madain saleh tours

Saudi Arabia Tours

3 Days Al Ula Tour Package

Pickup Time:

8:00 am – we can change the time to suit you.

Tour Highlights:

Al Ula Tour Package 3 days Madain Saleh, Hegra, Hijaz Railway station, Elephant Rock, Dadan & Jabel Ikmah.

Day 1: Arrival to Al Ula

Your tour leader/driver will be awaiting you at the Al Ula airport.  From the moment your tour starts, your guide will give you full attention. Once in the car, your guide will talk to you about all the things on the way as well as other aspects of your tour that will interest you.

You will be transferred by an A/C car to your hotel. Overnight in Al Ula.

Day 2: Madain Saleh – Elephant Rock

Start your tour visiting the  Hegra , also known as  Madain Saleh  , or Al-Ḥijr is an archaeological site located in the area of AlUla within Al Madinah Region in the Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. A majority of the remains date from the Nabatean kingdom. The site constitutes the kingdom’s southernmost and largest settlement after Petra, its capital.

The Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh) is the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Hegra it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. The site also features some 50 inscriptions of the pre-Nabataean period and some cave drawings. Al-Hijr bears a unique testimony to Nabataean civilization. With its 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, and water wells, the site is an outstanding example of the Nabataeans’ architectural accomplishment and hydraulic expertise.

Then we will move to the next visit  to Hijaz Railway Station (some times it’s closed for renovation without advance notice) AlUla has long been a place of journey, travel and exploration; Hijaz Railway station construction began in 1900, reaching Madinah in 1908 and opening in Damascus in 1913. As a result of World War I, the railway’s full 1,300 planned kilometres were never completed.

The site dates back to the Nabataean civilisation and is spectacular. Its is a Unesco World Heritage site the first in Saudi Arabia. its holds remain of Hijaz railway from Istanbul from Makkah- Madina that build by the Ottoman empire and destroyed in world war one.

Then enjoy  Elephant   Rock ,This spectacular rock formation resembles an elephant with its trunk touching the ground, is one of AlUla’s geomorphological wonders became one of AlUla iconic landmarks.

Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal AlFil, one of AlUla’s many geological marvels.

Overnight in AlUla.

Day 3: Jabal Ikmah & Dadan Tour

Start your tour visit  Jabal Ikmah , An open air library across AlUla’s Valley, lie thousands of inscriptions in Aramaic, Dadanitic, Thamudic, Minaic and Nabataean, features one of the oldest inscriptions of the Islamic era dating back to 24AH (644 CE).

Thousands of pre-Arabic inscriptions across numerous sites make AlUla an important location in studying the Arabic language. A mountain north of the AlUla Valley, AlAqra’a, features more than 450 early Arabic inscriptions. Naqsh Zuhayr, to the east, features one of the oldest inscriptions of the Islamic era — dating back to 24AH (644 CE). But no such site is more significant than Jabal Ikmah, home to the highest concentration of and most varied inscriptions in AlUla.

In a beautiful desert landscape warmed by the sun, the largest “open library” in Saudi Arabia sits tucked away in a remote canyon valley.

Dadan  was a caravan way station for many peoples, and one of the clues that AlUla was truly a crossroads of civilisations is Jabal Ikmah, which was visited by those wishing to leave their inscriptions and offerings en route through AlUla. Records kept here — in the form of hundreds of inscriptions and carvings lining the cliff faces and rocks — ensured that Jabal Ikmah would be remembered throughout the ages.

A visit to this magnificent site, with its inscriptions thought to date as far back as the 1st millennium BCE, is a glimpse into the past.

At the end Drive to at Al Ula Airport & end of the tour.

Note: sightseeing tours on Herga and Dadan & Ikmah will be sharing with a local tour guide and a small local group.

Al Ula Tour Package Includes :

• 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Al Ula.
• All your tours and excursions are with an A/C vehicle.
• The service of meet and assist at all your destinations.
• English speaking tour leader/driver.
• All your visits include entrance fees.
• Our prices include all taxes and services
• Visa Entry for Saudi Arabia. (We can provide you with your visa upon arrival at your request).
• International Flights.
• Any Optional tours.
• Drinks during meals.

Important Note :

We accept all methods of secure payment: Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, direct bank transfer.

Al Ula Hotels:

Al Ula has only a limited number of basic local hotels managed by locals.  Kindly note that the hotel ratings in Al ula are not the same as in the USA or Europe at all, it’s just local simple clean basic hotels. so you will be Living a Saudi local traditional Experience.

