Riyadh city centre (Olaya/King Fahd Road area) is approximately 35 km south of the airport.

About Riyadh City Centre (Olaya District)

The Olaya District is Riyadh's premier business and commercial corridor, stretching along Olaya Street (also known as King Fahd Road parallel section) with a concentration of corporate towers, luxury hotels, and high-end shopping malls. The Kingdom Tower, with its distinctive sky bridge and observation deck, is the district's most recognizable landmark and offers panoramic views of the sprawling capital.

Olaya represents modern Saudi Arabia at its most dynamic. The Riyadh Park and Al Nakheel malls cater to the shopping culture that thrives in the kingdom, while the surrounding streets have developed a growing restaurant and café scene reflecting the social transformation underway since the Vision 2030 reforms. International cuisine, specialty coffee shops, and entertainment venues have mushroomed across the district.

The broader central Riyadh area accessible from Olaya includes the Diplomatic Quarter (a self-contained district of embassies and international organizations with parks and running trails), the King Faisal Foundation with its Al Faisaliyah Tower, and the emerging lifestyle destinations along Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road. Riyadh's ambitious metro system (due for completion) will eventually serve the Olaya district with multiple stations.

Nearby Landmarks

Kingdom Tower Al Faisaliyah Tower Riyadh Park Mall Diplomatic Quarter KAFD

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost SAR 60-100 (USD 16-27)
Time 30-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost SAR 50-80 (USD 13-21)
Time 30-45 minutes

Outside each terminal arrivals area

Train (Riyadh Metro Line 6)

Cost SAR 4-6
Time 35 minutes
Frequency Every 10-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Riyadh Metro Line 6 connects the airport to the city centre. SAPTCO buses also run from the airport to central bus station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi SAR 60-100 (USD 16-27) 30-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare SAR 50-80 (USD 13-21) 30-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train SAR 4-6 35 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem are both widely used in Riyadh) operate 24/7. Late-night fares from the airport to Olaya cost SAR 80-120 ($21-32 USD). Riyadh has increasingly active evening and night culture since entertainment reforms, keeping ride-hailing available. There are no public buses from the airport currently.

Luggage Tips

Taxis and Uber/Careem cars easily accommodate luggage. The airport has a well-organized taxi queue system. There is no train connection currently operational. Hotels in the Olaya district are along main roads and easily reached by car. Riyadh is a car-dependent city with limited pedestrian infrastructure.

Accessibility

RUH airport has wheelchair assistance and accessible facilities. Riyadh's newer developments (malls, hotels, government buildings) meet international accessibility standards. However, pedestrian infrastructure is limited and sidewalks are not consistent. Car transport is the most practical option for travelers with mobility needs.