Flights to Riyadh (RUH)

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital city, with ancient fortresses and modern skyscrapers standing side by side. The city has interesting attractions worth exploring. Visitors can take flights to Riyadh with the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from various continents around the globe. Flights to Riyadh land at Riyadh King Khalid Airport, about 32 kilometers from the city center. The airport was once the largest worldwide before Dammam King Fahd Airport was built.

If you are a history enthusiast, plan a trip to Riyadh to experience the cultural hub of Saudi Arabia. The city has interesting attractions, from remnants of old city walls to exciting archaeological sites over 1,000 years old. You also get a chance to attend various local events and sample the delicious Saudi Arabian cuisines. Ensure you experience the modern features of the city, including skyscrapers. Visit the Faisaliah Tower to enjoy great views of the city.

Practical information about Riyadh

Getting around Riyadh is easy due to modern Saudi Arabia's transport infrastructure. You can traverse Riyadh using the existing bus routes or environmentally-friendly taxis. Use the SAPTCO shiny red buses to explore the designated routes. The buses go to King Khalid Grand Mosque if you want a glimpse of the architectural masterpiece. You also find buses to shopping spots, Riyadh Zoo, or the King Faisal bin Fahd stadium.

A common way of traveling around Riyadh is using green cabs. They are available at the airport and designated spots in the city. You can also book a taxi to drive you around the whole day. The Riyadh Metro also offers reliable transport throughout the city.

Best time to travel to Riyadh

Riyadh is the ideal destination for a winter escape since the winter months from December to February are cool. Visit from November since the temperatures are lower and drop further throughout winter to March. As spring begins, the temperatures rise steadily, preparing for summer. That means you can fly to Riyadh for a short holiday or weekend getaway during spring. From April to July, Riyadh experiences high summer temperatures of up to 48°C that only go down by early August. In the summer months, sometimes sand blows across the city. While the summers have extreme heat, you can still visit Riyadh and enjoy exploring the city without crowds.

Top sights and attractions in Riyadh

• Al Masmak Fort: Stop by the Al Masmak Fort, a historically important site in Riyadh made from clay and mudbrick. The well-preserved 19th-century fortress played a vital role in the recapturing of Riyadh city in 1902. Visitors can explore artifacts and marvel at the preserved architecture of the fortress.
• Deerah Souq: Located in the old part of the city, this shoppers' paradise is renowned for its gold souq and antiques. Here you can hundreds of little shops with gold, silver, souvenirs, antiques, and traditional clothes and props.
• King Abdul Aziz Historical Center: The center offers a unique historical journey of Saudi Arabia through antique collections. You will find an old water tower, old majlis, and a historical car collection.
• New Murabba: Seen as the world’s largest downtown, New Murabba is a new project which will cover an area of 19 square-kilometers and accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents. Its main attraction will feature a cube-shaped skyscraper, which will be one of the largest built structures in the world. The downtown is scheduled to be completed in 2030.