In al Ula there is only 2 hotels that we recommend which is Shaden resort and Habitas Al Ula

Accommodation Plan (A) 3 stars:

Accommodation plan (a) 4 stars:, accommodation plan (a) 5 stars:.

Sahary Al Ula resort.

Accommodation Plan (B) Luxury:

Shaden Resort

Accommodation Plan (C) Ultimate Luxury:

Habitas AlUla (Luxury Canynon Villa ) Highly Recommended Ultra Luxury

Travel Insurance – from AIG  Secure your trip and give yourself greater peace of mind with the Travel Insurance program proposed by AIG for you. For more info visit www.aig.com One week 50$ per person More than one week 75 $ per person.

Saudi Sim Card if you plan to get a Saudi sim card we would advise you to get it at the airport when you arrive. as it will be much easier to buy it from the airport other than anywhere else as they request more documents if you decide to buy it later from anywhere else.

Our Tour Leader/Driver We don’t only choose qualified and professional Tour leader/ Drivers but also choose those who are friendly, with a sense of humor who are committed to offering a superior level of service so you can enjoy your time with them.

How To dress Both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight-fitting clothing. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public.

Your passport You should keep your passport with you during any tour you will be making in Saudi Arabia. don’t leave it in your hotel room as some times they request to see your passport or visa.

For more related Al Ula Tours

Al Ula Tours – Saudi Arabia Tours

Al Ula Luxury Tour Package – Saudi Arabia Tours

Madain Saleh Travel

Often called the second Petra, this is the second-largest and most well-preserved example of Nabataean culture and engineering in the world. With over 111 tombs and a vast amount of monuments, the intricate facades, detailed decor, and impressive size of the ruins is sure to captivate you at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Madain Saleh. Read more

Tours in Madain Saleh

4 Day Saudi Arabia & Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba

Our 4 Day Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba is an enchanting package that travels back in time as you stop at ancient ruins and archaeological sites, sail across desert sands, and uncover the real Saudi Arabia now that it’s open for travel. Let us take care of the details as you savor a unique experience in the Middle East. This tour is available every Sunday, October through March, and leaves with guaranteed departures.

3 Day Saudi Arabia & Madain Saleh Tour from Riyadh

Windswept deserts, ancient ruins, wildlife-filled landscapes, local traditional handicrafts, and fascinating history - discover it all with our 3 Day Saudi Arabia & Madain Saleh Tour From Riyadh. Madain Saleh is Saudi Arabia’s most iconic and popular historical site, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel that will transport you back thousands of years to the ancient Nabatean kingdom. There, you’ll find 111 monumental tombs, some decorated with majestic facades on the sandstone massifs such as Jibal Ithlib. You’ll travel to Dedan, an ancient oasis, for other fascinating archeological remnants attesting to thousands of years of human history and the influences of different cultures and empires that took hold of the region. You’ll enjoy incredible scenery and wildlife at Sharaan Nature reserve, enjoy local cuisine and handicrafts, and see natural wonders like Elephant Rock. This jam-packed 3-day adventure is a unique off-the-beaten-path experience that highlights the history, culture, and nature of the Al Ula region of Saudi Arabia, with your choice of stay at an eco-farm accommodation or a 4-star resort hotel. This tour is available every day year round.

4 Day Saudi Arabia & Madain Saleh Tour from Eilat

Our 4 Day Madain Saleh Tour from Eilat is an authentic look at the recently opened travel destination of Saudi Arabia, and we’ll take away the stress of planning to show you what you’ve been missing. Wander desert oases and vast deserts, explore historic ruins and villages, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. This tour leaves every Sunday, October through March, and leaves with guaranteed departures.

4 Day Saudi Arabia & Madain Saleh Tour from Tel Aviv & Jerusalem

Our 4 Day Madain Saleh Tour from Tel Aviv & Jerusalem is an immersive tour that takes you back to the past with visits to key archaeological sites, dizzying natural splendor, and a virtually undiscovered new travel destination. Let us take the reins as you sit back and enjoy being one of the first to visit this incredible new spot for global travelers, and step into a new world. This tour is available every Sunday, October through March, and leaves with guaranteed departures.

