantora.

For guests who prefer to explore independently, a rental car remains the most flexible option once you are in AlUla, and local taxi and ride hailing services are also available for shorter trips into town.

Why staying inside the Old Town simplifies your route

Most AlUla hotels sit outside the historic centre, which means every excursion starts with a drive before the day even begins. Because Dar Tantora is built inside the Old Town itself, your base is already at the heart of the region, within walking distance of the Old Town’s alleys and markets, and close enough to Dadan and the AlUla Oasis that longer transfers are reserved for the sites that genuinely need them, such as Hegra, Khaybar or Tayma.

Discover Dar Tantora’s accommodation and stay within the historic heart of AlUla’s Old Town. For more inspiration, explore our AlUla experiences guide and discover the best cities in Saudi Arabia as part of your wider journey.

Practical details for your journey

Address: 375 Old Town, 43562, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 53 400 3939
Email: dartantora@kertenhospitality.com
Distance from AlUla International Airport: 34 km, approximately 30 minutes by car
Valet parking: complimentary for in house and restaurant guests, 7 AM to 11 PM

Plan ahead

Transfers, whether to and from the airport or out to one of AlUla’s ancient sites, are arranged on request rather than booked automatically with your stay, so it is worth reaching out to the team as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Once your route into AlUla is settled, book your stay and let the hotel take care of the rest of the journey.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Dar Tantora from AlUla International Airport?

Dar Tantora is 34 km from AlUla International Airport, approximately a 30 minute drive by car.

Does Dar Tantora offer airport transfers?

Yes. The hotel offers on demand transfers in its signature classical cars. Contact the hotel by phone or email in advance with your flight details to arrange pick up.

What is the best way to get to AlUla from Riyadh or Jeddah?

Flying is the fastest option from both cities, landing at AlUla International Airport. Driving and SAPTCO bus services are also available. Full routes, distances and journey times are covered in our AlUla travel tips and routes guide.

Can the hotel arrange transfers to Hegra or other attractions?

Yes. The same on demand transfer service used for airport pick up can also be arranged for excursions to nearby sites such as Hegra, Dadan, Khaybar and Tayma.

Is there parking at Dar Tantora if I am driving?

Complimentary valet parking is available for in house and restaurant guests, from 7 AM until 11 PM.

Do I need a rental car to get around AlUla?

Not necessarily. The hotel can arrange transfers on request, and local taxi and ride hailing services are available, but a rental car does offer more flexibility if you plan to explore independently.

Is public transport available to AlUla?

Yes. SAPTCO operates bus services between AlUla and major Saudi cities including Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina, though journeys are considerably longer than flying or driving.

How far in advance should I book a transfer?

As soon as your travel dates and flight details are confirmed, since transfers are arranged directly with the hotel team rather than booked automatically with your reservation.