Riyadh to Dulles (RUH–IAD) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
RUH–IAD is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Saudia and Ethiopian Airlines lead the route. The flight covers 6,738 miles in approximately 14h 51m. Beyond nonstop, 18 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV Saudia | 3 | 773 | 14h51 | – | SkyTeam | – |
| ET Ethiopian Airlines | 1 | – | – | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
RUH: +03 · IAD: EDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Riyadh, it's 11:00 AM in Dulles.
Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. The most common type is the B1/B2 visitor visa for business and tourism. Apply online at ceac.state.gov/genniv, pay the $185 (about SAR 694) fee, and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah or Dhahran. Wait times for interview appointments fluctuate from 2 weeks to several months depending on the season. Bring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and supporting documents (bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary).
The B1/B2 visa is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry. Each visit allows a stay of up to 6 months, determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. At the US airport, CBP takes fingerprints and a photo and asks about your trip purpose and duration. Have your return ticket, hotel, and itinerary ready. Saudi students in the US use the F-1 visa, which requires a separate application and I-20 form from the university.
Direct flights from Riyadh to New York JFK run about 13 hours on Saudia. Jeddah to Washington Dulles (IAD) runs about 13 hours 30 minutes on Saudia. Connections through London, Frankfurt, or Doha add 3 to 5 hours but offer more US city options. The US uses the US dollar, trading at 3.75 SAR per $1. No mandatory vaccinations. Global Entry ($100, valid 5 years) provides expedited CBP processing via kiosks at major US airports, eliminating the standard immigration queue. Apply through the CBP One app or ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.
Silver Line Metro runs from Washington Dulles Airport station to Metro Center in about 65 minutes (~$7). The route bypasses I-66 and I-495 congestion entirely. Washington Flyer coach also runs to Wiehle-Reston East station ($6, 15 min) for Metro connection.Taxis and ride-shares to downtown DC cost $55–80 and take 35–55 minutes depending on traffic. Car rental facilities are on-site. Dulles is 27 miles west of the Capitol; it is farther than either DCA or BWI from central DC.
Humid continental climate. Summers are hot and muggy (30–36°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cause delays June through August. Winters bring cold temperatures (−3 to 5°C) with snow and ice. The Virginia suburbs accumulate more snow than downtown DC, and ice storms are the primary disruption risk.
Dulles sits at higher elevation in Virginia's piedmont and sees more winter precipitation than DCA. Spring and fall are variable. Snowfall is possible into April. Thunderstorms begin from April through May.
RUH–IAD Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from RUH to IAD
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are connected by nonstop service from Ethiopian Airlines and Saudia. With 3 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
RUH to IAD Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from RUH to IAD ranges from 14 hours 51 minutes. The route covers a distance of 6,738 miles (10,842 km). There are approximately 3 weekly flights outbound and 3 return, totaling 6 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
18 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 17 hours via MUC. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.