Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How many terminals does Riyadh airport have?
Riyadh airport terminals can confuse first-time visitors. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has five numbered terminals and lies about 35 km north of Olaya in central Riyadh. The terminals are connected by walkways, but the walk with luggage can still be long.
Which terminal you use depends on your airline and on whether the flight is international or domestic. The pattern below is a general guide only. Terminal allocations change as airlines move, so always check your ticket and the airport's official website before you travel.
Which terminal is used for what?
This is a general pattern, not an official list. If your ticket shows a different terminal, the ticket is right.
| Terminal | General use (always check your ticket) |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | International flights |
| Terminal 2 | International flights |
| Terminal 3 | Saudia and flynas flights |
| Terminal 4 | Saudia and flynas flights |
| Terminal 5 | Domestic flights |
How do you find your terminal?
- Look at your e-ticket or booking confirmation; most show the departure and arrival terminal.
- Check your airline's app or website, especially in the days before you fly.
- Check the airport's official website or the flight information screens on the day.
- When you book with us, send the airline and flight number. We check the terminal and meet you there.
Where does your driver meet you at Riyadh airport?
Your driver waits in the arrivals hall after baggage claim at your terminal and sends you a live location pin on WhatsApp. You receive the driver's name and plate number before you land.
We track the flight, so delays cost nothing, and the driver waits free for 60 minutes after landing. If you arrive on a domestic flight after an international connection, send us both flight numbers so we meet you at the right terminal.
Moving between terminals
If you connect between an international and a domestic flight, you may need to change terminals. The terminals are connected by walkways, but allow plenty of time, especially with luggage or elderly travellers. Your airline can tell you whether your bags are checked through and where to go, so ask them before you fly.
Getting from Riyadh airport into the city
A pre-booked taxi takes you from any terminal to your door. Central Riyadh is about 35 km away, roughly 40 min by road, and peak traffic on King Fahd Road can add 20 minutes. During Riyadh Season, which usually runs through the cooler months, evening traffic around Boulevard City is heavy.
The Riyadh Metro serves the airport and is priced per person. It suits light travellers whose hotel is near a station, though you may need to change lines; see our comparison of taxi and Riyadh Metro from the airport and check the metro operator for hours and fares. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem also work at the airport, with prices that change with demand, and official airport taxis wait outside arrivals.
Taxi fares from Riyadh airport
Fares are per car, fixed before you land, and include fuel, tolls, the driver and meet-and-greet. A 20% night surcharge applies between 00:00 and 05:00. If you land late, our guide to arriving late at night may help.
| Destination | Distance | Time | Economy sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Riyadh | 35 km | 40 min | SAR 60 | SAR 140 |
| Diriyah | 38 km | 30 min | SAR 70 | SAR 140 |
| Al Kharj | 120 km | 1 h 40 min | SAR 210 | SAR 420 |
| Buraydah | 354 km | 3 h 35 min | SAR 610 | SAR 1,240 |
| Dammam | 418 km | 4 h 10 min | SAR 720 | SAR 1,470 |
Leaving Riyadh: getting to the right terminal on time
- Tell the driver your airline and terminal when you book the ride to the airport.
- Check your airline's check-in and bag-drop deadlines; they differ between airlines and between domestic and international flights.
- Allow for traffic on King Fahd Road at peak times and on Riyadh Season evenings.
- If your airline has moved terminals, follow the signs inside; the terminals are connected by walkways.