King Khalid International Airport, north of Riyadh, is the capital's main gateway, handling a heavy daily mix of international and domestic flights across several terminals. What trips up most travellers is not the paperwork but a simple question: which terminal am I leaving from, and which one am I landing at? This guide answers that practically, then covers what happens once you walk out of the arrivals hall.
How to find your terminal
The terminals are numbered and are generally assigned by airline and by flight type (international or domestic). But allocations change from time to time as the airport is developed and expanded, so do not rely on old information or on a friend who flew last year. The reliable approach:
- Check your ticket or boarding pass; the terminal is usually printed on it.
- Check the airline's app the day before you fly.
- Look at the airport's official website, which keeps an up-to-date list of which airline uses which terminal.
Watch out for codeshare flights: a flight sold under one airline may be operated by another from a different terminal.
Moving between terminals
Some terminals sit next to each other and are linked by indoor walkways; others are in a separate building reached by shuttle bus. If a connection requires a terminal change, allow enough time to exit and clear security again, and avoid very tight layovers, especially when one flight is domestic and the other international.
On arrival: the steps in order
- Immigration: have your eVisa or residence permit ready. There are separate lanes for different traveller categories.
- Baggage: screens show which belt your flight is on.
- Customs: follow the rules and declare anything that needs declaring.
- SIM card: the arrivals hall has kiosks for the local mobile operators, and a local number makes contacting your driver easy.
- Money: ATMs are available, and card payment is widespread.
Getting into Riyadh
The airport is in the north of the city, and the time to business districts such as Olaya or KAFD depends heavily on traffic; in the morning and evening peaks it can double. Your options:
- Metro: the Riyadh Metro serves the airport area and works well if your destination is near a station and you are travelling light. Check lines and hours.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: available from designated areas outside arrivals.
- Pre-booked driver: waiting with your name on a sign, the most comfortable option after a long flight or with family.
Mishwar Al Haramain's Riyadh airport rides are priced by destination and timing rather than from a fixed list; send your flight number and destination on WhatsApp and we will confirm a price before you land. See Riyadh taxi for details.
From Riyadh to Makkah and Madinah
By road, Riyadh to Makkah is well over 800 km, so most pilgrims take a domestic flight to Jeddah or Madinah and a car to their hotel. If you intend Umrah, remember to enter ihram before the miqat; when flying, this is normally done on board as the plane passes it, so keep your ihram in your hand luggage.
| Route | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Jeddah Airport to Madinah | 500 SAR | 700 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Madinah Airport to a Madinah hotel | 100 SAR | 200 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Riyadh to Makkah by road | Confirmed on WhatsApp | Confirmed on WhatsApp | Confirmed on WhatsApp |
Fares are per car and paid on arrival, and airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting after landing. See also Jeddah Airport taxi and the taxi fare guide.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I get to the airport?
The usual rule is three hours for international flights and around two for domestic ones, with extra time in peak seasons and at weekends. Always follow your airline's advice.
Can my terminal change?
Yes, it happens occasionally. Check the airline's app on the day of travel.
Are there prayer rooms and places to rest?
Yes. Terminals have prayer rooms, and there are lounges available by fee or by class of travel.
Can you pick me up in Riyadh and drive me to Makkah?
Possibly, depending on availability, but it is a very long drive. Send the details on WhatsApp and we will confirm whether it is possible and the price, and may suggest a more comfortable alternative.
Get in touch
For any pickup in Riyadh, Jeddah or Madinah, the Mishwar Al Haramain team is on WhatsApp +966582918075 around the clock.