Reaching Riyadh is now much simpler than one might imagine. The capital of Saudi Arabia, once considered a niche destination for only business men, has become an international tourist hub thanks to the gradual opening of the country and the enhancement of air connections.
Numerous airlines, both traditional and low-cost, offer direct flights or with a single stop from major European cities, including several Italian ones. This guide will help you navigate the available options, advising you on the most convenient routes, alternative airports, and tips to save without compromising the quality of the trip.
Why Choose Air Travel to Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is a vast country, with land infrastructure still under development for long-distance passenger routes. Currently, the only realistic way to reach Riyadh from Italy (and Europe) is by plane. The good news is that King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is a modern, efficient, and well-connected hub. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's entry into the global tourism market has stimulated healthy competition among airlines, with increasingly competitive fares and a continuously expanding offer.
Direct Flights from Italy to Riyadh
Currently, direct flights between Italy and Riyadh are mainly available from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and, at certain times or with lower frequencies, from Milan Malpensa (MXP). Here are the main options.
From Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
Rome is the main Italian hub for connections to the Arabian Peninsula. Two companies offer daily or almost daily direct flights:
ITA Airways: connects Rome Fiumicino to Riyadh with direct flights. The duration is about 5 hours and 30 minutes. ITA Airways operates on this route with new generation aircraft, offering both economy and business class. It is the ideal choice for those seeking an “Italian” experience on board and the opportunity to earn miles with major European programs.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia): the Saudi flag carrier offers direct flights from Rome to Riyadh. On board, you can already feel the Arab atmosphere, with a service characterized by hospitality and local food. Saudia is often slightly cheaper than ITA, but the schedules may be less convenient (often night flights).
From Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Milan is served by Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) with direct flights to Riyadh, generally with a frequency of 4-5 times a week. The duration is similar to that from Rome (about 5 hours and 30 minutes). It is a great option for those living in northern Italy or wanting to avoid a layover in Rome.
Seasonal Check: charter or seasonal flights
In conjunction with events such as the Riyadh Season (fall/winter) or Hajj/Umrah (although for the latter, the main traffic is towards Jeddah), some charter or low-cost companies may activate temporary direct flights from other Italian airports (e.g. Venice, Bologna). It is advisable to monitor flight search portals a few months in advance.
Connecting Flights: The Low-Cost Alternative for Those Departing from Smaller Airports
If you do not have a hub airport nearby or are looking for the cheapest deal, flights with a layover (rarely two) are the best solution. The most common layovers to reach Riyadh from Europe are:
Layover in Istanbul (IST or SAW)
Turkish Airlines (from Istanbul IST): it is one of the best options in terms of quality and schedules. Turkish Airlines flies from many Italian airports (Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Catania, etc.) to Istanbul, where the layover for Riyadh takes place. The advantage is the wide choice of schedules and the renowned onboard cuisine. The layover in Istanbul is often short (2-3 hours) and the airport is very modern.
Pegasus Airlines (from Istanbul SAW – Sabiha Gökçen): it is the Turkish low-cost airline. It flies from many Italian airports (especially from Rome, Milan, Treviso, Naples, Bologna, etc.) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, from where the flight to Riyadh departs. Prices are very competitive, but it should be noted that Sabiha Gökçen is far from the center of Istanbul and that the onboard service is basic (checked baggage is charged).
Layover in the Gulf (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Kuwait)
This is the home area of the major Gulf airlines, known for luxury and efficiency. The layover is almost mandatory if you are departing from smaller Italian airports.
Qatar Airways (layover in Doha, DOH): flies from Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Catania, and sometimes Bari. Doha is a fantastic airport for layovers (shops, lounges, play areas). The service quality of Qatar Airways is excellent. The layover to Riyadh is short (about 1 hour and 30 minutes of flight).
Emirates (layover in Dubai, DXB): flies from Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna. Dubai is a very efficient layover, but the airport can be crowded. The flight from Dubai to Riyadh is about 2 hours.
