King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

Overview

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport is the key entry point for passengers flying to Saudi Arabia. It is located a short drive from Riyadh and is often used as a layover stop for passengers flying between Europe and Africa or Asia.

With over 14 million passengers using the airport each year, passengers should expect some delays and queues. Staff are not that helpful or friendly and even though the airport has very high standards, there are often complaints about the service at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport.

Location

The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) from Riyadh city centre.

Getting to the city

Terminal 5 is connected to the Metro Yellow Line which runs to King Abdullah Financial District. Free shuttles ferry passengers to nearby hotels and prepaid airport taxis are available for transport to the city.

Time

Local time is GMT +3.

Contacts

Tel: +966 1 221 1000.

Car rental

Car rental counters are located in the lobby and include Hertz and several local companies. Women are allowed to drive but cannot travel with a man unless they are related.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available at the airport. Fares into downtown Riyadh will never be less than SAR 70. A trip from King Khalid Airport to downtown Riyadh takes 30 minutes. However, scammers and touts will try to charge tourists up to SAR 200, which is grossly overpriced. It is recommended that visitors have the address of their destination written in Arabic.

Transfer between terminals

The terminals are linked by moving walkways.

Facilities

Facilities include restaurants, bars, and cafeterias, banks and ATMs, a first aid clinic, various shopping opportunities, currency exchange, and visitor information. A mosque is located in the centre of the passenger terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Parking

Two multi-level garages are located directly in front of the passenger terminals, on either side of the mosque, which are connected to the terminals by walkways.

Website

www.riyadhairports.com

Airlines

Most national carriers offer flights to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. These include Aegean Airlines, Air Arabia, Air Cairo, Air France, Air India, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Bahrain Air, bmi, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, Etihad, Emirates, Gulf Air, Jet Airways, Lufthansa, Nas Air, Nesma, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

Internet

There is free wifi throughout the airport.

Business Lounges

There are several business lounges available located in Terminal 1 and 2. The airport hotels, such as the Sheraton Riyadh and Sahara Airport Hotel, all offer meeting and conference facilities.

Riyadh Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.