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Turkish Airlines offers three direct flights each day from Riyadh to Istanbul. The point of departure for the flights in this route is King Khalid International Airport (RUH); and the point of arrival may either be Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Flights take nearly five hours, and no seasonal changes occur in the number of flights throughout the year. However, the flight alternatives in this route increase by the connecting flights over Trabzon in the summer season.
One of the reasons of the busy air traffic for the flights between Riyadh and Istanbul with Turkish Airlines is that Istanbul serves as a significant transfer point for many Turkish Airlines flights. You may therefore set off from Riyadh and transfer at Istanbul to another flight and continue your journey. Take a look at the flights from Riyadh to review all your alternatives.
As a popular Middle Eastern destination, Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and among the most populous cities countrywide as well. The desert encircling Riyadh will remind you that you are in Arabian Peninsula, whereas the skyscrapers dispreading through the sky represent the modern life ongoing in the city. Besides, Riyadh is one of the most powerful countries worldwide in trade, thanks to its underground treasures. The Masmak Fortress with four watchtowers made of brick and clay, together with the building which used to be a royal palace in the past and serving as a King Abdulaziz Historical Centre today, are the remarkable worth-seeing spots in the city. The Al Faisaliyah Centre as one of the highest skyscrapers countrywide and the Royal Saudi Air Force Museum are other notable attractions flooded by visitors. Salam Park and Al Hokair Theme Park which are the favorite of especially the families with children promise an enjoyable day to kids with entertaining events and delightful open air spaces.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh serves as one of the largest airports worldwide and is located 35 kilometers from the city center.
Note that there is no public transport serving from the city center to airport in Riyadh. Cabs are frequently preferred in transport also to the airport, as the oil prices are considerably low in the country. You may also consult to your accommodation facility with regards to the airport transport services as well.
Regarded as one of the most charming cities worldwide, Istanbul creates an attractive contrast by its history of thousands of years and its modern face constantly refreshing itself. Tourists visiting the city take every chance to get to know this enchanting metropolis closer by encountering different surprises around every corner. They simply enjoy visiting a church from the Byzantine period and then walking around the spectacular Ottoman palaces; exploring the traces of numerous culture and life in a single city.
The historical Galata Tower from the Genoese period, Hagia Irene and Hagia Sophia museums from the Byzantine period, and the most glorious palaces of the Ottoman, Topkapı and Çırağan Palaces are only a few of the outstanding icons of Istanbul at first sight. Offering an extremely vigorous life in culture and art as well by many international festivals, hundreds of art galleries, contemporary theatre and opera performances, Istanbul truly is an amazing destination promising an unforgettable holiday for every guest.
Istanbul hosts two airports to manage the extremely busy air traffic: Istanbul Airport (IST) in the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in the Anatolian side. Passengers with a flight ticket to Istanbul from Riyadh with Turkish Airlines can select amongst the two airports their points of arrival in the city.
Istanbul Airport is located on the European side, between Tayakadın, a neighborhood on the Black Sea coast, and Akpınar villages. Istanbul Airport is 35 km from the city center.
From the airport there are many modes of transportation, such as taxi, rent-a-car and airport shuttles. There are rent-a-car companies available at Istanbul Airport (IST) that set off from the city center, ensuring you a smooth journey. If you are looking for a cheaper, quicker option then you can benefit from the Havaist and IETT bus services. Travel comfortably with the airport shuttles that run day and night; these shuttles reach many places in the city. In addition, you could pay 100-110 TL for a 30-minute taxi drive from the city center.
For more information on transportation from Istanbul Airport, check our transport information page.
There is no direct subway line providing transport from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the city center. However, you may get on the municipal bus numbered KM22 right on the way out the terminal building and reach Kartal subway station to transfer to the subway network.
Buses are the most preferred means of transport for reaching the city center from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Those travelling to the European side may use the bus numbered SG-2 to Taksim, or E-3 to 4th Levent. Buses numbered E-11 and SG-1, on the other hand, serve from the airport to Kadıköy, a central spot in the Anatolian side.
It is also possible to use the airport shuttles operating to Taksim, Kadıköy and Yenisahra directions, together with the cabs which are at your service 7/24 in the airport.