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Riyadh · Saudi Arabia

King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is located approximately 35 kilometres north of central Riyadh. The airport consists of five passenger terminals connected by road and shuttle services, serving as a primary hub for international long-haul operations and domestic connections across Saudi Arabia.

Terminals

Terminal 1
Handles international operations for international carriers.
Terminal 2
Used for international flights by select overseas airlines.
Terminal 3
Serves domestic and international flights.
Terminal 4
Expanded terminal facility handling international operations.
Terminal 5
Dedicated domestic terminal for all internal Saudi Arabian routes.

Arriving

Arrival processing moves passengers through passport control, baggage collection, and customs inspection before reaching the public arrivals area.

  • Follow overhead signage from the gate toward the main immigration hall.
  • Present travel documents at passport control, or proceed via automated e-gates if holding an eligible e-Visa.
  • Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel in the baggage reclaims hall.
  • Pass through Saudi Customs (ZATCA) inspection; declare any restricted goods or items exceeding personal duty-free allowances.
  • Exit into the public arrivals hall where telecom kiosks, currency exchange counters, and onward transport options are located.

Getting to the city

  • Train

    Riyadh Metro

    The Yellow Line directly connects airport terminals to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and the broader city metro network.

    Time:
    roughly 30-40 minutes
    Typical cost:
    typically SAR 4-15
  • Ride-hailing

    App-Based Rideshare

    Services such as Uber and Careem collect passengers from designated pickup zones outside each arrivals hall.

    Time:
    roughly 35-50 minutes
    Typical cost:
    typically SAR 80-150
  • Taxi

    Airport Taxi

    Official metered green taxis are available at dedicated ranks located outside all terminal arrival exits.

    Time:
    roughly 35-50 minutes
    Typical cost:
    typically SAR 90-160
  • Car rental

    Car Rental

    International and local rental car operators maintain desks in the landside arrivals halls.

    Time:
    roughly 35-50 minutes to city centre
    Typical cost:
    varies by vehicle type and rental agreement

Connections & transfers

Transferring between international and domestic terminals requires moving between Terminals 1–4 and Terminal 5.

  • A free inter-terminal shuttle bus runs regularly between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • Passengers transferring from international to domestic flights must clear immigration, collect baggage, and pass customs before checking in at Terminal 5.
  • Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for transfers involving a change of terminal and baggage re-check.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout all terminal buildings.

  • Select the official airport network name displayed on terminal informational signs.
  • SMS authentication is required, necessitating a mobile device capable of receiving international text messages.
  • Local mobile SIM cards can be purchased at arrival hall kiosks if roaming is unavailable.

Money, cards & tipping

Saudi Arabia operates on the Saudi Riyal (SAR), with electronic and card payments widely used.

  • ATMs accepting major international card networks are located landside and airside in all terminals.
  • 24-hour foreign exchange desks are situated in the main international arrival halls.
  • Contactless card payments and mobile wallet systems are accepted across almost all public transit, taxis, and retail outlets.

Food & drink

A range of international dining options and local cafes are located before and after security.

  • Outlets include fast-food franchises, coffee shops, and full-service restaurants.
  • Several cafes and dining options in the main arrival and departure areas operate 24 hours.
  • All food served throughout the airport adheres to local Halal dietary standards.

Lounges & rest

Airline lounges and independent pay-per-use facilities operate in the international and domestic terminals.

  • Saudia operates its flagship Alfursan Lounge for eligible premium passengers and frequent flyers.
  • Independent lounges including Plaza Premium and Hayyak accept walk-in guests for a fee or via card access programmes.
  • Facilities typically feature lounge seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and quiet rest spaces.

Airport hotels

Accommodation options are available within the airport perimeter and along the primary highway into Riyadh.

  • The Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport is situated on-site within short driving distance of all terminals.
  • Transit sleeping pods and short-stay day facilities operate inside designated terminal airside zones.
  • A wide selection of international hotels is located 15 to 25 minutes south along Airport Road.

Baggage & customs

Standard baggage services are provided across the terminal complex.

  • Baggage wrapping counters are available near check-in desks in the departures areas.
  • Porter services are available for a fixed fee near baggage claim carousels and terminal entrances.
  • Inquiries regarding luggage left in terminal areas should be directed to the airport lost property desk in the arrivals zone.

Family & accessibility

Facilities supporting families travelling with children are provided throughout the terminals.

  • Dedicated baby care and nursing rooms are positioned adjacent to primary restroom clusters.
  • Elevators and wide corridors accommodate strollers across all passenger levels.
  • Priority assistance lanes may be offered at passport control for families with infants.

Facilities

  • Prayer Rooms
  • ATMs & Banking
  • SIM Card Kiosks
  • Currency Exchange
  • Car Rental Desks
  • Duty-Free Shops
  • Medical Clinic
  • Baby Care Rooms

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 911 (General Emergency), 997 (Ambulance).

  • Dial 911 for all general emergency services in the Riyadh region.
  • An airport medical clinic is staffed 24 hours for passenger medical assistance within the terminals.
  • For passport loss or urgent consular matters, contact your foreign diplomatic mission in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed September 10, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.