Airports
Saudi Arabia has four international airports, but 29 other airports service domestic routes and remote towns. Taxi services are available in all main airports.
There is no customs duty on personal belongings in the kingdom. Visitors to Saudi Arabia have no restrictions on the amount of cash one may bring or take out of the country. Alcohol is not allowed into the country.
King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Located 35km north of Riyadh (half an hour’s drive), the King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has four interconnected passenger terminals and two parallel runways. Terminals 1 and 2 are for international flights, and Terminal 3 is for domestic flights. The fourth terminal is for royal passengers and high-ranking officials. A cargo terminal is also in operation.
King Khaled International Airport, with IATA code RUH, serves 38 countries across 5 continents, and operates to 82 destinations using 38 airline carriers.
KKIA includes a modern array of restaurants, cafeterias, airline offices, eight car rental companies, banks, first aid clinics and shops.
The airport has multi-level parking facilities with direct access to passenger terminals and the airport mosque. The parking lot has a capacity for over 11,000 vehicles and both escalators and elevators are available.
King Khalid International Airport tel: +966 (11) 221 1000.
Transport
The only way to get to and from King Khalid International Airport is by private car or taxis. All passenger terminals are served by the two taxi companies: Hala Taxi (phone +966 11 4884887) and London Taxi (+966 11 496 6670).
The London taxi service looks very much like the original deal in London, but other taxis are the airport-authorized ones with the airport logo. These are available all day and night.
Taxis must have a meter and average prices start at SAR60. Taxi drivers usually know the major hotels and landmarks, but it’s best to ensure you have an address, just in case.
King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah
King Abdul Aziz International Airport (IATA code JED) is located 19km north of Jeddah. As the entry point of millions of pilgrims each year, it is the Kingdom’s busiest airport in passenger numbers. Just under 18 million passengers pass through it each year. There are three passenger terminals: the North Terminal which handles all foreign airlines and the South Terminal which handles Saudi Arabian and Nas Air airlines.
The third terminal is a specially designed Hajj terminal for pilgrims traveling to Mecca as part of the annual Hajj. Designed to look like a gigantic tent, the terminal is built on 465,000 m² and is one of the largest terminals in the world, with a mosque that can accommodate 80,000 passengers at one time.
King Abdul Aziz International Airport telephone number is +966 12 685 42 12.
Transport
Taxis are available outside Arrivals. The journey time to Jeddah is around 30 minutes, and the fare is usually between SAR50 to100, depending on which part of the city you are heading to.
The airport is a 20 minute drive from the city centre. And if you’re heading to the airport by private car, get on the Holy Medina Highway or alternatively the Holy City of Mecca Highway.
King Fahd International Airport, Dammam
Completed in 1999, The King Fahd International Airport (IATA code DMM) serves all three major cities in the Eastern Province: Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran as well as outlying towns such as Qatif and Ras Tanura.
The airport is located 20km (12 miles) north-west of Dammam, and occupies a hefty 776km2 of area. That makes it the largest airport in the world in terms of surface area. But while the largest in area, it is certainly not the busiest nor the most efficient. With waiting times for check-ins and border checks often prolonged, many travelers to the Eastern Province choose to fly into Bahrain and then cross over by car via the causeway.
Transport
The airport has a good public bus network. These are operated by SAPTCO. Their website, however, does not contain any schedules. Buses will take you to Dammam city centre or nearby cities, and the journey will take about half an hour. The current fare is SAR15.
The Arrivals Hall has a SAPTCO information desk. Taxis are available outside Arrivals. The fare to Dammam is between SAR50 and 60. For private car journeys, Highway 85 from Damman city will get you to the airport.
Airport Office phone number: +966 13 883 10 00.
Airport Flight information: +966 13 883 51 51.
Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport, Medina
Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport (MED) is the smallest of the four main airports. It is a regional airport located in Medina, operating mainly domestic flights but with some services to the region. During the Hajj, the airport operates charter flights.
The airport handles about 1.5 million passengers a year and an average of 20 to 25 flights a day. During the Hajj season, the airport triples in passenger and flight numbers (mostly between Mecca and Medina) as well as transport services to and from the airport.
The airport is located 15 km (9 miles) from the center of Medina on Airport Road, route 340.
Tel: +966 4 8420000.
