Airport Terminal 5 at King Khalid International Airport occupies a somewhat unique position in Riyadh's transportation landscape. As the standalone domestic terminal, it's physically separated from the main international terminals, which initially seems inconvenient but actually reflects Saudi Arabia's domestic aviation volume, which justifies dedicated infrastructure.
The Terminal 5 Shuttle System: Free & Frequent
The defining feature of Terminal 5 is its complement of free shuttle buses that operate 24/7 throughout the year. Every 10-15 minutes, blue-and-white shuttle buses depart from Terminal 5, completing a 7-minute journey to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 4 (the shuttle loops between these points). This means if you arrive at Terminal 5 and need to catch an international flight elsewhere, or if you're coming from an international flight and need to depart domestically from Terminal 5, the transition is straightforward and costs absolutely nothing.
The shuttles are modern, air-conditioned buses with clear interior displays showing which terminals are coming up next. Signage throughout Terminal 5 clearly indicates where to find the shuttle pickup areas, and airport staff can provide directions if you're uncertain.
Metro Connection via Other Terminals
While Terminal 5 itself doesn't have a metro station, once you take the shuttle to Terminal 1 or Terminal 4, you gain access to the Yellow Line (Line 4) metro, which connects directly to downtown Riyadh. The Yellow Line is the airport line, specifically built to connect the airport terminals with the city center. From the airport terminals to downtown's KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District) area takes approximately 30 minutes via metro—a journey that would take 45-90 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, and would cost SAR 70-100.
Operating Hours & Service
The shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. This is critical for international business travelers and those with odd arrival/departure times. Many travelers report that having 24-hour free shuttle service between terminals is a significant quality-of-life advantage compared to other Middle Eastern hub airports.
Facilities & Amenities
Terminal 5 itself offers the standard Saudi airport amenities: clean restrooms, prayer facilities (wudu rooms for ablution before prayer), nursing mother areas, cafes, and duty-free shopping. The terminal is modern and well-maintained, though smaller than Terminals 1-2 or 3-4.
When you board the shuttle buses, you'll find them clean and comfortable with climate control (essential given the desert heat). Some shuttles have electronic displays showing terminal information and real-time status.
Passenger Experience & Navigation
For domestic passengers, Terminal 5 feels modern and manageable. The layout is logical, queues move efficiently, and the whole experience is less overwhelming than navigating the larger international terminals. For passengers who need to connect between Terminal 5 and international flights, the shuttle experience is generally positive—the service is reliable, free, and quick enough that most travelers report no difficulty making onward connections.
Where confusion occasionally arises is for first-time visitors who might not realize Terminal 5's separation until after arriving. Airport signage could potentially be clearer about this in some locations. However, once at the airport, staff readily assist travelers in locating the appropriate terminal or shuttle service.