King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Experiencing Saudi Hospitality at King Khalid International Airport
Exploring the Facilities at King Khalid International Airport
King Khalid International Airport is an international airport with an impressive architecture located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Opened in 1983, this airport hosts both local and international flights. King Khalid International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. It is located 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
King Khalid International Airport has an area of 375 km². The airport is operated by Riyadh Airports Company. King Khalid International Airport was established by a Royal Decree in 1983. The airport was named after King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia. King Khalid International Airport was built to meet Riyadh’s growing international and domestic air transportation needs. The airport has a total of five passenger terminals. The airport also has a royal terminal. Each terminal is equipped with modern amenities for the comfort of passengers. The airport has two parallel runways with a length of 4,260 meters. These runways allow wide-body airplanes to take off and land safely.
King Khalid International Airport serves approximately 28.5 million passengers annually. The airport has a large parking lot with a capacity of 11,600 cars. There is also a large mosque with a capacity of 5,000 people. This airport has connections to more than 105 destinations. The airport also has many facilities such as VIP lounges, children’s playgrounds and places of worship. King Khalid International Airport serves many major destinations with regular flights from Riyadh. Leading cities in the Middle East such as Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo and Doha are frequent destinations from the airport. In addition, due to the business and tourism connections between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, the airport also offers frequent flights to London. New York and other American cities are among the important destinations for long-haul flights.
King Khalid International Airport is close to Riyadh and its surrounding historical sites. Visitors who want to explore Riyadh’s rich history should visit places such as Masmak Fort and the National Museum. Riyadh is a modern metropolis. But it also has a rich history and cultural heritage. Diriyah was the first capital of Saudi Arabia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modern buildings such as the Kingdom Center Tower and Al Faisaliah Tower give the city a contemporary feel. Riyadh National Museum offers a rich collection of exhibits to explore the history and culture of Saudi Arabia. The Wadi Hanifah valley is a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Riyadh offers a wide range of tourist and cultural riches, from shopping malls to traditional marketplaces. This magical city combines desert landscapes and contemporary lifestyle, with unique attractions such as Edge of the World for nature lovers.
King Khalid International Airport offers passengers a modern travel experience, from fast check-in services to state-of-the-art baggage systems. Trained and friendly staff help passengers travel smoothly. King Khalid International Airport is a hub that reflects both the modern face of Saudi Arabia and its traditional hospitality. Whether traveling for business or leisure, exploring Riyadh and Saudi Arabia from this airport will be an unforgettable experience.
Airport Name:
King Khalid International Airport
IATA Code:
RUH
ICAO:
OERK
Location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Khalid International Airport’s Layout
King Khalid International Airport, KKIA, is a major international airport serving the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest airport in the country. One of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport welcomes millions of passengers as the global transportation hub of Riyadh. The airport has a design that reflects Arab and Islamic culture. In the center of the airport is a hexagonal-shaped mosque building, which can accommodate five thousand people at the same time. The mosque is covered by a large dome, which is visible from all terminals of the airport. Inside the dome, there is a blue stripe with the first seven verses from Surah Hadid of the Holy Quran. The design of the airport control tower is similar to a mosque. The 81-meter high control tower can be seen from everywhere in the airport. The tower offers an impressive view of the Tuwaiq Mountains as well as the natural areas surrounding the airport.
Opened in 1983, King Khalid International Airport has undergone many renovations and expansions over the years. In 2016, the airport’s capacity was increased with the opening of Terminal 5. In 2019, a comprehensive renovation and expansion project was launched. Within the scope of this project, the engineering and construction works of terminals 3 and 4 were completed, followed by the construction of the buildings connected to international terminals 1 and 2. With the completion of the works, the annual passenger capacity of the airport is targeted to be increased to 35 million.
In the eastern part of the airport, there are five main terminals serving domestic and international flights. On the west side is the Royal Terminal. In the southern section, there is a 300-meter bridge connecting to the mosque. There is also a private aviation terminal and a total of 40 air bridges. The first and second terminals serve international flights, while the fifth terminal serves domestic flights.
The airport hosts a total of 51 domestic and international airlines. King Khalid International Airport serves 28.5 million passengers annually, with an average of 25 flights per hour.
With a parking lot with a capacity of 11 thousand vehicles, four bank branches, 19 ATMs and more than thirty restaurants and cafes, the airport responds to the needs of passengers in a wide range.