13 Day Highlights of Israel, Saudi Arabia & Jordan Package Tour

Our 13 Day Highlights of Israel, Saudi Arabia & Jordan Package Tour is a singular experience in the Middle East, heading from east to west and everywhere in between. Discover unseen wonders in the desert, travel back into the past, and do it all with the help of an expert local guide. This tour is available every day, October through March, and leaves with guaranteed departures.

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• Saudi Arabia Holidays
• Where to Travel

Hegra (Madain Saleh)

Where to travel in  saudi arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a fabulous destination for culture, adventure and remote tourism. A three-week tour would cover the Kingdom’s highlights, but with any shorter duration it will be necessary to be selective. For non-Muslims the ruins of Madain Saleh (the 2nd Petra) are the main reason to visit Saudi Arabia, but these fabulous tombs are just the tip of the palm tree. Asir and Al Bahah offer fortified houses and mountains; Eastern Province has the vast oasis of Al Ahsa; the northern and central part of the country have fabulous desert scenery and caravan cities; while in the Red Sea you’ll find a technicoloured wonderland. Our Saudi Arabia guides and suggested itineraries are a good starting point for planning. When you want to move forward, our tailor-made Saudi Arabia team are on hand to help fine tune ideas to ensure that you’ll be able to have the perfect tour. 

Weather in Saudi Arabia

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• Jeddah & The Hijaz
• Tabuk & Neom
• Hijaz Railway & Medina Province
• Umluj & Saudi Maldives
• Hail & Jubbah
• Eastern Province
• Asir & Al Bahah

Madain   Saleh ’s rock- hewn   tombs were ‘lost’ to the world until Charles   Doughty’s   ‘rediscovery’ in 1876 and are now Saudi Arabia’s premier tourist attraction. Built by the   Nabataean   Arabs as their southern capital,   Madain   Saleh   is set in a spectacular desert landscape studded with sandstone monoliths a short drive from modern Al   Ula . Anciently known as   Hegra   or Al- Hijr , the city was built around the 1st century AD to protect the   Nabataean’s   lucrative long distance camel caravans bringing precious trade goods from south Arabia to their principal settlement of Petra (in Jordan).   Madain   Saleh   is frequently compared to its older and larger sister city, but the comparison only goes so far, as the settings are very different (desert vs mountain) and the younger settlement’s tombs are in a better state of preservation. This magical   UNESCO   World Heritage site has a total of 111 monumental tombs (94 of which are decorated) carved into its perpendicular cliffs. A day, or at least a full afternoon, are required to explore the site fully, however, the highlights can be seen in a couple of hours. On arrival at   Madain   Saleh , you’ll stop at the Visitors’ Centre, once a Railway Station on the Ottoman built   Hijaz   Railway. Like Doughty, your first sight of ancient   Hegra’s   tombs will be a breath-taking panoramic view of the rock outcrop called   Qasr   Al- Bint   where two of the site’s finest tombs are located. Further on, you’ll reach   Jebel   Ithlib   where the cave-like   Diwan   (a cult centre) is situated next to a narrow gorge ( Siq ) leading to a magnificent amphitheatre of rock. The tombs at Al- Mahajar , Al   Khuraymat   and   Qasr   Al- Sani   are omitted on shorter visits to   Madain   Saleh , but it is impossible to   forego   driving on to   Qasr   al- Farid . The largest and most dramatic of all the ancient   Hegra’s   tombs, the elaborate four-story-high   Qasr   al- Farid   stands gloriously alone in the desert and has become the iconic image of Saudi Arabian tourism.

Hegra (Madain Saleh) - Unmissable Sights

Qasr al-farid.

The most photographed of Madain Saleh’s spectacular Nabataean tombs stands alone in the desert and is an imposing four stories high. 

Qasr al-Bint

The largest tomb façade at Madain Saleh and location of two of the most accomplished tombs at the site. 

Jabal Ithlib

The holy mountain of the Nabataeans is pierced by a narrow ‘Siq’ gorge and is the location of the sacred ‘Diwan’ chamber.

Hegra (Madain Saleh) media gallery

Saudi Arabia Holidays visiting Hegra (Madain Saleh)

Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom

8 days / 7 nights from £6345 pp, riyadh * jubbah * al ula * madain saleh * hijaz railway * jeddah.

This introductory tour reveals Saudi Arabia's most magical cultural highlights.

