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Sana’a Layover Guide (SAH)

What are you looking for in SAH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Sanaa International Airport (SAH) is an international airport located in Sanaa, Yemen. It’s located about 13.6 km (8.5 miles) from downtown Sanaa. The airport first opened officially in 1964. Sanaa is the largest city and capital of Yemen, with over 3.2 million residents, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage hub celebrated for its ancient Old City and tower houses. It’s also known for its mountainous setting and cultural heritage.

Can you leave Sana’a Airport (SAH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Sana’a Airport (SAH) can stay airside for up to 24 hours without a visa. To exit the terminal and visit Sana’a, travelers must obtain a Yemeni entry visa beforehand from a Yemeni diplomatic mission, as tourist visas on arrival are not available. Plan accordingly prior to travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old City of Sana’a Explore UNESCO-listed Old City with its labyrinthine alleys lined by centuries-old mud-brick tower houses adorned with white gypsum patterns and vibrant souks offering handicrafts, spices and local delicacies. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min.)
• Bab al-Yemen Gate Admire Bab al-Yemen gate at Old City entrance, a historic sandstone archway overlooking plazas and bustling souks, ideal for photographs and sampling local street snacks under its ornate façade. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Al Saleh Mosque Visit imposing Al Saleh Mosque, Yemen’s largest modern mosque featuring stunning white stone columns, intricately carved arches, spacious courtyard and panoramic views of Sana’a, welcoming visitors of all faiths. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min.)
• National Museum of Yemen Discover the National Museum of Yemen’s extensive collection of ancient artifacts, pottery, coins and manuscripts tracing the country’s history from the Stone Age through the Islamic era and beyond. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Al Sabeen Park Relax at Al Sabeen Park, a leafy urban oasis flanking Wadi Adhanah, featuring tree-lined pathways, fountains, shaded benches and playgrounds popular with families and locals seeking respite. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min.)
• Suq al-Milh Wander through Suq al-Milh salt market, where local traders offer Himalayan mineral salt, aromatic spices, handcrafted pottery and dried fruits, showcasing centuries-old trading traditions set amid historic mud-brick architecture. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experience a traditional Yemeni coffee ceremony in a centuries-old qahwa house, savoring richly spiced qishr tea and aromatic bean brews served alongside dates, while learning local hospitality customs firsthand. (Time required: 30 min. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Jabal Nuqum Viewpoint Hike or drive to Jabal Nuqum viewpoint for sweeping panoramas of Sana’a’s skyline, Old City rooftops and surrounding mountains, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset when the city glows warmly. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min.)

Things to Do in Sana’a Airport (SAH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Sana’a International Airport offers no public VIP lounges. Passengers can find limited seating clusters near gates and a small cafeteria area with chairs and tables. Basic amenities include flight information screens and restrooms. Travelers seeking comfort may visit nearby hotel lounges in downtown Sana’a prior to arrival for extra fee. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Multiple hotels operate within a 10 km radius of SAH, offering airport shuttles and nightly rates from US $20 to US $100. Budget inns such as Lamar Hotel and Mercure Sanaa Al Saeed provide free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Higher-end options like Mövenpick Sanaa feature pools, restaurants, spa and 24-hour front-desk services. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Sana’a International Airport does not provide dedicated rest zones or sleep pods. Travelers must rely on standard gate seating and benches scattered throughout the terminal. Carpeting near departure areas occasionally invites naps, but noise and lighting are constant. Bring travel pillows, blankets and eye masks for improved comfort overnight.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: No free public Wi-Fi is offered at SAH. A limited wired internet kiosk near the arrivals hall sells timed access for a fee. Cellular data coverage is available throughout the terminal; you can connect via 4G networks offered by major Yemen providers. USB charging points are located near seating areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM card vendors for Yemenia Telecom, MTN Yemen and Sabafon are located just past immigration in the arrivals hall. Physical SIMs cost around US $5–10 and include data plans valid 7–30 days; passport registration is required. eSIM profiles can be pre-purchased online via global eSIM retailers and activated on landing. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Sana’a Airport (SAH) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Registered taxis queue outside the arrivals terminal offering meter-based fares to central Sana’a (39 km). A standard taxi ride takes about 40 minutes and costs between US $90 and US $110. Major operators include White Taxi and Al-Saakani. Cash (USD or YER) is accepted; agree on the fare or confirm meter use before boarding.

Train: Yemen has no operational railway network; no passenger trains serve SAH or Sana’a. Historical proposals for rail links were never realized. Travelers relying on rail transport must consider alternative routes. (more info)

Bus: There is no formal public bus service from SAH. Informal shared minibuses and shuttle vans operate intermittently on the highway outside the terminal. Departure times are irregular; seating is unreserved. Fares average YER 500 per person. (more info)

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services between 06:00 and 22:00. Shuttle schedules vary by property and often require advance booking. Contact your hotel concierge or reservation desk to arrange pick-up and drop-off times. Shared shuttle vans may serve multiple hotels on a single route.

Car rentals: Car hire counters for local agencies and select international brands (e.g., Hertz, Avis) are situated in the arrivals hall. Rentals require a valid driver’s license, passport and credit card. Daily rates start at US $30 for economy cars; larger SUVs and vans are available. Pre-booking online often secures better rates and vehicle choice. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots flank the terminal building. A free drop-off zone is available directly outside arrivals. Parking fees apply hourly or daily—rates begin at YER 200 per hour. Automated barriers accept cash or credit cards. The parking area is guarded 24/7 but has no covered bays.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Sana’a International Airport does not provide on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers may use third-party services in central Sana’a—apps like Nannybag and local hotels offer secure, insured bag storage for US $5–10 per day. Arrange drop-off and pick-up at conveniently located partner shops or hotel lobbies. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Sana’a Airport (SAH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks