Istanbul to Riyadh: Best Airlines and Cheapest Fares
AirHuntr Editorial
June 18, 2026
Saudi Arabia has opened up dramatically to international tourism in recent years, and direct flights from Istanbul make it an accessible destination.
Saudi Arabia has opened up dramatically to international tourism in recent years, and direct flights from Istanbul make it an accessible destination.
Airlines on This Route
Turkish Airlines (TK)
Flies IST → RUH (King Khalid International Airport) multiple times daily. Full service with meals and baggage included. Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
Saudia (SV)
Saudi Arabia's flag carrier. Competes directly with Turkish Airlines. Good service and sometimes cheaper on advance booking.
Flynas
Saudi Arabia's budget carrier. Can be significantly cheaper than full-service airlines. Meals and bags are add-ons.
Flydubai / Air Arabia
Indirect routes via UAE hubs. Can be cheaper but add 2–4 hours journey time.
Typical Prices
- Turkish Airlines economy: €150–€300 one-way
- Saudia economy: €120–€260 one-way
- Flynas (no bags): €70–€140 one-way
Visa Information
Saudi Arabia now offers:
- eVisa for many nationalities (including Turkish citizens) — apply at visa.visitsaudi.com
- Visa on arrival at Saudi airports for citizens of eligible countries
- Haj/Umrah visas for religious purposes (separate process)
The eVisa costs approximately $140 USD and allows multiple entries within 1 year with up to 90 days total stay.
Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
- November–March: Ideal weather (15–25°C). Most comfortable for outdoor sightseeing.
- Ramadan (dates vary): Fascinating cultural experience, but many restaurants close during daylight hours.
- Summer (June–August): Extreme heat in Riyadh (45°C+). Not recommended.
What to See in Saudi Arabia
The country has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure:
- Riyadh: National Museum, Historic Diriyah (UNESCO, AlUla of the east), Edge of the World escarpment, Boulevard entertainment district
- AlUla: One of the world's great archaeological sites — Hegra (Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Jeddah: Historic Al-Balad district (UNESCO), Red Sea seafront
- NEOM/The Line: Under construction but may have visitor access in coming years
Saudi Arabia represents one of the most exciting emerging destinations of the decade.
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