Saudi Self-Drive: Road Trip to Madain Saleh

11 days / 10 nights from £3590 pp, riyadh * ushaiger * buraidah * hail * jubbah * al ula * hegra * yanbu * jeddah.

A self-drive road trip through the scenic deserts & coastline of the Arabian Peninsula with some private guiding.

Madain Saleh & Arabia Deserta

10 days / 9 nights from £4895 pp, riyadh * al jawf * jubbah * shuwaymis * al ula * madain saleh * dadan * jeddah.

Explore Saudi Arabia's archaeological treasures as well as its rock art & scenic wonders.

Saudi Arabian Explorer

10 days / 9 nights from, riyadh * jabal hisma * wadi al disah * al ula * madain saleh * umluj * jeddah.

An adventure through one of the world’s last untamed frontiers combing desert, canyons & the 'Saudi Maldives'.

Jordan & Saudi Arabia Tour

12 days / 11 nights from £4890 pp, amman * jerash * petra * wadi rum * midian * wadi al disah * al ula * hegra * hijaz railway * jeddah.

This scenic journey follows the ancient incense route and combines Petra with Hegra.

Saudi Arabia & Luxury Oman

11 days / 10 nights from £4795 pp, riyadh * diriyah * tabuk * wadi tayyib al ism * wadi al disah * al ula * hegra * muscat.

Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's highlights then relax in style by the beach in the Sultanate of Oman.

Grand Tour of Saudi Arabia

17 days / 16 nights from, riyadh * ushaiger * buraidah * jubbah * sakaka * tabuk * al ula * hegra * jeddah * al bahah * asir.

A grand sweep through a country that is the greatest enigma in the Middle East and its most overlooked treasure.

Hotels in Hegra (Madain Saleh)

Sahary al ula resort.

Set in a towering U shaped canyon, Sahary Al Ula Resort has a magical desert location clos...

Shaden MGallery Al Ula

Shaden MGallery Al Ula is sited in a breath-taking desert location overlooking fabulous we...

Private Tour Inspiration

8 days / 7 nights from £6345 pp

Al Ula & The Saudi Maldives

9 days / 8 nights from £4990 pp.

Classic Saudi Arabia

11 days / 10 nights from £5795 pp.

10 days / 9 nights from £4895 pp

Saudi Arabia & The Hijaz Railway

10 days / 9 nights from £5495 pp.

11 days / 10 nights from £3590 pp

Saudi Explorer: Deserts & Volcanoes

10 days / 9 nights from £5180 pp.

11 days / 10 nights from £4795 pp

Arabia Felix: Asir & Al Bahah

Saudi Arabia: The Incense Route

14 days / 13 nights from £0 pp.

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Mada'in Saleh

Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Mada'in Saleh. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Mada'in Saleh.

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Mohammed Bukhari

I love meeting people from all over the world, and I make it my mission to provide memorable tours ...

Shaher Albalawi

Hello! I am  Shaher, licensed Saudi tour guide certified by the esteemed Ministry of Tourism. ...

AHMAD ALJUAED

A licensed tour guide in working with tour groups and individuals I love photography and safaris ...

Khalid Sherbi

I am currently living in Saudi Arabia.I am a licensed tour guide, I do tour guiding in Madain Saleh ...

Saleem Jaffar

Government Licensed Adventure tour Guide having 15 years of experience in the relevent ...

Turki Alharbi

Hello, I'm Turki, a passionate tour guide based in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia. Originally from the holy ...

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4 Day Saudi Arabia and Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba

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Important details.

Our 4 Day Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba is a riveting exploration of one of the world’s most talked about new travel destinations: Saudi Arabia. Travel to the past while you tour key archaeological sites with an expert guide, lose yourself in the wilds of the desert, and see what you’ve been missing when we plan this escape for you.

4 Day Saudi Arabia and Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba Highlights

• See Hejra, or Madain Saleh, an ancient Nabatean settlement second only to Petra and a former Roman military outpost
• Discover the undiscovered and visit Saudi Arabia, only now opened to outsiders and tourism
• Learn more about the regions native nomads, the Bedouins, with a stay at a traditional camp in the desert
• Wander a crucial stop along the Frankincense route: the continuously inhabited oasis valley of Al Ula
• Tour the wild side of Saudi Arabia in Al-Tubaiq Nature Preserve and step into the past in Dedan village
• Beginning in October of 2021, be the first to tour the streets of Neom, an innovative and sustainable cross-border city

