When flying to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city, you will land at King Khalid International Airport. Located 36 km from the city center, there are three main ways to get to your hotel or accommodation.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Riyadh Airport to the city center is by a Riyadh Airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. Both of these offer direct and door-to-door services 24 hours a day, and in the case of a private Riyadh Airport transfer, you’ll be met on arrival by an English-speaking driver.
The only other option is to ride the brand-new metro, which also takes just 35 minutes. However, this doesn’t include wait and transfer times.
3 options to go from Riyadh Airport to city center
We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.
If you're traveling solo, or on a budget, the metro is a great way to travel. Just be prepared to change lines to reach your final destination.
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How to get from Riyadh Airport to the city center by taxi
The most convenient way to travel from Riyadh Airport to the city center is by taxi. Riyadh Airport taxis are available 24/7 and can seat up to four passengers. Vehicles are air-conditioned and known for their turquoise-green color. The taxi ride to the city center takes about 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city center?
While Riyadh taxis are usually required to use a taximeter, from Riyadh Airport to the city center, your taxi fare will be a fixed price dependent on which area of the city you are traveling to. On average, a taxi will cost €25.60 (SAR 100); a current price list will be displayed next to the taxi stand.
Where do I get a taxi from?
At Terminals 2, 4, and 5, an official taxi stand is in front of the Arrival Hall. Get in line and take the next available driver.
Convenience
Taxis in Riyadh are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to some major Saudi Arabian cities, and they provide a safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation option. A taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city is also the fastest and only door-to-door transportation option, other than a private transfer.
Useful Tips
Green SAFWA Taxis are the authorized provider of taxis at Riyadh Airport.
It is customary to tip your driver in Riyadh; around 3 riyals is a good amount.
All payments for taxis must now be made with a credit or debit card.
Getting from Riyadh Airport to the city center by metro
The most affordable way to travel from Riyadh Airport to the city center is by metro. The metro, which only recently opened in 2024, provides a quick 35-minute journey to Kafd Station downtown. From the airport, take the Yellow Line (Metro Line 4) towards Pnu 2; the metro picks up passengers at Terminals 1-5.
If you want to travel to Kingdom Center, you can transfer at Kafd Station to Metro Line 1 (the Blue Line) towards Al Murooj and travel for another 15 minutes to Al Urubah Station.
How much is the metro from Riyadh Airport to the city?
A regular 2-hour metro ticket costs €1 (SAR 4) per person and can be purchased from a ticket vending machine or the ticket office near the platform. Alternatively, you can tap on at the boarding gates using a credit or debit card against the card reader.
*Remember to tap off when you get off the last metro or bus. There is no need to tap on and off for transfers.
Cost
€1 (SAR 4)
Trip Duration
35 Min.
The metro runs every 5-7 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The metro runs daily from 06:00 until midnight.
Where does the Riyadh Airport to the city center metro depart from?
The metro is accessible from all five terminals and directions to the platform are signposted from the Arrivals Hall. Each terminal is connected to the station via a covered walkway along with a moving walkway, and you should allow five minutes to reach the platform.
Convenience
The metro is modern, comfortable, and cheap, making it a very convenient transportation option if you’re not traveling with too much luggage. Keep in mind that it can be very crowded during rush hours. You will also have to walk or take a taxi to your hotel once you reach the station.
Timetables
Metro Line 4 Timetable
Airport – Kafd Station
Useful Tips
Your metro ticket can also be used on bus services so long as it used within the 2-hour timeframe.
Children under the age of six can travel for free.
There is a women-only section for females if they wish to use it.
A first class 2-hour pass costs €2.50 (SAR 10) and grants you access to more luxurious carriages.
The metro is wheelchair-accessible.
Free WiFi and toilets are available on board.
How to get from Riyadh Airport to the city center by private transfer
Choosing to travel by private transfer from Riyadh Airport to your hotel in the city center guarantees you’ll be riding in comfort and style for the 35-minute journey. When you book a Riyadh Airport transfer with a company like Welcome Pickups, you’ll receive a completely personalized service, tailored to suit your needs and schedule with included benefits such as:
24/7 customer support
Airport meet-and-greet
Guaranteed on-time pickup
Fixed fare pricing
English-speaking driver
Booking your transfer in advance allows you to enjoy a relaxed and seamless start to your holiday. The icing on the cake? Your driver will provide you with a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, as well as offer you some personal tips and tricks to get the most out of your time in Riyadh.
How much is a private transfer from Riyadh Airport to the city center?
When you book your private transfer, you’ll receive a fixed price that includes all fees, which you can pay in advance. This is especially useful if you don’t speak the language and want to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Our stylish sedans cost €47 (SAR 183.30), with room for up to three passengers with a standard suitcase each. If you’re traveling in a larger group of up to 12 people, you’ll pay just €72 (SAR 281.20) for a transfer in one of our spacious minivans.
You can book online or via the Welcome Pickups app. It takes just 60 seconds and all you need are a few personal details and your flight information.
Cost
€47 (SAR 183.30)
Trip Duration
35 Min.
*When booked in advance a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfer are available 24/7 from Riyadh Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
As soon as you pass through Baggage Claim at Riyadh Airport, you’ll be met by a friendly English-speaking driver who will lend a hand with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle. Don’t worry if your flight time suddenly changes, your Welcome driver will always be there when you land, as all our drivers receive live updates on each and every flight.
