King Khalid International Airport
Also known as: Riyadh Airport, RUH Airport, King Khalid Airport, KKIA, Riyadh King Khalid Airport.
Private transfer from RUHSee pricesSee pricesAbout King Khalid International Airport
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is the international airport serving Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is a base for Saudia, flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air, which link Riyadh with Jeddah, Dammam, Abha and other Saudi cities and with destinations across the Gulf, Egypt, South Asia, Europe and Asia. Foreign airlines fly in from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Istanbul, Cairo, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and other cities.
The airport has five passenger terminals. Since February 2026, Terminals 1 and 2 handle the international flights of the Saudi airlines, Terminals 3 and 4 their domestic flights, and Terminal 5 the international flights of foreign airlines, so the terminal you use depends on your airline and on whether your flight is domestic or international.
The airport lies about 35 km north of central Riyadh. Line 4 (Yellow Line) of the Riyadh Metro stops at the terminals and runs to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and Airport Road continues south toward Olaya, Al Malaz and the city center.
From the airport, travelers head to the business towers of Olaya and KAFD, hotels in the Al Malaz and Al Murabba districts, the historic At-Turaif district in Diriyah and the Boulevard City entertainment area.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Riyadh Airports Company
- Passengers per year
About 41 million in 2025, up from about 37 million in 2024
- Runways
Two parallel runways, each 4,260 m long
- Terminals
Five passenger terminals, reassigned between February 16 and 25, 2026
- Opened
1983
Arrival tips for King Khalid International Airport
Your arrival terminal depends on your airline. International flights of flynas and flyadeal arrive at Terminal 1, international flights of Saudia and Riyadh Air at Terminal 2, domestic flights of flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air at Terminal 3, Saudia domestic flights at Terminal 4, and all foreign airlines at Terminal 5. These assignments took effect in February 2026, so check your terminal with your airline.
On an international flight, follow the Arrivals signs to passport control. Many nationalities can get a Saudi tourist eVisa online before travel or on arrival, and your passport should be valid for at least six months. Collect your bags in the baggage reclaim hall; free trolleys are available. Then pass through customs into the arrivals hall.
Taxi ranks and ride-hailing pickup points are on the arrival floor of each terminal, marked by column numbers. The Riyadh Metro Line 4 stations are signposted from Arrivals. Use the official taxi ranks, an app or a pre-arranged pickup rather than accepting rides offered inside the hall.
Riyadh is on Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3) all year, and the currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR).
Ground transportation
The metro suits light travelers heading to KAFD during its operating hours, while taxis, ride-hailing apps and pre-booked transfers run around the clock.
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Book a transfer from RUHTaxi from Riyadh airport
Airport taxis and licensed taxi companies pick up from marked ranks on the arrival floor of every terminal, 24 hours a day. Ask the airport's Ask Me team if you cannot find your rank.
Riyadh Metro Line 4
The Yellow Line has stations at Terminals 1 and 2, Terminals 3 and 4, and Terminal 5, and runs to the King Abdullah Financial District, where you can change lines. It runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, and the trip to central Riyadh involves a change.
Uber, Careem and other apps
Uber, Careem, Bolt and Jeeny pick up at numbered columns on the arrival floor: column 11 at Terminal 1, columns 33 to 34 at Terminals 3 and 4, and column 6 at Terminal 5. Expect a short walk with your bags to the pickup point.
Rental cars
Car rental desks operate at the airport, and Airport Road leads directly south toward the city. Riyadh's highways are busy at rush hours.
Private transfer
Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall of their terminal and drive straight to hotels and homes in Olaya, KAFD, Diriyah or elsewhere in Riyadh. This suits families and groups with luggage.
Moving between terminals
Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 sit side by side and are joined by walkways; Terminal 5 is a separate building.
- 1
Walking links
Terminals 1 and 2 are joined by the T1-T2 link, Terminals 2 and 3 by the T2-T3 link, and Terminals 3 and 4 by the T3-T4 link, so you can walk between neighboring terminals.
