Riyadh to New York (RUH–JFK) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
RUH–JFK is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Saudia leads the route. The flight covers 6,513 miles in approximately 14h 15m. Beyond nonstop, 26 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV Saudia | 5 | 77W | 14h15 | – | SkyTeam | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
RUH: +03 · JFK: EDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Riyadh, it's 11:00 AM in New York.
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.
AirTrain to Jamaica Station (8–10 min, $8.50) connects to the NYC subway A/E trains and LIRR. Total fare to midtown Manhattan is $9.25 via subway or $10–15 via LIRR; both take 50–70 minutes total. NYC taxis from JFK to Manhattan are metered (flat rate only applies to the Manhattan-to-JFK direction); expect $50–70 plus tolls.Ride-shares from JFK pick up at the designated lot; follow signs rather than waiting at terminal curbs. Car services and shared vans to Manhattan are available from the Ground Transportation desks.
Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. July–August averages 25–32°C with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cause ground delays. Nor'easters hit December through March, occasionally dumping 30–60 cm of snow and causing widespread cancellations. JFK is slower to recover than inland airports due to wind exposure.
Fog is a disruption risk in spring. Fall (September–October) offers the most stable flying weather. Hurricane remnants reach New York in September–October. Sandy-level events are rare but possible.
RUH–JFK Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from RUH to JFK
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are connected by nonstop service from Saudia. With 5 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
RUH to JFK Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from RUH to JFK ranges from 14 hours 15 minutes. The route covers a distance of 6,513 miles (10,480 km). There are approximately 5 weekly flights outbound and 6 return, totaling 11 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
26 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 17 hours via MUC. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.