RUH Airlines
Located north of Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia. The complex of five terminals handles flights to all four corners of the country and many destinations around the world. The airport is a hub for airlines such as Saudia, Flynas and Flyadeal. As the airport has been expanded and modernized, passenger capacity is constantly increasing. This airport, which stands out with its modern structure and wide range of services, offers its passengers an unforgettable start of travel. King Khalid International Airport attracts everyone’s attention with its modern architecture reminiscent of desert sands. Equipped with spacious lounges, free Wi-Fi, various restaurants and shops, the airport offers its passengers a comfortable waiting process. King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh’s gateway to the sky, has two long runways running side by side. These runways are large enough to allow even the largest passenger planes to take off and land with ease. Thanks to advanced navigation and lighting systems, the runways can provide uninterrupted service day and night. King Khalid International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, many airlines operate flights from here to different parts of the world. Aegean Airlines, Air Arabia, airblue, Air Cairo, Air India, Air India Express, Air Montenegro, AnadoluJet, Ariana Afghan Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Badr Airlines, BeOnd, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, flyadeal, flydubai, FlyEgypt, flynas, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, IndiGo, Iraqi Airways, ITA Airways, Jazeera Airways, Kam Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Middle East Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Nesma Airlines, Nile Air, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SalamAir, Saudia, Serene Air, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, Sudan Airways, Tarco Aviation, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Yemenia, are the airlines operating flights from King Khalid International Airport. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) ranks first among the airlines operating most flights from King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Saudia operates regular domestic flights to important cities such as Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, Medina, Tabuk, Taif and Najran. Saudia also operates international flights to popular destinations such as Cairo, Dubai, London, Paris, New York, Mumbai, Islamabad and Jakarta. Flynas, which stands out among low-cost carriers, flies to Jeddah, Abha, Dammam, Hail and Medina on domestic routes, while on international flights it provides transportation to destinations such as Dubai, Cairo, Alexandria, Amman, Tbilisi, Baku and Istanbul. Similarly, flyadeal operates regular domestic flights to Jeddah, Abha, Taif and Dammam and international flights to Dubai and Cairo. Emirates, one of the leading airlines in the Gulf countries, operates direct flights from Riyadh to Dubai. It provides connections to many cities around the world such as London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore and Johannesburg via Dubai. Qatar Airways, on the other hand, operates direct flights to Doha and offers connecting flights to popular destinations such as Bangkok, Melbourne, London, Istanbul and Washington. Etihad Airways, another Gulf airline, operates direct flights to Abu Dhabi and offers connections to cities such as Sydney, Mumbai, Seoul, Rome and Frankfurt. Turkish Airlines operates regular flights from Riyadh to Istanbul, connecting with cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, Beijing and Washington. EgyptAir operates regular flights to Cairo, with connecting flights from Cairo to cities such as Addis Ababa, Casablanca, London and New York. British Airways, one of Europe’s leading airlines, flies from Riyadh to London Heathrow. British Airways offers flights from London to many destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Madrid and Amsterdam. Lufthansa, on the other hand, operates regular flights from Riyadh to Frankfurt and provides connections to cities such as Munich, Zurich, Chicago, Tokyo and Hong Kong via Frankfurt.
Parking Facilities
The journey from the center of Riyadh City to King Khalid International Airport usually takes 45 minutes. Once you arrive at the airport, you can park your car in short-term parking lots or long-term parking lots. The airport has various facilities such as international parking and valet parking. King Khalid International Airport has a large parking lot with a capacity of 11,600 cars. The short-term parking lot at the airport is right next to Terminal 5. You can easily park your car in these parking lots, which are only a 3-5 minute walk from the domestic terminal. The hourly rate is SAR 10 and the maximum daily rate is SAR 130. You can park your car in this area for a maximum of 12 hours. Right next to Terminal 5, you can safely leave your car in the short-term parking lot and reach the domestic terminal in just a few steps. For long term travels and stays, you can park your car in the long term parking lot located near Terminal 5. This parking lot is 5-10 minutes from the domestic terminal and approximately 15 minutes from the international terminals. For the convenience of passengers, free shuttle buses run continuously between the parking lot and the terminal. The maximum daily fare is 80 SAR. Park International is the parking area reserved for the international terminals (1, 2, 3 and 4). From this parking lot you can easily get to the terminals by free shuttle buses. This parking lot offers its users flexible pricing options with a maximum daily fee of SAR 130. For parking periods exceeding 48 hours, the daily fee is reduced to SAR 40. Free shuttle buses also run regularly for the convenience of travelers. This parking area is suitable for both short-term and long-term parking. At King Khalid International Airport, free shuttle buses run 24/7 between terminals. You can park your car free of charge in the short-term parking area for 15 minutes. There is no charge during this time. After this time, a parking fee of SAR 10 per hour applies. If you wish to park for a longer period of time, you must use the regular parking lots. You can also park your car in long-term parking lots for up to 90 days. You can pay the fee when you leave the parking lot. The airport also has accessible parking areas for disabled passengers. The parking lots are monitored by security cameras 24 hours a day.
