Enjoy extraordinary journeys with us
When you fly from Istanbul to AlUla with Qatar Airways, every detail is carefully designed to make your journey exceptional from the moment you board. Experience renowned hospitality as our attentive cabin crew welcomes you, ensuring you are well cared for throughout your flight. Step into a modern aircraft interior, where spacious seating and elegant design create a relaxing atmosphere. Settle in and explore Oryx One, our award-winning in-flight entertainment system, offering thousands of movies, TV shows and games. Whether you prefer a light snack or full-course meal, enjoy a menu of gourmet cuisine, freshly prepared and inspired by global flavours. With plush pillows, soft blankets and luxury amenity kits, you can rest in unmatched comfort and arrive feeling refreshed.
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport provides a modern and efficient starting point for your international travels from Istanbul. Located on the Asian side, this departure point ensures a relaxed experience thanks to friendly staff focused on outstanding passenger service. When planning your journey, remember that IST is one of two Istanbul airports, so ensure you are at the correct one.
For transport, regular buses connect the airport to the nearest Metro station and the city centre, typically taking 30-45 minutes. Taxis are widely available, but consider asking your hotel concierge to book an official metered taxi for you, or use SAWKOOP taxis for fixed-price transfers. Parking is available in the four-storey car park next to the main terminal, which offers 4,700 spaces.
Allow ample time for your departure, as security checks are particularly tight; aim for one and a half to two hours before boarding to complete check-in and security. Within the main terminal, you will find 112 check-in desks and 24 online check-in counters, along with several VIP and business/first-class passenger lounges. Comfort is key here, with spacious waiting areas, mother and baby rooms as well as prayer rooms. Stay connected using the airport Wi-Fi, available for a fee, or use the fixed internet kiosks. Before you board your flight, explore the shopping area, which houses several high-quality outlets selling watches, perfumes, leather goods and accessories.
AlUla is a unique crossroads of civilisations and modern development, where you can admire millennia-old heritage and contemporary sophistication. Explore this destination by roaming around the stunning desert landscape and go into the heart of the ancient oasis.
Begin with a visit to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Nabataean city features over 110 remarkably preserved tombs carved into the golden sandstone rock, clearly revealing the stories of a bygone era. Discover the historical city of Dadan, the former capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. Then head to the nearby Jabal Ikmah, often described as an ‘open-air library’ due to its abundance of ancient rock inscriptions.
For exciting outdoor adventures, enjoy a hot air balloon ride offering breath-taking views of the canyons, or go stargazing at the International DarkSky Park. To marvel at an iconic sight, experience the vast, natural sandstone sculpture known as Elephant Rock.
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Feeling inspired? Explore beyond Istanbul
Feeling inspired? Explore beyond AlUla