Convenience
While a regular taxi is a great transportation option, the numerous personal touches of a private transfer – such as being shown around upon your arrival – are unmatched. You’ll benefit from fully qualified drivers and a car selection that can be customized to your needs, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Useful Tips
You will be emailed details of your driver including a contact number and recent photo the day before you fly.
If you require any customizations such as a booster seat or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, you can submit your requests at the time of booking or through the app.
Your transfer will be paid for at the time of booking so on the day your transfer will be as seamless as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Riyadh Airport to the city?
There are three ways to transfer from Riyadh Airport to the city center. You can take a taxi, private transfer, or the public metro, all of which take 35 minutes. Keep in mind that if you’re using the metro, this doesn’t include wait and transfer times.
How much is a taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city?
A taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city should cost around €25.60 (SR 100), however, it could cost more or less if you are going to the north or south of the city center. In any case, prices are fixed and should be posted next to the taxi stand.
How far is Riyadh from the airport?
Riyadh city is located approximately 36 km from Riyadh Airport which takes around 35 minutes to reach by car.
The most convenient way to travel from Riyadh Airport to the city center is by taxi. Riyadh Airport taxis are available 24/7 and can seat up to four passengers. Vehicles are air-conditioned and known for their turquoise-green color. The taxi ride to the city center takes about 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city center?
While Riyadh taxis are usually required to use a taximeter, from Riyadh Airport to the city center, your taxi fare will be a fixed price dependent on which area of the city you are traveling to. On average, a taxi will cost €25.60 (SAR 100); a current price list will be displayed next to the taxi stand.
Where do I get a taxi from?
At Terminals 2, 4, and 5, an official taxi stand is in front of the Arrival Hall. Get in line and take the next available driver.
Convenience
Taxis in Riyadh are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to some major Saudi Arabian cities, and they provide a safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation option. A taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city is also the fastest and only door-to-door transportation option, other than a private transfer.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe most affordable way to travel from Riyadh Airport to the city center is by metro. The metro, which only recently opened in 2024, provides a quick 35-minute journey to Kafd Station downtown. From the airport, take the Yellow Line (Metro Line 4) towards Pnu 2; the metro picks up passengers at Terminals 1-5.
If you want to travel to Kingdom Center, you can transfer at Kafd Station to Metro Line 1 (the Blue Line) towards Al Murooj and travel for another 15 minutes to Al Urubah Station.
How much is the metro from Riyadh Airport to the city?
A regular 2-hour metro ticket costs €1 (SAR 4) per person and can be purchased from a ticket vending machine or the ticket office near the platform. Alternatively, you can tap on at the boarding gates using a credit or debit card against the card reader.
*Remember to tap off when you get off the last metro or bus. There is no need to tap on and off for transfers.
The metro runs daily from 06:00 until midnight.
Where does the Riyadh Airport to the city center metro depart from?
The metro is accessible from all five terminals and directions to the platform are signposted from the Arrivals Hall. Each terminal is connected to the station via a covered walkway along with a moving walkway, and you should allow five minutes to reach the platform.
Convenience
The metro is modern, comfortable, and cheap, making it a very convenient transportation option if you’re not traveling with too much luggage. Keep in mind that it can be very crowded during rush hours. You will also have to walk or take a taxi to your hotel once you reach the station.
Timetables
Metro Line 4 Timetable
Airport – Kafd Station
Useful Tips
Choosing to travel by private transfer from Riyadh Airport to your hotel in the city center guarantees you’ll be riding in comfort and style for the 35-minute journey. When you book a Riyadh Airport transfer with a company like Welcome Pickups, you’ll receive a completely personalized service, tailored to suit your needs and schedule with included benefits such as:
Booking your transfer in advance allows you to enjoy a relaxed and seamless start to your holiday. The icing on the cake? Your driver will provide you with a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, as well as offer you some personal tips and tricks to get the most out of your time in Riyadh.
How much is a private transfer from Riyadh Airport to the city center?
When you book your private transfer, you’ll receive a fixed price that includes all fees, which you can pay in advance. This is especially useful if you don’t speak the language and want to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Our stylish sedans cost €47 (SAR 183.30), with room for up to three passengers with a standard suitcase each. If you’re traveling in a larger group of up to 12 people, you’ll pay just €72 (SAR 281.20) for a transfer in one of our spacious minivans.
You can book online or via the Welcome Pickups app. It takes just 60 seconds and all you need are a few personal details and your flight information.
Private transfer are available 24/7 from Riyadh Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
As soon as you pass through Baggage Claim at Riyadh Airport, you’ll be met by a friendly English-speaking driver who will lend a hand with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle. Don’t worry if your flight time suddenly changes, your Welcome driver will always be there when you land, as all our drivers receive live updates on each and every flight.
Convenience
While a regular taxi is a great transportation option, the numerous personal touches of a private transfer – such as being shown around upon your arrival – are unmatched. You’ll benefit from fully qualified drivers and a car selection that can be customized to your needs, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Riyadh Airport to the city?
There are three ways to transfer from Riyadh Airport to the city center. You can take a taxi, private transfer, or the public metro, all of which take 35 minutes. Keep in mind that if you’re using the metro, this doesn’t include wait and transfer times.
How much is a taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city?
A taxi from Riyadh Airport to the city should cost around €25.60 (SR 100), however, it could cost more or less if you are going to the north or south of the city center. In any case, prices are fixed and should be posted next to the taxi stand.
How far is Riyadh from the airport?
Riyadh city is located approximately 36 km from Riyadh Airport which takes around 35 minutes to reach by car.
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