- 2
Free shuttle bus
Free shuttle buses connect the terminals, with an airside service for connecting passengers and a landside service outside the terminals.
- 3
Riyadh Metro Line 4
The Yellow Line stops at Airport T1-2, Airport T3-4 and Airport T5 stations, which is the simplest way to reach Terminal 5 from the other terminals between 6:00 a.m. and midnight.
Terminals
Terminals were reassigned between February 16 and 25, 2026. Check your terminal with your airline before flying.
Terminal 1
International flights of the Saudi low-cost airlines flynas and flyadeal.
Terminal 2
International flights of Saudia and Riyadh Air.
Terminal 3
Domestic flights of flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air.
Terminal 4
Domestic flights of Saudia only.
Terminal 5
International flights of all foreign airlines, from the Gulf, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Arabia, Air Cairo, Air China, Air France, Air India Express, AirSial, AJet, Akasa Air, Azerbaijan Airlines, BeOnd, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fly Jinnah, flydubai, Gulf Air, IndiGo, ITA Airways, Kam Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SalamAir, Serene Air, Sudan Airways, Thai AirAsia X, Turkish Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Currency exchange and ATMs
ATMs of several Saudi banks are on the arrival and departure floors of every terminal, and Terminal 3 has a currency exchange on its departure floor.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is offered across the domestic and international terminals, 24 hours a day.
Trolleys and porters
Baggage trolleys are free, and porter help is available for travelers with heavy luggage.
Medical clinic
Medical services are available at the airport around the clock.
Baggage services
Baggage services, including lost and found, help travelers with delayed, damaged or lost bags.
Family and children
The airport has family and children facilities and an airport nursery.
Sensory room
A sensory room on the Terminal 5 departure floor gives children with disabilities and their families a quiet place to wait, 24 hours a day.
Ask Me team
Ask Me staff at information points help travelers find their way between terminals and services.
Airport lounges
Plaza Premium Lounge, Terminal 1
On the mezzanine floor of Terminal 1, the international terminal of flynas and flyadeal. Entry depends on your ticket, lounge membership or a paid pass.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for assistance when you book, or at least 48 hours before departure. Wheelchairs are provided free of charge at check-in on prior request.
Reduced mobility
You can bring up to two mobility aids, including electric wheelchairs. Tell your airline and the airport at least 48 hours before the flight and prepare the wheelchair for check-in handling.
Hearing and visual support
Ask your airline in advance and use the Ask Me team in the terminal for help along the way.
Service animals
Rules for service animals are set by your airline and Saudi import regulations, so check with your airline before you book.
Sensory room
Children with disabilities and their families can wait in the sensory room on the Terminal 5 departure floor.
Parking
ParkTERMINAL 1, 2, 3, 4
Direct access to Terminals 1 to 4, about a 3 to 5 minute walk, with free shuttle buses. Not recommended for Terminal 5 flights.
ParkSHORT (Terminal 5)
Next to Terminal 5, about a 5 minute walk to the entrance.
ParkLONG (Terminal 5)
About 10 minutes on foot or by shuttle to Terminal 5, and about 15 minutes by free shuttle bus to Terminals 1 to 4.
ParkVALET
Valet service at the gates of Terminals 1 to 5; drop off or collect your car at the terminal or the parking exits.
Frequently asked questions
How far is King Khalid International Airport from Riyadh city center?
King Khalid International Airport is about 35 km north of central Riyadh. By road, the trip follows Airport Road south toward Olaya, Al Malaz and the city center, and travel time depends heavily on traffic, which is heaviest on weekday mornings and evenings. Line 4 of the Riyadh Metro also links the terminals with the King Abdullah Financial District, where you can change to other lines.
How many terminals does Riyadh airport have?
King Khalid International Airport has five passenger terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 handle the international flights of the Saudi airlines, Terminals 3 and 4 their domestic flights, and Terminal 5 the international flights of foreign airlines. Terminals 1 to 4 sit side by side and are linked by walkways, while Terminal 5 is a separate building reached by shuttle bus or metro.
