King Khalid International Airport
مطار الملك خالد الدولي
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · Since 1983
Last updated:
About RUH
The main airport of Saudi Arabia capital and a hub for Saudia.
Why "RUH"?
RUH is derived from Riyadh, which comes from the Arabic word Riyad meaning gardens. The city was historically an oasis with many gardens in the Arabian desert.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The primary domestic terminal handling all Saudia domestic flights and some international services. Recently renovated with expanded capacity.
Terminal 2
International terminal handling Saudia international flights and Star Alliance partners. Modern facilities with extensive duty-free.
Terminal 3
International terminal serving major Middle Eastern and international carriers. Features dedicated premium facilities.
Terminal 4
Handles additional international carriers and is also used for VIP and private aviation overflow.
Terminal 5 (Royal Terminal)
Exclusive terminal reserved for Saudi royal family and VIP state guests. Not accessible to regular passengers. Architecturally impressive.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at RUH
Showing 8 of 59 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
SAR 60-100 (USD 16-27)
30-45 minutes to city center
Public Transport
SAR 4-8 (Riyadh Metro/Bus)
40-60 minutes to city center
Parking at RUH
Terminal 1 Parking
Terminal 2 Parking
Terminal 3 Parking
Long Stay Parking
Airport Lounges
Saudia Al Fursan Golden Lounge
Premium Saudia lounge with Arabic and international cuisine, prayer rooms, shower suites, sleeping rooms, and spa services. No alcohol served.
Emirates Lounge
Dedicated Emirates lounge in Terminal 3 with Middle Eastern and international cuisine, fresh juices, and shower suites.
Saudia Al Fursan Silver Lounge
Saudia business lounge with Arabic coffee, dates, hot meals, prayer area, and shower facilities.
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge
Qatar lounge with Arabic hospitality, fresh dates, coffee, hot meals, and comfortable seating.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Independent lounge available to all passengers. Arabic and international food, sleeping pods, shower suites, and prayer rooms.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel
Within the airport complex, connected to terminals
Luxury hotel within the airport complex. Elegant rooms, multiple restaurants, fitness center, and pool. Day rooms available.
Nearby Hotels
Park Inn by Radisson
Near airport on King Fahd Road
Mid-range hotel with modern amenities, restaurant, and fitness center. Good value near the airport.
Golden Tulip Riyadh Airport
Airport area, 10-minute drive
Full-service hotel with Middle Eastern and international dining, pool, and meeting facilities.
Holiday Inn Riyadh Airport
Airport road, 10-minute drive
Comfortable hotel near the airport with restaurant, pool, and fitness facilities. Free airport shuttle.
Novotel Riyadh Airport
Airport district, 8-minute drive
Modern hotel with contemporary rooms, restaurant, pool, and business center. Regular shuttle to terminals.
Food & Dining
Al Baik
Saudi Fast Food
Legendary Saudi fried chicken chain. Incredibly popular with locals. Try the broasted chicken meal with garlic sauce.
24 hours
Kudu
Sandwiches/Saudi
Saudi sandwich chain with Arabic-style sandwiches, fresh juices, and coffee. Multiple locations throughout the airport.
24 hours
Shawarmer
Middle Eastern
Saudi shawarma chain serving fresh chicken and beef shawarma wraps, plates, and meals. Quick and delicious.
24 hours
McDonald's
Fast Food
All halal McDonald's with some regional menu items including McArabia. Open 24 hours.
24 hours
Herfy
Saudi Fast Food/Burgers
Popular Saudi burger chain with generous portions. Try the Herfy Meal for a local fast food experience.
24 hours
Costa Coffee
Coffee/Cafe
Popular coffee chain with Middle Eastern specialty drinks, pastries, and light meals. Multiple locations.
24 hours
Car Rental
Budget Saudi
Arrivals Hall, Terminals 1-4
Major rental company in Saudi Arabia. International driving license required. Women can drive in Saudi Arabia since 2018.
Hertz
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2 and 3
International brand with reliable service. GPS strongly recommended as road signs can be confusing. Fuel is very cheap.
Avis
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2
Premium vehicle selection. Insurance included in most packages. Riyadh roads are modern and well-maintained.
Theeb Rent a Car
Arrivals Hall, all terminals
Largest local Saudi rental company. Excellent vehicle selection and competitive prices. 24-hour roadside assistance.
Lumi
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 1 and 2
Modern Saudi rental app-based company with competitive rates and easy digital booking process.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Prayer and Rest
All terminals have well-maintained prayer rooms and ablution facilities. Rest areas with comfortable seating available throughout.
Airport Duty Free Shopping
Shop for Arabic perfumes (oud), dates, Arabic coffee sets, gold jewelry, and international brands at duty-free prices.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Kingdom Centre Tower Sky Bridge
Visit the iconic Sky Bridge at the top of Kingdom Centre, Riyadh most famous skyscraper. Panoramic views of the city from 99 floors up.
Riyadh Boulevard
Massive entertainment destination with restaurants, concerts, activities, and events. Part of Riyadh Season entertainment program.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Comprehensive museum covering Saudi Arabian history from prehistoric times to the modern kingdom. Located in the Murabba Historical Palace area.
Visit Diriyah At-Turaif
UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Saudi Arabia. Stunning mud-brick architecture and the modern Bujairi Terrace with world-class restaurants.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type G (UK-style), Type A/B (US-style) - mixed throughout
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: SAR 30-50 (USD 8-13) per item per 24 hours
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Exchange: Al Rajhi Bank, Enjaz, and other exchange offices in all terminals. ATMs from major Saudi banks throughout. Good rates at airport exchanges.
- Hours: 24 hours (some counters)
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Saudi Arabia. 10% at restaurants if service charge not included. SAR 5-10 for porters.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms available in all terminals
Lost & Found
- Phone: +966 11 221 1000
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+966 11 221 1000
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how RUH compares to other major airports in the region.
King Khalid International Airport
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Fahd International Airport
Dammam, Saudi Arabia