Every winter, AlUla's desert valleys and ancient sites come alive with hot air balloons, concerts under the stars, and evenings in the Old Town. Getting there by road turns the journey into part of the adventure: you set the pace, choose your stops, and arrive with the freedom to explore at your own rhythm.

This guide covers this season's dates, the best route from each city, where to stop on the way, and how Yelo keeps your trip simple from pickup to return.

AlUla Season 2026–27: Dates and Highlights

These are the confirmed dates on the official AlUla events calendar:

The AlUla Skies Festival takes you from balloon flights over Hegra's ancient sites to guided stargazing at historic AlUla Fort on 6–7 and 13–14 November, ending with a Leonid meteor shower night at Jabal Ikmah on 15 November.

Winter at Tantora spreads its programme across the Old Town and its Oasis, Hegra, and the surrounding desert, from open-air balcony performances at Shorfat Tantora to the AlManshiyah Carnival. With venues this spread out, your own car lets you move between them easily in a single evening.

Driving to Hegra: Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site is explored only on an organised tour, and self-driving is not allowed. Park for free at Hegra South Gate, where the tour meeting points are, and book your tour before you travel, as places are limited each day.

Jeddah or Riyadh: Planning your Route

Both cities connect to AlUla on main highways. Here's how the two routes compare:

Along the way:

• From Jeddah, the Madinah region is the natural place to break the journey. AlUla is a three-hour drive from Medina, so you can push through in one day or rest overnight and arrive fresh.
  
  

• From Riyadh, Ha'il is the natural overnight stop. With extra time, a detour to Jubbah rewards you with some of the Kingdom's richest UNESCO-listed rock art.

Before you Set Off: Road Trip Tips to Keep in Mind 

A little preparation makes the long road easy:

• Choose the right size of car. Think about the number of passengers and the luggage you are bringing for a multi-day trip.

• Carry the right documents. Make sure your driving licence is valid for at least six more months. If you’re visiting, bring your International Driving Permit, translated into Arabic.

• Download offline maps. Save your route on your phone in case of a weak signal on remote stretches.

• Check tyres and fuel. Look over the tyres before you leave, and refuel often rather than waiting for the warning light.

• Book ahead. Reserve your festival tickets, your Hegra tour, and your overnight stop in Medina or Ha'il before you leave.

Why rent with Yelo for your AlUla road trip

A road trip this long deserves a car you can count on, and a rental partner that's with you from the first kilometre to the last. Here's how Yelo makes the drive to AlUla easier:

• Start the moment you land. Our airport branches in Jeddah and Riyadh are open 24 hours, so your car is ready whenever your flight arrives. Visitors collect from our airport branches, and residents can also pick up from any of our city branches.
  
  

• Drive without counting kilometres. Add Open Kilometers to your contract and explore as much of AlUla as you like, on every category except luxury.
  
  

• Travel with peace of mind. Yelo Shield Plus covers accidents, windshield, tyres, and body exterior, from tyre punctures to minor windscreen chips and small scratches.
  
  

• We're close by on both routes. With branches in Medina, Ha'il, and AlUla itself, Yelo is near you on the way and once you arrive.
  
  

• Finish wherever your trip ends. Drop the car at any Yelo branch, even in another city, and we take care of the rest. Shipping fees between areas apply.

Start your AlUla road trip with Yelo

From the first stretch of highway to the last evening under AlUla's winter skies, the road is part of the story. Whether you set off from Jeddah or Riyadh, choose the car that fits your trip and arrive ready to enjoy every festival, every view, and every stop along the way.

Book your Yelo car in Jeddah or Riyadh and start planning your road trip to AlUla Season.