4 Day Saudi Arabia and Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba Itinerary

• You'll be retrieved from a centralized location in Aqaba and taken to the Dourra Border early in the morning before you spend the afternoon at Al Tubaiq Nature Reserve.
• See the craggy hills that a number of wild animals, like the Ibex and desert foxes, call home as you marvel at the stark beauty of this region.
• Overnight in Tabuk(Lunch and dinner included).
• The day begins in the camp before taking you to Madain Saleh, an archaeological site of the ancient Nabateans that’s often compared to Petra that houses over 111 tombs along with monuments and graves.
• A key stopping point along the Frankincense trade route, the wealth of this civilization and their attention to architecture is evident in the exquisite carvings that adorn the towering facades of each wondrous piece of history.
• Uncover the natural beauty of the area in Jibal al Rukkah, the sweeping sandstone canyons that house unearthly rock formations, Diwan cultic sites, and ancient petroglyphs.
• The day finishes at the Al-Farid tomb, or the Lonely Castle, a stunning tomb that is carved from two-thirds of a massive and isolated boulder.
• Overnight at the Madain Saleh Bedouin Camp(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
• Journey through the wild landscape of Saudi Arabia and discover the recently uncovered jewel of Jabal Al Qaraqir, a vast canyon rife with lush greenery, and its equally impressive neighbor, the 9 million year old lava fields and volcanoes of Harrat Al-’Uwayrid.
• Step into the past at the waystation of Al Ula village, a town fortified with 1,000 mud homes forming a defensive wall, and a popular stopping point for caravans on their way across the desert because of their vast water stores and lush palm groves.
• End your day at Dedan, the village that has stood in this valley the longest, and admire the Lihyan Library, a collection of over 200 wall carvings in this ancient language, and the precipitous Ekma Gorge.
• Overnight in Bedouin Camp at Madain Saleh(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).
• Our private transportation will take you from the camp at Madain Saleh and move you to the Dourra Border, where you'll cross into Jordan and finish the tour.
• Drop-off is at centralized locations(Breakfast included).

If you have any questions about our 4 Day Saudi Arabia and Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Available dates are shown in green along with the starting price for that date based on recent searches. Click on a date to move to the next step and customize your trip such as adding airport transfers, choosing your hotel, and adding extra nights.

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How to Get to Hegra (Madain Saleh) and the Al Ula Valley

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, you might wonder how to get to Hegra and the Al Ula Valley. As one of the country’s foremost sights, you’re sure to want to visit the wondrous rock-cut tombs of Hegra, known to locals as Madain Saleh or al-Hijr. And you won’t want to miss the other breathtaking discoveries to be had in the Al Ula Valley. All of the best spots are covered in our guide to visiting Hegra and Al Ula . These range from the ancient mud-brick town of Al Ula to the Ekma Gorge or the nearby volcano fields.

Situated in the country’s northwest deserts, getting to Hegra and the Al Ula Valley might seem impossible. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is in fact very easy to reach. And once you’re already there, why not take a 3 day tour of Saudi Arabia and Hegra from Al Ula to learn all of its secrets? Here are the best ways to reach Hegra from Saudi Arabia, as well as Aqaba and Israel.

How to Get to Hegra From Riyadh

With transport already arranged and expert guides on hand, guided tours are the easiest way to reach Hegra, and allow you to simply sit back and enjoy the landscapes of a country still shrouded in mystery. Removing the risk of getting lost, or of losing insight on the day because of the language barrier, calculated minute for minute, guided tours are in fact a cost-effective way to explore Hegra and Al Ula, and a whole lot less stressful too.

Should you decide to go it alone, the Saudi capital of Riyadh is approximately 10 hours by road from Hegra. Driving in the kingdom is fairly straightforward, since the roads are well-maintained, however accident rates are some of the highest in the world. Fuel is inexpensive because of Saudi’s vast oil reserves, at around $0.4/liter, and vehicles can be rented in Riyadh for approximately $35/day. All you’ll need is an international driving license.

The Saudi Public Transport Company SAPTCO operates comfortable air-conditioned buses from Riyadh to Al Ula, which take approximately 13.5 hours from end to end and cost around $60. While these coaches stop regularly for comfort breaks, there’s obviously no way of exploring sights along the route more fully. Coach stations are also often inconveniently located for travelers. Local taxis will then take you on to the valley, 22 kilometers away. The fare will cost you $10-15 one way, although you’ll need a vehicle to explore the spaced-out ruins too.

