Getting Around
Taxis (white in colour) are the best option for travelling around the city and can be booked through hotels or hired directly off the street. Fares are reasonable and the taxis are metered. If the taxi is not metered, the fare can be negotiated and can often be cheaper than using the meter. Try to have your address in Arabic if possible as many taxi drivers do not understand English.
Car hire is also possible, but driving can be a little daunting, despite the deceptively easy-looking wide roads. Directional road signs tend to have English translations but street signs are in Arabic only. Some traffic rules differ from those in the West, and penalties for speeding or reckless driving are severe.
Public transport is available to a limited degree, consisting of minibuses which ply a few routes and usually operate for men only. Buses that do admit women have a screened off area, separating them from the men.
Airports
Riyadh Airport
The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) from Riyadh city centre.
Riyadh Airport (RUH)
Location
The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) from Riyadh city centre.Getting to the city
Terminal 5 is connected to the Metro Yellow Line which runs to King Abdullah Financial District. Free shuttles ferry passengers to nearby hotels and prepaid airport taxis are available for transport to the city.
Time
Local time is GMT +3.Car rental
Car rental counters are located in the lobby and include Hertz and several local companies. Women are allowed to drive but cannot travel with a man unless they are related.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport. Fares into downtown Riyadh will never be less than SAR 70. A trip from King Khalid Airport to downtown Riyadh takes 30 minutes. However, scammers and touts will try to charge tourists up to SAR 200, which is grossly overpriced. It is recommended that visitors have the address of their destination written in Arabic.
Transfer between terminals
The terminals are linked by moving walkways.
Facilities
Facilities include restaurants, bars, and cafeterias, banks and ATMs, a first aid clinic, various shopping opportunities, currency exchange, and visitor information. A mosque is located in the centre of the passenger terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking
Two multi-level garages are located directly in front of the passenger terminals, on either side of the mosque, which are connected to the terminals by walkways.