Flight guide, updated October 2026

Flights to Riyadh

Flights to Riyadh land at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), in the north of the city. The Riyadh Metro's airport line serves its terminals and connects with other lines at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), so you can reach the business districts without a car.

Azeddine El, illustrated portrait seen from behindBy Azeddine ElUpdated 3 min read
Original Saudi100 illustration of Riyadh
Illustration: Saudi100, original artwork, CC BY 4.0.
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Flights to Riyadh at a glance

AirportKing Khalid International Airport (RUH), north Riyadh
To Olaya by taxiAbout 30 to 40 minutes outside rush hour
By metroAirport line from the terminals, change at KAFD
Saudi airlinesSaudia, flynas, flyadeal
Most expensive periodsRiyadh Season and major conferences

Riyadh is the usual arrival point for business trips and for tours of central Saudi Arabia: Diriyah, the Edge of the World and Masmak Fortress are all within reach of the capital. For Umrah, Jeddah or Madinah are closer to the holy cities.

Which airlines fly to Riyadh?

Saudia, flynas and flyadeal fly to Riyadh from across Saudi Arabia and abroad, along with Gulf, European, African and Asian airlines. Compare direct and one-stop flights on your dates with the search above.

How do you get from Riyadh airport to the city?

  • Riyadh Metro: the airport line has stations at the passenger terminals and meets other lines at KAFD.
  • Taxi or ride-hailing: about 30 to 40 minutes to Olaya outside rush hour.
  • Hotel near the airport: for late arrivals, see the hotels in north Riyadh in our Riyadh hotel guide.

How can you pay less for flights to Riyadh?

  • Avoid big events: Riyadh Season and major conferences raise both flight and hotel prices.
  • Compare low-cost carriers: flynas and flyadeal often have lower fares on domestic and regional routes; check what baggage is included.
  • Be flexible with days: midweek departures are often cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a metro to Riyadh airport?

Yes. The Riyadh Metro's airport line serves the terminals of King Khalid International Airport and connects with other lines at KAFD.

How far is Riyadh airport from Olaya?

About 30 to 40 minutes by car outside rush hour.

Which airlines fly to Riyadh?

Saudia, flynas and flyadeal, plus many international airlines.

When are flights to Riyadh cheapest?

Usually outside Riyadh Season and big events, and midweek.

Official sources

Check visas, transport and pilgrimage rules on the official sites before you travel:

Flight information comes from public schedules and airport guides checked in October 2026; routes and frequencies change by season.