If time is not on your side, the best way of getting to Hegra from Riyadh is to fly, which reduces the travelling time down to around three hours. Saudia, the national carrier, flies into Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz domestic airport at Al Ula four times weekly, with flights evenly distributed throughout the week. The airport is roughly 35 kilometers south of Al Ula, and is connected to the city by taxis.

How to Get to Hegra From Jeddah

A whole string of archaeological sites and other attractions newly opened to the wider world exist between Jeddah and Hegra, and while information on them remains difficult to come by, a guided tour ensures you miss none of what this intriguing country has to offer.

If you’re set on renting a vehicle, the most scenic way of reaching Hegra from Jeddah is to follow the coast of the Red Sea north to the town of Yanbu. King Abdullah Economic City acts as a useful rest stop roughly halfway. You then need to turn inland in a north-easterly direction until Al Ula, with regular directions ensuring it’s difficult to get lost. However, the road journey from Jeddah will take around 8 hours to complete, and more still if using any of SAPTCO’s coach services, costing around $50 per person instead.

From Jeddah, flying remains the most sensible option of getting to Hegra for the time conscious. Flights on Saudia to Al Ula’s modern domestic airport around three times per week in either direction.

How to Get to Hegra From Medina

While non-Muslims are not permitted to visit Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, they are allowed to visit Medina. It has a large number of important sites worth considering on any itinerary to Saudi Arabia.

From Medina, it is a much shorter journey by road than from Riyadh and Jeddah; only four hours or 350 kilometers. It is also a simple journey, with the most direct path following Route 328 north for most of the way. Unfortunately, it is unlikely SAPTCO coaches will take non-Muslim passengers from Medina to Hegra. This is not an official ban and appears to depend on individual ticket sellers.

Both shared taxis and private taxis will complete the whole journey for you at a price. If you bargain well, a private taxi is about $150 one way. Shared taxis are around a quarter of that price per person. This makes a private taxi a reasonable option if you are traveling as a group.

How to Get to Hegra From Aqaba               

Tours taking in this fascinating archaeological treasure aren’t just an option from inside Saudi Arabia. A number of companies running multi-country tours that take in both Jordan and Saudi, including this 4 day tour from Aqaba . This allows visitors to compare the two most important cities in the Nabatean empire, Petra and Hegra.

Crossing the border from Jordan south into Saudi is pain-free. While opting for a guided tour means there’s someone else who speaks the language to worry about the red tape at the border crossing, it is also possible to do it independently.

From the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, buses and shared taxis run to the two nearest borders with Saudi Arabia. The Dourra border post connects with the Saudi city of Haql on the Red Sea. The Al Mudawara border post lies around two hours and 150 kilometers inland. It has better road connections to Tabuk and its stunning national park, and on to the Al Ula Valley.

Transport to the border will cost around $25, with a similar price for continuing on to Al Ula. Both border posts are open 24 hours a day. You will need to have organized a Saudi visa before traveling, as they are not available at the border. Expect border formalities to take around an hour, and a little longer at peak times and on public holidays.

How to Get to Hegra From Israel

Even if you begin your journey around the Middle East in Israel, it is still possible to hand all the hard work of organizing transport and planning itineraries to the experts. Many tours to Hegra operate from Israel too. They include this 13 day highlights of Jordan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia tour that leaves from Tel Aviv, or this 4 day tour from Eilat . Given the site’s location in the northwest of the country, travel times are no greater than from Riyadh or Jeddah either.

At present, political disagreements mean there are no direct flights between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, it is possible to travel overland between the two countries by road, via Jordan. If you have already organized a visa for Jordan, you can use any of the borders from Israel. If you haven’t, you can buy a visa at the border. Your best option is the Arava border near Eilat. The border is open daily from 06.30 to 20.00 Monday to Thursday and 08.00 to 20.00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Visa prices vary depending on nationality, but cost about $60. On crossing the border, the fastest route onward is to take a taxi to Aqaba. It costs around $15, and then follow our guidance above from Aqaba to Hegra.

Visiting Saudi Arabia’s Archaeological Gems

This guide on how to get to Hegra and the Al Ula Valley covers both independent and guided travel. Visiting this area is well worth the effort, and can be done from across the Middle East. Be sure you know what to wear in Saudi Arabia , and when to visit Saudi Arabia !

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