Travelling from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Riyadh Airport (RUH): what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport is 4 hours.
Riyadh's timezone is UTC+3, which is the same as Istanbul.
Every week, there are 49 Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport flights. If you'd like to be on board as early as possible, jump on the 00:25 Turkish Airlines flight. If you're eager to make the most of your time before you fly, the last flight is at 23:30 with Turkish Airlines.
Your IST to RUH flight won't wait if you're late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
A range of airlines offer direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport, so jetting to Riyadh (and then seeing more parts of Saudi Arabia!) is easy. Leading carriers that fly nonstop include:
Most travellers choose to travel with Turkish Airlines on this route.
If you'd like to include a stop along the way, simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport. Here are the top stopovers between IST and RUH:
Cairo Airport
Kuwait Airport
Amman Queen Alia Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Riyadh Airport (RUH)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport flight is Rs34,962. A return plane ticket is currently Rs62,577. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
It's often best to book ahead of time if you want to find cheap tickets from IST to RUH. That's because airlines adjust prices based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
May is the cheapest month for flights from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Landing cheap flights from IST to RUH is a cinch with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a new discounted fare appears.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals on flights from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport.
Handy information about Istanbul Airport (IST)
Central Istanbul to Istanbul Airport is around 40 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 45 minutes to get there if you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving.
Expect a trip time of around 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
Get your journey off to a hassle-free start by staying near IST. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Arriving at Riyadh Airport (RUH)
Step off your Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport flight and be sprawled out in your hotel bed shortly after. If you're looking for a convenient option a short journey from RUH, check out Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel.
Travel at your own pace with a Riyadh Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Sixt, Alamo or Final Rentals and discover more of Riyadh and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Riyadh Airport around four weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
When to fly to Riyadh Airport (RUH)
The quietest month for a flight from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport is March, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Riyadh based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your flight from Istanbul Airport to Riyadh Airport, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Riyadh, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC to 44ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from IST to RUH in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 7ºC and 23ºC on average.
Explore more of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of Saudi Arabia just waiting to be discovered. Around 386 kilometres north-east of Riyadh, a visit to Dammam will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Ithra, Adventure World and Al Bayan Mosque.
Al Kharj is another place worth exploring during your time in Saudi Arabia. Head on over to this destination, which is roughly 137 kilometres south-east of Riyadh, to visit highlights like King Abdulaziz Grand Mosque.