Etihad Airways (layover in Abu Dhabi, AUH): flies from Rome and Milan. Abu Dhabi is less chaotic than Dubai, and the flight to Riyadh is short.
Gulf Air (layover in Manama, BAH): less frequent from Italy (only from Rome and Milan), but often offers competitive fares. Manama is a small and quick airport.
Kuwait Airways (layover in Kuwait City, KWI): alternative option, but with fewer frequencies.
Layover in Europe (Paris, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam)
If you prefer to avoid the Middle East, you can layover in a European hub.
Air France (Paris CDG), Lufthansa (Frankfurt FRA, Munich MUC), British Airways (London LHR), KLM (Amsterdam AMS). These airlines fly from many Italian airports to their hubs, and from there to Riyadh.
The advantage is the possibility of accumulating miles in European programs and having more "European" schedules. The disadvantage is that flights are often more expensive and the layover can be longer.
Alternative Airports to Riyadh: Does It Make Sense?
Riyadh has only one main airport for passenger traffic: the King Khalid International Airport (RUH). There are no alternative commercial airports in the immediate vicinity. However, for those planning a tour of Saudi Arabia, it may make sense to consider landing in another city and then reaching Riyadh by land or with a domestic flight.
Dammam Airport (DMM) – about 400 km east of Riyadh. Dammam is on the Gulf coast. If you find a much cheaper flight to Dammam, you can then take a train (the Haramain high-speed line does not reach Riyadh, but there is the conventional SAPTCO line) or a bus (about 4-5 hours) or rent a car. It is not the most comfortable solution for a short trip.
Jeddah Airport (JED) – about 950 km west. Absolutely not recommended for reaching Riyadh by land (it's almost 10 hours by car). It's better to take a domestic flight from Jeddah to Riyadh (there are dozens of flights a day with Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal, they are inexpensive and take about 1 hour and 40 minutes). This solution only makes sense if you combine Riyadh with a trip to Mecca, Medina, or the Red Sea coast.
Comparative Table of Options (indicative)
| Option | Example companies | Total duration (from Italy) | Budget | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct from Rome/Milan | ITA Airways, Saudia | 5h30 (flight) + transfers | Medium-high | Comfort, speed, no layovers | Only from 2 airports, often more expensive |
| Layover in Istanbul | Turkish Airlines, Pegasus | 7-10 hours | Low-medium | Many departure cities, good value for money | Variable layover, crowded airports |
| Layover in the Gulf | Qatar, Emirates, Etihad | 8-12 hours | Medium-high (but deals) | Luxury, efficiency, great airports | Longer layover, frequent night flights |
| Layover in Europe | Air France, Lufthansa, BA, KLM | 8-14 hours | Medium-high | European mile programs | Often more expensive, long layovers |
| Flight to Dammam + train | Any + SAPTCO | 6-8 hours + 4-5 hours train | Low (if flight deal) | Possible savings | Inconvenient, long, only for flexible travelers |
Tips for Finding the Best Flight
Book in advance: for direct flights and Gulf carriers, the best time is between 2 and 4 months before departure. For low-cost flights with layovers (Pegasus), even 1-2 months may be sufficient.
Use flexible search engines: Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights. Set the search to “whole month” or “entire month” to find the cheapest days. Generally, flights to Riyadh are more expensive on weekends (Thursday and Friday, which correspond to the Saudi weekend) and cheaper from Sunday to Wednesday.
Consider long layover flights (voluntary): some airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates offer programmable stopovers. You can stay 1-2 days in Doha or Dubai without additional costs on the flight (you will only pay for accommodation). It’s a way to break up the journey and visit another city.
Sign up for loyalty programs: even if you don’t fly often, registration is free and can give you access to member-only offers. ITA Airways (Volare), Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles), Qatar Airways (Privilege Club) often have promotions.
