Riyadh King Khaled Airport (RUH) Guide
Welcome to Riyadh Airport, the gateway to Saudi Arabia's capital city. This modern airport offers a range of amenities and services to make your travel experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, our guide is here to help you navigate the airport with ease.
Looking for flight status updates, airline departure terminals, or parking options? Our extensive guide has got you covered. We provide helpful information and tips to help you get from your door to your gate, and include important details such as gate locations, terminal maps, and food and shopping directories. Let us help you make the most of your time at RUH. For more information about other airports, check out our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly's website.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that passengers arrive at RUH Airport at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for check-in, security screening, and boarding. During peak travel periods, such as holidays and weekends, it is advisable to arrive even earlier to avoid long lines and potential delays.
Getting to the Airport
The airport is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center. The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi or private car. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance through a local taxi company. Alternatively, passengers can take the Riyadh Metro Line 1 to the airport, which has a station located nearby. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Getting Oriented
Passengers can use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com to get oriented at Riyadh King Khaled Airport. These maps provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of terminals, gates, and amenities such as restaurants, shops, and lounges. The maps can be accessed on any device and are updated in real-time to ensure accuracy.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at Riyadh Airport, passengers should ensure that they have all necessary documents and identification ready for check-in and security screening. It is also important to arrive at the airport early and allow ample time for the various stages of the airport process. Passengers should also keep an eye on their flight status and any announcements made by airport staff to stay informed of any potential delays or changes to their itinerary.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Riyadh King Khaled Airport (RUH) Terminals
Navigating RUH's Terminals
RUH has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 has 8 gates and is used by Saudia and SkyTeam airlines. Terminal 2 has 14 gates and is used by all other domestic airlines. Terminal 3 has 28 gates and is used by all international airlines except those in the SkyTeam alliance. Terminal 5 has 9 gates and is used exclusively by Saudia.
When navigating the airport, it's important to know which terminal your airline is using. You can check this information on your boarding pass or by contacting your airline. Once you know your terminal, follow the signs to the appropriate area. Each terminal has a variety of food and retail options, as well as services such as currency exchange and ATMs.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
At RUH Airport, there are four terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T5) that are connected by walkways and shuttle buses. The walking time between terminals varies depending on the distance between them. For example, it takes about 5-10 minutes to walk from T1 to T2, and about 15-20 minutes to walk from T3 to T5.
If you prefer not to walk, there are shuttle buses available to transport passengers between the terminals. The shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes and are free of charge. They can be found outside each terminal and are marked with the terminal number on the front of the bus.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for dining and shopping options at the airport (RUH), you won't be disappointed. The airport offers a variety of restaurants and stores to choose from, whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or some retail therapy.
For a taste of local cuisine, head to Al Mamlaka Restaurant, located in Terminal 1. This restaurant serves traditional Saudi Arabian dishes, such as lamb kebabs and shawarma, in a casual setting. Another great option is Al Fursan Lounge, also in Terminal 1, which offers a buffet of international and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as a la carte options.
If you're looking for some retail therapy, check out the duty-free shops located throughout the airport. You'll find a variety of stores selling everything from perfume and cosmetics to electronics and souvenirs. Some recommended stores include the Riyadh Gallery, located in Terminal 1, and the Al Sadhan Market, located in Terminal 2.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Riyadh King Khaled Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're on a layover, an overnight sleepover, or just passing through, finding the right hotel near the airport can make all the difference. Our guide offers a range of options, from luxurious 5-star hotels to comfortable budget options. Discover top-tier amenities, convenient locations, and a variety of services to suit your needs. Ready to book now? View all Riyadh Khalid Airport Hotels and start planning your visit.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Riyadh Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside of each terminal. However, it is important to note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles left unattended will be towed. Drivers should remain in their vehicles while waiting for passengers to avoid any congestion or safety hazards.
For those who arrive early to pick up passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas where drivers can park and wait for their passengers to call once they have retrieved their luggage and are ready to be picked up. These waiting areas are free of charge and provide a convenient way to avoid circling the airport while waiting for passengers.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're flying out of RUH, there are several parking options available to you. The airport has both covered and uncovered parking garages located near the terminals, as well as open-air lots that are a short walk away. If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, there are also cell phone waiting areas located near the terminals where you can wait for free until your party is ready to be picked up.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport that offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. These lots can be a great way to save money on parking fees, especially if you're going to be away for an extended period of time.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking facilities, with designated spaces located near the entrances. If you require additional assistance, the airport offers wheelchair service to help you get to and from your gate.
Get details about RUH Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Visitors can choose from car rentals, taxi services, shared ride services, airport shuttles, and public transportation.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport, including major providers such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt. Travelers can easily rent a car by visiting the rental counters located in the arrivals area of the airport.
Taxi services are also available at the airport with designated drop-off areas outside the arrivals area. Fare information is available at the taxi counters located inside the airport.
Shared ride services are available for travelers who want to save money and share a ride with others. Pickup areas for shared ride services are located outside the arrivals area.
Airport shuttles provide convenient transportation to and from the airport. The service is available 24/7 and pickup areas are located outside the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the destination.
Public transportation options include buses and trains. The airport is connected to the city's bus and train systems, making it easy for travelers to get to their destination. Fare information is available at the airport information desk.
Passenger Services
Riyadh King Khaled Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient.
For those needing to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available to assist passengers in locating lost items.
Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's play areas to keep kids entertained and comfortable during layovers or delays.
Passengers with special needs can take advantage of the airport's services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. Medical help is also available for those in need.
Banking services, including ATMs and currency exchange, are located throughout the airport for your convenience.
Overall, Riyadh Airport strives to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers with its range of passenger services.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Luckily, there are several ways to do this at RUH.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Another convenient option is to download your airline's mobile app. Many airlines offer push notifications, text messages, or email alerts for departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes. This way, you can stay informed about any changes to your flight status without having to constantly check the FIDS or ask airport staff.
Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at RUH Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
The airport, located in Saudi Arabia, is the main airport serving the city of Riyadh. The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 1 being the largest and newest, and Terminal 4 being the smallest and dedicated to Saudia airlines.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at Riyadh King Khaled Airport are Saudia, flynas, and Emirates. On average, the airport handles around 60,000 passengers daily, with an average of 500 daily flights. The airport serves over 100 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Dubai, Jeddah, Cairo, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi.
Riyadh Airport is a hub for Saudia, flynas, and Nesma Airlines. Other airlines that operate at the airport include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Airport History
RUH, located in the capital city of Saudi Arabia, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1983. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1983: The airport officially opens and becomes the largest airport in the world in terms of land area.
- 1999: A new terminal is added, increasing the airport's capacity to 12 million passengers per year.
- 2007: The airport undergoes a major renovation, including the addition of new facilities and technology upgrades.
- 2010: The airport becomes the first in the Middle East to offer self-service check-in kiosks.
- 2016: A new terminal, Terminal 5, is opened to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
- 2019: The airport introduces facial recognition technology for passport control, making the process faster and more efficient.
Today, RUH Airport continues to be a major hub for air travel in the Middle East, serving millions of passengers each year.
Airport Contact Info
- https://www.riyadh-airport.com/
- Phone: +966 11 221 1000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Riyadh King Khaled International Airport, P.O. Box 12531, Riyadh 11483, Saudi Arabia