Transit Options
- Taxi: The distance between the airport and the city center is approximately 35 km. A taxi ride to the city center takes about 45 minutes and usually costs around SAR 200 (about USD 53).
- Bus: You can also take a bus from the airport to the city center. There are bus services to the city center at certain hours.
- Metro: Riyadh Metro System became operational on December 1, 2024. The metro has a line connecting the airport to the city center. It runs from the airport to the King Abdullah Financial District and is 29.6 km long in total. From King Khalid International Airport, you can take the metro to Riyat city center.
- Private Transfer and Shuttle Services: Private car transfers are a comfortable and fast option. Prices usually range from 30 to 70 USD.
- Uber and Other Rideshare Services: Rideshare services such as Uber are a convenient alternative for transportation from the airport to the city center. Prices vary according to demand and traffic conditions.
Services and Amenities
King Khalid International Airport has many services and facilities to provide a convenient and comfortable experience for passengers traveling to Riyadh. Here are some of the main services at the airport:
- • Wi-Fi Service: Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout the airport for passengers to benefit from internet access.
- • Food and drink: There are several cafes and restaurants at the airport.
- • Shopping:At King Khalid International Airport, passengers can shop at stores selling souvenirs, perfumes, electronics and various other products.
- • Bank and Currency Exchange: There are currency exchange offices at the airport for currency exchange. There are also branches of some banks at the airport.
- • ATMs: There are ATM machines belonging to various banks at the airport.
- • Smoking Areas: There are designated smoking areas for passengers at the airport.
Contact Info
King Khalid International Airport
Airport Road, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
+966 9200 20090
The City of Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and most populous city of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is a modern city rising in the middle of the desert. Riyadh is a rapidly growing metropolis while preserving its historical fabric. Diriyah, one of the oldest settlements in the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Masmak Fort played an important role during the conquest of the city and is now a museum.
Masmak Fort, one of the symbols of Riyadh, is a historical building that played an important role during the conquest of the city. Today, the castle serves as a museum, providing visitors with valuable information about the history of the region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah is home to the most beautiful examples of traditional Saudi architecture. This region, which attracts attention with its historical texture, offers visitors the opportunity to make a cultural journey. The National Museum, an ideal place to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich history and cultural heritage, tells a fascinating story from the past to the present. One of the tallest buildings in Riyadh, the Faisaliya Tower mesmerizes tourists with its architecture and spectacular views. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the restaurant and observation deck on the top floor. King Abdullah Park, one of the most popular parks in Riyadh, is an attraction for both locals and tourists with its large green areas, ponds and entertainment centers. The restored Al Murabba Palace is an elegant example of traditional Saudi architecture.
Riyadh is a city that offers all the amenities of modern life. Shopping malls, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues are around every corner. Modern buildings and new constructions are increasing day by day in the rapidly growing city. Riyadh Park Mall is one of the largest and most modern shopping centers in the city. Home to hundreds of local and international brands, this shopping center offers visitors a unique shopping experience. It is also an ideal destination for families and young people alike, with a variety of restaurants, cafes and entertainment areas. Kingdom Center Mall is located inside the Kingdom Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in Riyadh. It is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as luxury brands. The elegance and refinement of the mall offers visitors a first-class shopping experience. This center, which attracts attention with its special shopping sections especially for women, has a family-friendly environment. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Riyadh from the Sky Bridge observation area on the top floor of the building.
The deserts near Riyadh offer tourists an unforgettable experience with their mesmerizing landscapes and exciting activities. You can explore the desert on organized safari tours, stay in traditional Bedouin tents and experience adrenaline-filled moments with desert safari vehicles. Red Sand Dunes in particular is about 80 kilometers from the city center and is a popular destination for daily desert safaris. On tours organized in this area, you can explore the fascinating landscapes of the desert with activities such as ATV riding, camel rides and sand surfing.
Riyadh is a unique city that combines ancient history and modern life. It is a great destination for those who want to visit historical sites and enjoy modern life.
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