Check the baggage: low-cost airlines (Pegasus, Flyadeal for domestic flights) have fares that do not include checked baggage. Calculate the additional cost carefully before booking. Traditional airlines (ITA, Saudia, Turkish, Qatar, Emirates) include at least one checked bag up to 23-30 kg.
How to Get to the Center from King Khalid Airport (RUH)
Once you land, there are several options to reach the center of Riyadh (districts like Al Olaya, Al Malaz, Al Murabba):
Riyadh Metro: the brand new metro (Line 4 – yellow) connects King Khalid Airport to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). From there you can transfer to other lines to reach the center. It is the cheapest and fastest option if your hotel is near a metro station. The airport station is located at Terminal 1-2.
Uber/Careem: ride-sharing apps are very popular. A car from T1/T2 to the center of Riyadh (e.g. Kingdom Centre) costs about 50-80 SAR (Saudi riyals). The trip takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Traditional Taxis: can be found at the terminal exits. Note: they do not always have a meter, or if they do, it is often “not working.” Agree on the price before getting in (it should be similar to Uber). Better to avoid if you are not familiar.
Car Rental: all major operators (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt) have desks at the airport. Renting a car is useful if you plan to visit the Edge of the World or Diriyah independently, but driving in Riyadh is chaotic (traffic jams, local driving style). Not recommended for the faint of heart.
FAQ - HOW TO REACH RIYAD
What is the cheapest way to get to Riyadh from Italy?
Generally with Pegasus Airlines with a stopover in Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, or with flights to Dammam + train (but very uncomfortable). For a good compromise between price and comfort, Turkish Airlines (from Istanbul) or an offer from Saudia in economy class.
How long is a direct flight from Rome to Riyadh?
About 5 hours and 30 minutes. It is a medium-long flight, but not exhausting. It is shorter than a flight to New York or Dubai.
Is it better to fly with ITA Airways or with Saudia?
It depends on the priorities. ITA Airways has more "European" schedules, Italian service, and Volare miles. Saudia often has slightly lower fares, a more "Arab" experience on board (food, hospitality), and can be useful for accumulating miles if you have other domestic flights planned in Saudi Arabia.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia without a visa if I have a stopover in Riyadh?
No. Even for just transit (if you change planes in Riyadh), in many cases you will have to go through passport control if you do not remain in the sterile area. Check with the airline. The safest way is to obtain the Saudi eVisa (easy online) or a transit visa if the airline offers it (some like Saudia include it for long layovers).
What documents are needed for the flight?
Passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. Printed or digital electronic visa (eVisa). Mandatory health insurance (often included in the eVisa).
Are there direct flights from Milan Bergamo (BGY) or Treviso (TSF)?
No, no airline operates direct flights from these airports. You will need to make a stopover (e.g., with Pegasus from BGY or TSF to Istanbul SAW, then Riyadh).
When is it best to book to save money?
The most expensive periods are December (Christmas holidays), February-March (if it coincides with events of the Riyadh Season), and the period of Ramadan (which varies). The cheapest months are June, July, and August (extreme heat in Riyadh) and September. Book 3-4 months in advance for the high season.
How to reach Riyadh
Reaching Riyadh from Italy is now a simple operation and within the reach of many budgets. The best choice depends on your departure airport, budget, and your tolerance for layovers. If you want maximum comfort, direct flights from Rome or Milan with ITA Airways or Saudia are the ideal solution, with a duration of just 5 and a half hours. If you are looking for savings, Pegasus via Istanbul or offers from Gulf airlines with a layover in Doha or Dubai provide great rates. For those departing from smaller airports, Turkish Airlines or Gulf airlines ensure efficient connections with just one layover. Once you land, the modern metro and ride-sharing apps will quickly take you to the center of the Saudi capital. To best organize every detail of your trip, from choosing the flight to accommodation and transportation, consult our complete guide for holidays in Riyadh.
Review date: June 14, 2026