Which terminal does Saudia use in Riyadh?
Saudia uses Terminal 2 for international flights and Terminal 4 for domestic flights at King Khalid International Airport. These assignments took effect in February 2026, when the airport moved airlines between its terminals. Riyadh Air also flies its international routes from Terminal 2. Always check the terminal on your booking or with Saudia before you go to the airport.
Which terminal do flynas and flyadeal use at Riyadh airport?
Since February 2026, flynas and flyadeal use Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 3 for domestic flights at King Khalid International Airport. Riyadh Air also uses Terminal 3 for its domestic flights. Terminals 1 and 3 are linked through Terminal 2 by walkways, but allow time if you go to the wrong building, and confirm your terminal with your airline.
Which terminal do foreign airlines use at Riyadh airport?
All foreign airlines use Terminal 5 for their international flights at King Khalid International Airport, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa. This arrangement took effect in February 2026. Terminal 5 has its own Riyadh Metro station and parking areas, separate from Terminals 1 to 4.
How do I get between terminals at Riyadh airport?
Walk between neighboring terminals among Terminals 1 to 4, which are joined by the T1-T2, T2-T3 and T3-T4 links. To reach Terminal 5, use the free shuttle buses or Riyadh Metro Line 4, which stops at Airport T1-2, Airport T3-4 and Airport T5 stations. Connecting passengers have an airside shuttle and do not need to go landside.
Can I take the metro from Riyadh airport to the city?
Yes. Line 4 (Yellow Line) of the Riyadh Metro has stations at Terminals 1 and 2, Terminals 3 and 4, and Terminal 5, and runs to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). There you can change to other lines for Olaya and central Riyadh. The airport lists metro hours as 6:00 a.m. to midnight, so late arrivals need another option.
Can I use Uber or Careem at Riyadh airport?
Yes. Uber, Careem, Bolt and Jeeny pick up at all five terminals of King Khalid International Airport. Pickups are at numbered columns on the arrival floor: column 11 at Terminal 1, columns 33 to 34 at Terminals 3 and 4, and column 6 at Terminal 5. Follow the signs from the arrivals hall to the column shown in your app.
How do I get a taxi at King Khalid International Airport?
Airport taxis and licensed taxi companies wait at marked ranks on the arrival floor of every terminal, 24 hours a day. At Terminals 3 and 4 the ranks are around columns 38 to 41, and at Terminal 5 around column 6. Use these ranks rather than accepting rides offered inside the terminal, and agree on payment before you set off.
Do I need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries can get a Saudi tourist eVisa online before travel or on arrival, and some travelers holding a used US, UK or Schengen visa may qualify too. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can enter with their national ID. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Check official Saudi visa sources before you fly.
Who operates Riyadh airport and how busy is it?
King Khalid International Airport is operated by Riyadh Airports Company. It handled about 41 million passengers in 2025, up from about 37 million in 2024, and set a single-day record of 142,538 passengers on July 31, 2025. It has two parallel runways, each 4,260 m long, and opened in 1983.
Are there lounges at Riyadh airport?
Yes. A Plaza Premium Lounge is on the mezzanine floor of Terminal 1, used by international flights of flynas and flyadeal. Saudia operates Al Fursan lounges for eligible premium passengers. Entry to each lounge depends on your ticket class, airline status, lounge membership or a paid pass, so check with your airline or the lounge before you travel.
Where can I park at King Khalid International Airport?
Use ParkTERMINAL 1, 2, 3, 4 for flights from Terminals 1 to 4, a 3 to 5 minute walk from those terminals. For Terminal 5, use ParkSHORT next to the terminal or ParkLONG, about 10 minutes away on foot or by shuttle. ParkVALET operates at the gates of all five terminals, and parking can be paid at self-service kiosks at the exits.
What time zone and currency does Riyadh use?
Riyadh uses Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3, all year, with no daylight saving time. The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR), and cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, including at airport parking kiosks. The Saudi weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, which affects traffic and opening hours in the city.