King Khalid Layover Guide (RUH)

What are you looking for in RUH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

King Khalid Airport (RUH) is an international airport located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It’s situated about 35 km (22 miles) north of downtown Riyadh. The airport officially opened in 1983. Riyadh is the largest city in the country and a major economic hub in the Middle East. The city is known for its modern architecture, rich cultural heritage, and its fast-growing business and entertainment sectors.

Can you leave King Khalid Airport (RUH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers with a valid Saudi transit or e-visa may leave King Khalid International Airport during layovers. Saudi Arabia offers a free 96-hour stopover visa on arrival for eligible nationalities flying Saudia or Flynas; other travellers must secure a transit visa in advance. Prior approvals may apply. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• National Museum of Saudi Arabia Explore Saudi Arabia’s rich history through interactive exhibits, artefacts, and multimedia displays showcasing prehistoric to modern eras, art, culture, and heritage in the heart of Riyadh’s cultural district. Unique experience. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min.)
• Masmak Fortress Visit the 19th-century fortress that marks the recapture of Riyadh; wander its restored mud-brick walls, historic exhibits, and evocative courtyards celebrating Saudi unification. Iconic landmark. Cultural heritage. Photography opportunity. Fascinating. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• At-Turaif Historic District, Diriyah Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah’s At-Turaif district, strolling narrow alleys between adobe palaces, cultural cafés, art galleries, and historic ruins reflecting early Saudi state foundations. Majestic architecture. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min.)
• Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge Ascend to the iconic Sky Bridge atop Kingdom Centre Tower offering 360-degree panoramic vistas of Riyadh’s skyline, modern neighbourhoods, and distant desert horizons at sunset. Thrilling experience. Stunning views. Unforgettable. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• King Abdullah Park Relax in King Abdullah Park’s lush green lawns, illuminated fountains, and walking paths; enjoy local snacks from kiosks while watching evening multimedia shows in this expansive urban oasis. Family-friendly atmosphere. (Time required: 1½ hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min.)
• Riyadh Zoo Visit Riyadh Zoo’s diverse wildlife exhibits featuring lions, giraffes, elephants, and native species; stroll shaded paths through botanical gardens supporting conservation education and interactive family-friendly displays. Engaging habitats. Memorable outing. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min.)
• Souq Al Zal Browse Souq Al Zal’s traditional market stalls brimming with handicrafts, antiques, spices, and textiles; haggle with friendly vendors while immersing yourself in Riyadh’s vibrant retail heritage and aromas. Cultural experience. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min.)
• Wadi Hanifah Escape to scenic Wadi Hanifah’s natural valley landscapes featuring palm groves, waterways, and walking trails; perfect for birdwatching, picnics, and photography amid serene desert greenery. Tranquil retreat. Outdoor adventure. Scenery. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 min.)

Things to Do in King Khalid Airport (RUH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
King Khalid International Airport boasts several lounges including Plaza Premium (Terminal 1), HAYYAK (Terminals 3 & 5) and WASAN (Terminal 5). Open 24/7, they offer complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, shower facilities, workstations, prayer rooms, private nap pods and meeting spaces. Access is available to business-class passengers, loyalty cardholders or via paid entry. Modern seating and charging stations. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Multiple 4- and 5-star hotels including Riyadh Airport Marriott, Radisson Riyadh Airport and Holiday Inn Business District are located just 5 km south of RUH. They offer 24-hour shuttle service, soundproofed rooms, fitness centers, pools, on-site dining and flexible check-in/out. Ideal for short overnight stays. Complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi included amenities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
RUH features dedicated rest areas in all terminals beyond security, including reclined seating near gates, serene prayer rooms and paid sleeping pods in lounges and the WASAN Lounge. These pods provide privacy, AC, charging ports and lockers for belongings. Travelers can relax or catch a quick nap before onward journeys.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: RUH offers complimentary Wi-Fi across all passenger terminals. To connect, select the “_KKIA Free Wi-Fi” network, enter your ID details and register via the on-screen portal, then receive an OTP code. Sessions last up to 240 minutes per connection and are renewable. Lounges provide separate premium networks for members.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from STC, Mobily and Zain are sold at dedicated kiosks in the Arrivals hall. Passport or ID is required for registration. Prepaid packages start from SAR30 for 5 GB. eSIM options are available online via providers like Airalo and local carriers, delivering instant activation and flexible data plans. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis operate 24/7 from designated ranks outside Arrivals (Columns 18 in T1; Columns 38–41 in T3/4; Column 6 in T5). Standard metered taxis charge approximately SAR56–60 to the city centre. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem, SATCO, Bolt, Safwa, SHIFT, Serb, Jeeny) pick up at curbside points. Drivers accept cash or card; fares vary by traffic and time.

Train: Currently, RUH is not served by rail. The Riyadh Metro network is expanding, with the Blue Line planned to reach the airport in late 2025, offering seamless connections to central Riyadh and beyond. Until its launch, passengers rely on road transport options. more info. Rail service forthcoming post-2025.

Bus: SAPTCO operates intercity bus Line 301 between RUH and Riyadh central station. Buses run every 60 minutes from Terminal 1 Arrivals (06:00–22:00). Tickets cost around SAR10 one-way, purchased at kiosks or via the SAPTCO app. Services also connect to Mecca and Medina daily; tickets available in local currency. more info.

Shuttle: A paid airport shuttle service runs daily from 05:00 – 00:00, priced at SAR60 per person, covering major hotels and Riyadh city routes. Additionally, a free inter-terminal shuttle operates 24/7 between Terminals 1–5 from the Arrivals forecourt. Check service counters for schedules and pickup points.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies—Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Sixt—maintain desks in the Arrivals hall of each terminal. Drivers must present a valid driver’s license and credit card. Vehicles are collected from the adjacent garage; operating hours 06:00–24:00, with after-hours drop-off available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: RUH provides short-stay and long-stay parking across multi-level covered and open lots. Short-term parking rates start at SAR5 per 30 minutes (capped at SAR50 daily), while long-term lots charge SAR20 per day. Shuttle buses link long-stay areas to terminals. Payment via kiosks, cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and locker facilities are available in all terminals after security. Rates are SAR40.25 per day for small to medium items and SAR69 per day for large baggage. Payment is made at the kiosk via cash or card, with extended storage options available on request. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- King Khalid Airport (RUH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks