Riyadh to Abu Dhabi
1h 25m The flight from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) covers 805 km (500 miles) and takes approximately 1h 25m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads east on an initial great-circle bearing of 92°, passing near 24.8° N, 50.7° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 1h 28m | 1h 53m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 1h 02m | 1h 27m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 54m | 1h 19m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 57m | 1h 22m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| RUH | AUH | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | King Khalid International Airport | Zayed International Airport |
| City | Riyadh | Abu Dhabi |
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| ICAO | OERK | OMAA |
| Coordinates | 24.9576, 46.6988 | 24.441, 54.6492 |
| Elevation | 2,049 ft | 88 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi?
A non-stop flight from Riyadh (RUH) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) takes about 1h 25m. The great-circle distance is 805 km (500 miles, 435 nautical miles), flying east on an initial bearing of 92°.
How far is Riyadh from Abu Dhabi?
805 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 500 miles or 435 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between RUH and AUH?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 805 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.