King Khalid Airport Terminals 1 and 2 Metro StationKKIA-T12

King Khalid International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 Metro Station puts the Riyadh Metro within steps of the international arrivals hall. For anyone landing in Riyadh and heading to the city centre, the financial district, or a connecting hotel, this is the first metro stop in the Kingdom - and one of the most practical airport-to-city rail connections in the region. No taxi queue, no traffic, no guesswork on fares.

The Yellow Line (Line 4) was built specifically to serve the airport. King Khalid International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world by land area, and the metro line was engineered to cover its full span across five terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 handle the bulk of international long-haul flights, which means this station typically sees the highest passenger volumes among the airport stations.

Station Overview

This station opened in 2024 in Zone 3, the outermost fare zone of the Riyadh Metro. It is served exclusively by the Yellow Line. From here, the Yellow Line runs southwest into the city - stopping at Terminals 3 and 4, Terminal 5, PNU 2, PNU 1, and then KAFD, where passengers can interchange with the Blue and Purple lines for onward travel across the full metro network.

Lines and Connectivity

The Yellow Line (Line 4) is the airport express of the Riyadh Metro. From Terminals 1 and 2, it reaches KAFD in approximately 25 to 30 minutes, from where the Blue Line gives access to the Olaya business corridor, and the Purple Line connects to northern residential areas. For central Riyadh destinations like Al Bat'ha or the National Museum, transfer at KAFD to the Blue Line southbound.

Station Layout and Structure

The station is integrated directly into the airport terminal buildings, with covered walkways connecting metro exits to the arrivals and departures halls. The at-grade layout on airport land allows for generous platform space suitable for passengers travelling with luggage. Signage is clear in Arabic and English, and staff are positioned at the station entry points during all operating hours.

Facilities

The station has ATMs including currency exchange machines, Darb card vending machines, shops, a staffed information desk, WiFi, and clean toilets. Darb cards can be purchased or topped up at vending machines immediately before the fare gates - useful for arriving passengers who do not have one yet. The station connects to the airport's landside area, so there is no security barrier between arrivals and the metro platform.

Accessibility

The airport metro station is fully step-free, with lifts and ramps throughout. Luggage-friendly wide gates are available at the turnstiles. Tactile paving, audio announcements in Arabic and English, and full-height platform screen doors are fitted. The station is designed to handle high volumes of passengers with luggage, including oversized bags and prams.

Travel Tips

• Buy your Darb card at the vending machine before the gates - you cannot board without one. Cards cost SAR 10 with SAR 6 initial credit; top up before your return journey too.
• The journey from Terminals 1 and 2 to KAFD is approximately 25 to 30 minutes - significantly faster than a taxi in traffic.
• A single ticket from Zone 3 (airport) to Zone 1 (city centre) costs SAR 8 per adult.
• Check your terminal before arrival - Terminal 1 handles most international carriers, Terminal 2 handles Saudia domestic and regional flights from this area.
• If your hotel is on the Blue Line corridor (Olaya, Al Murabba, Al Bat'ha), transfer at KAFD - no additional fare within the 2-hour window.
• Late-night arrivals should note that service ends at midnight Sunday to Thursday - check last train times for very late flights.

Nearby Attractions

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) - directly connected. One of the world's largest airports by land area, serving over 25 million passengers annually with flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide.

KAFD (via Yellow Line) - approximately 25 minutes by metro. The King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh's financial hub, is the most useful first transfer point for onward journeys into the city.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

The station operates Sunday to Thursday 06:00 to midnight, Friday 13:00 to 02:00, and Saturday 06:00 to 02:00. The Yellow Line runs at its highest frequency during morning and evening peak hours. For very early morning flights departing before 06:00, metro service is not yet running - a taxi will be required. For late arrivals after midnight on weekdays, check the exact last service times on the Darb app before assuming the metro is running.