The New Way to Fly: A Guide to Riyadh Metro Airport Connections (KKIA)
Reaching KKIA is now faster and cheaper. A complete guide to Riyadh Metro airport lines, terminals, costs, and operating hours.
By Rifat Hossain
Forget expensive taxis and unpredictable traffic jams. With the full launch of the Riyadh Metro, reaching King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) is now faster, cheaper, and incredibly reliable.
Two major lines now connect the airport directly to the city’s heart, serving all passenger terminals. Here is your complete guide to navigating the airport metro connection.
📱 Quick Glance: Service Overview
- Lines: Yellow Line (L4) & Orange Line (L3)
- Cost: 4 SAR (Standard) | 10 SAR (First Class)
- Time to City: ~30–40 mins
- Operating Hours: 05:30 AM – Midnight (Daily)
- Terminals Served: T1, T2, T3, T4, T5
1. Which Line Should You Take?
The airport is unique as it is served by two distinct metro lines. Your choice depends entirely on your final destination in the city.
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🟡 The Yellow Line (Line 4)
This is the "Business Line."
- Best For: Travelers heading to KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District), Olaya, or transferring to the Blue Line (North-South).
- Key Route: Airport ↔ KAFD.
- Stops: 17 stations.
- Vibe: Often busier with business commuters as it connects directly to the financial hub.
🟠 The Orange Line (Line 3)
This is the longest line in the system.
- Best For: Travelers heading Downtown, to the Western districts, or the Diplomatic Quarter.
- Key Route: Airport ↔ Downtown (West-East axis).
- Stops: 22 stations.
- Note: It offers excellent connectivity to major residential areas.
2. Finding Your Station at the Airport
The metro is integrated directly into the airport complex. You don't need a shuttle bus; you can simply walk. There are three specific stations:
| Station Name | Terminals Served |
|---|---|
| Station T1–2 | International Terminals 1 & 2 |
| Station T3–4 | International Terminals 3 & 4 |
| Station T5 | Domestic Terminal 5 |
Pro Tip: Stations are connected via air-conditioned walkways. Follow the "Metro" signs from Arrivals. It is a 5–10 minute walk depending on your gate.
3. Cost & Tickets
Riyadh Metro uses a simplified time-based ticketing system. There is no extra surcharge for airport trips—it costs the same as a trip downtown.
Ticket Prices
According to recent metro ticket price guides, the fares are exceptionally affordable:
- 2-Hour Pass (Standard): 4 SAR (approx. $1.06). Perfect for one-way trips to the city.
- First Class (2-Hour): 10 SAR. Offers extra comfort, plush seats, and is less crowded—highly recommended if you have luggage.
- 3-Day Pass: 20 SAR. Ideal for short business trips or layovers.
- 7-Day Pass: 40 SAR. Great for tourists staying a week.
How to Pay
You have flexible options for purchasing your ride:
- Contactless (Easiest): Tap your Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or mada card directly at the gate.
- Darb App: Download the official "Darb" app to buy QR-code tickets.
- Vending Machines: Available at station entrances (cash/card). For more details on ticket types, check the official metro ticket info.
4. Schedule & Timings
The metro offers consistent service throughout the week.
- Daily Opening: 05:30 AM
- Daily Closing: Midnight (00:00)
- Frequency: Trains arrive every 5–7 minutes during peak times.
Friday Hours
Unlike some regional transport systems that start late on Fridays, the Friday operating hours are the same as weekdays (05:30 AM – Midnight), making weekend travel convenient.
Note: Operating hours may extend until 3:00 AM during Ramadan. Always check the Darb app for seasonal updates.
5. What is the Ride Like?
- Luggage: Carriages are equipped with dedicated luggage racks. Standard travel bags (up to 25kg) are allowed. However, try to avoid moving huge cargo during rush hour (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM).
- Comfort: The trains are driverless, modern, and fully air-conditioned.
- Classes:
- First Class: Gold seats, spacious.
- Family Class: Reserved for women and families.
- Standard Class: General seating.
💡 "Good to Know" Tips
- Connectivity: Stations and trains generally have decent 5G coverage.
- Last Mile: Need to go further? Ride-hailing apps (Uber/Bolt/Jeeny) can pick you up from any metro station exit.
- Rules: No eating or drinking is allowed inside the trains; strict fines apply.
- Visual Guide: You can watch video guides or check official updates to familiarize yourself with the stations before you land.
Traveling from KKIA has never been this efficient. Whether you take the Yellow Line to the financial district or the Orange Line downtown, you are guaranteed a smooth start to your Riyadh visit.