Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and Maraya run on timed tickets that sell out in season.
Hire a car, or a driver
AlUla is spread over tens of kilometres. Drive yourself, use hotel transfers or the Darb AlUla app.
No self-driving at Hegra
Park free at the visitor centre; all visits inside the site are by tour.
Dress for both ends of the day
Warm sun at noon, near 13°C at night. Bring a fleece, a hat and closed shoes.
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at sites and in town; it is simply more comfortable in sun and sand too.
Flights
Saudia and flynas fly from Riyadh and Jeddah, with seasonal flights from Dubai and Doha. From Kuwait, connect in Riyadh.
Friday rhythm
Friday is the weekly holiday: expect a pause around midday prayer and busy evenings.
Ask before photos
Ask before photographing people, especially women and families.
Stay on the paths
Do not touch inscriptions or climb tombs; the sandstone is fragile.
Visitor centres
Several centres across AlUla help with bookings and directions, and answer on WhatsApp.
Cards work
Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere; keep a little cash for stalls.
Stay connected
Signal is good in town but patchy in reserves; download offline maps.
AlUla is calm and safe. Respect the rules at heritage sites, carry water on every outing and check the entry rules for your passport before you travel.