💰 Quick Cost Summary (Per Person, 3 Days)
Budget
~SAR 1,500 (~$400)
Mid-Range
~SAR 4,000 (~$1,067)
Luxury
~SAR 15,000+ (~$4,000+)
Full Cost Breakdown by Category
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (per night) | SAR 150–250 | SAR 350–600 | SAR 1,500–5,000+ |
| Hegra Ticket | SAR 95–135 | SAR 135–195 | SAR 195 (VIP) |
| Dadan Ticket | SAR 30–50 | SAR 50–80 | SAR 80+ |
| Guided Tour | SAR 100–150 | SAR 250–400 | SAR 600–1,200 |
| Food (per day) | SAR 50–80 | SAR 120–200 | SAR 300–600 |
| Hot Air Balloon | SAR 350–500 | SAR 500–700 | SAR 700+ |
| Private Taxi (full day) | SAR 200–300 | SAR 300–450 | SAR 450–700 |
| Flight (Riyadh–AlUla) | SAR 180–300 | SAR 300–500 | SAR 600–2,000+ |
* All prices approximate and subject to change. Check current rates before booking.
Budget Tier Breakdown
Budget TravelerSAR 300–500 (~$80–$133) / day
- •Mid-range hotel or guesthouse: SAR 150–250/night
- •Shared/public meals at local restaurants: SAR 50–80/day
- •Self-guided sites + Hegra ticket
- •Shared taxi or day trip groups
Mid-Range TravelerSAR 700–1,200 (~$187–$320) / day
- •4-star hotel: SAR 350–600/night
- •Mix of dining options: SAR 120–200/day
- •Private guided tours at Hegra & Dadan
- •Private taxi between sites
Luxury TravelerSAR 2,500–8,000+ (~$667–$2,133+) / day
- •Sharaan Nature Reserve or Habitas: SAR 1,500–5,000+/night
- •Fine dining & resort restaurants: SAR 300–600/day
- •VIP private tours, exclusive access
- •Private driver for full day
Hidden Costs to Budget For
🛂
Saudi Tourist Visa
SAR 300 (~$80)
Required for most nationalities; annual multiple-entry
🛡️
Travel Insurance
SAR 50–150/trip
Strongly recommended; medical evacuation coverage advised
✈️
Airport Transfers
SAR 150–350
AlUla Airport to city hotels; pre-book for best price
📸
Photography Permits
SAR 100–300
Professional photography at heritage sites requires permits
🎵
Winter at Tantora Events
SAR 100–500+
Concert tickets and premium events are sold separately
🐪
Camel/Desert Experiences
SAR 100–400
Add-on experiences not always included in tour packages
Money-Saving Tips for AlUla
- 1Book flights and hotels 2–3 months in advance for best prices
- 2Visit in shoulder season (April, September) for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds
- 3Group Hegra visits — sharing a guide with others reduces per-person cost
- 4Book a private taxi for the full day vs. per-trip rates — far cheaper for multiple sites
- 5Eat at local restaurants in AlUla city rather than resort restaurants
- 6Check the Experience AlUla app for discounted combo ticket packages
- 7Riyadh or Jeddah flight connections are often cheaper than direct routes
Control Your Transport Costs
Pre-book a private taxi at a fixed rate and avoid overpaying for ad-hoc rides. Transparent pricing, no surprises.