Cheapest Flights to Abha
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* Ticket prices are subject to change.From the Most Popular Cities to Abha
About Abha
Abha, often called the "Bride of the Mountain," is a captivating city located in the Asir Province of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Nestled in the heights of the Asir Mountains at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, Abha enjoys a cooler climate year-round, making it a popular summer retreat and a picturesque escape. With a population of approximately 1.1 million as of 2023, Abha is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and vibrant arts scene, offering a distinctive mix of traditional charm and natural beauty.
Thanks to its high elevation, Abha enjoys a milder climate than most parts of the Kingdom. Summers are refreshingly cool, while winters are moderate, making Abha an attractive destination from April to October when the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration and sightseeing.
Travelers from the UAE can reach Abha via Abha International Airport, located only 20 kilometers from the city center. The airport is serviced by Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal, offering direct connections from major Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Emirati travelers can easily access Abha through connecting flights from Riyadh or Jeddah, providing convenient travel options to this unique mountain city.
The culinary offerings in Abha reflect the agricultural richness of the region, with popular local dishes like saleeg (rice cooked with milk and meat), as well as areeka, a traditional dish made with bread, honey, and butter. Local produce such as honey, grapes, and pomegranates are widely available in Abha’s markets, making them a favorite among visitors.
Abha’s attractions offer a diverse range of experiences. The Green Mountain, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding valleys. Lit up in green by night, it creates a unique and memorable sight. The historic Al Muftaha Village is a cultural highlight, featuring traditional Asiri architecture and vibrant murals that showcase local artistry. Shada Palace, once a royal residence, now serves as a museum that delves into the region’s history and culture.
For nature lovers, Asir National Park offers expansive landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching. The nearby Habala Hanging Village is another must-see, with its cliffside houses and breathtaking valley views. For a unique adventure, visitors can explore the mountains by cable car, experiencing Abha’s stunning scenery from above.
Abha is also known for its Abha Summer Festival, an annual celebration featuring traditional performances, local crafts, and art exhibitions that showcase the cultural richness of the Asir region.
UAE nationals can visit Abha visa-free, making it an attractive and accessible destination for Emirati travelers. With its cool climate, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences, Abha offers an unforgettable retreat within Saudi Arabia that’s ideal for a refreshing change of scenery and a touch of adventure.
Transportation to Abha City Center from Airport
Abha Intl. Airport
When you land at Abha Airport, about 26 kilometers from Abha, capital of the Asir province of Saudi Arabia, you can travel to the center of the city with one of Abha's taxis waiting in front of the airport terminal, usually in accordance with flight times. Apart from taxis, Abha Airport also provides many alternatives to passengers who want to rent a car. Apart from these, it is recommended to arrange transfers between Abha Airport and the city center via hotel shuttles, especially for passengers staying at a hotel.
Taxi
You can find a taxi without difficulty, especially at times when flights are organized, in front of the terminal building at Abha Airport. Taxis are also one of the main practical and comfortable vehicle options to travel to Abha city center, which is 26 kilometers away from the airport. In order to better communicate with the taxi drivers who meet their passengers in front of the Abha Airport, you can write down the address of the place you want to go to in the city center beforehand and you can travel more easily by showing this paper to the taxi driver after arriving at the airport. As in other parts of Saudi Arabia, you are expected to pay the taxi fare in Abha with the Saudi Arabian Riyal. However, you can also make a payment in Abha with a common currency like US Dollar.
Car Rental
You can visit the offices of one of the companies that provide car rental service in Abha Airport terminal, and make your choice of vehicles. In order to avoid any inconvenience while renting a car in Abha Airport, you are advised to make a reservation in advance and pick up the car you reserved as soon as you land the airport. You might want to take advantage of a navigation device that will guide you from the airport to the city center or to any other nearby point you want to travel, without getting lost in Abha.
Hotel Shuttle
Hotel shuttles are also among the recommended vehicles for transferring to the city from the airport in the region and throughout Saudi Arabia. The shuttles that pick you up from in front of the terminal and bring you directly to your hotel are much more affordable compared to the taxis operating in Abha. Moreover, you can take your heavy luggage where you will be staying with hotel services without difficulty. Remember to check whether your hotel is providing this service or not, and to learn the fares, if applicable, by contacting your hotel in advance and make the necessary reservations to make benefit of this service.
