Whether you are transiting through Riyadh on a business trip, waiting for a connecting flight in Jeddah before Hajj or Umrah, or starting a longer Saudi Arabia travel itinerary, airport lounges across the Kingdom offer a welcome escape from crowded terminals. Saudi Arabia’s four major international airports now host more than 30 lounges operated by brands including Plaza Premium, Hayyak, CATRION, and Saudia’s own Al Fursan network. Access is no longer reserved for business-class passengers: Priority Pass holders, credit-card members, and walk-in travellers can all find a seat, a hot meal, and a shower before their flight.
Best Airports for Lounges: King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Fahd (Dammam), Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (Medina)
Main Lounge Operators: Plaza Premium, Hayyak, CATRION (Al Fursan & Wellcome), Primeclass
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa or transit visa
Walk-in Price Range: SAR 150–250 (~US $40–67) for a 2–3 hour session
Must-Try: Al Fursan Golden Lounge (Riyadh), Plaza Premium (Dammam, newly renovated), Primeclass (Medina)
Avoid: Arriving at the lounge during Hajj/Umrah peak season without a pre-booking — capacity fills fast
How to Access Airport Lounges in Saudi Arabia
There are five main ways to get into an airport lounge in Saudi Arabia, and most do not require a premium-class ticket. Understanding your options before you arrive at the airport will save you time and money.
Business or First Class Tickets
The most straightforward route. Passengers holding confirmed business or first class tickets on Saudia, flynas, or any SkyTeam member airline gain complimentary access to the carrier’s lounges. Saudia business class passengers can use the Al Fursan Lounge network at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina. First class passengers are directed to the Al Fursan Golden Lounges where available.
Frequent Flyer Status
Saudia’s loyalty programme, Alfursan, grants lounge access to Gold and Silver tier members. Gold members travelling internationally can bring up to three registered family members on a first class ticket, two on business, or one on economy. Silver members have access on domestic flights when flying Saudia. SkyTeam Elite Plus members also receive complimentary access when departing on a SkyTeam carrier.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass is the most widely accepted lounge programme in Saudi Arabia. It provides entry to Plaza Premium lounges in Riyadh (Terminals 1, 2, and 5), Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as Hayyak lounges in Riyadh (Terminals 3 and 5), the Wellcome Lounge in Jeddah, and the Primeclass Lounge in Medina. Many international credit cards bundle Priority Pass membership — check whether your card includes it before purchasing a standalone plan.
Credit Card Programmes
Several cards issued in the Gulf provide direct lounge access without Priority Pass:
- American Express Platinum — complimentary Priority Pass membership plus access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection
- Mastercard World Elite — access via the Mastercard Airport Experiences programme (formerly LoungeKey), accepted at participating lounges across Saudi airports
- Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB) cards — direct access to Hayyak lounges domestically
- Primo Dining — an a la carte all-day menu featuring Arabic Chicken Kabsa, Mezze Platters, and international staples
- Self-check-in kiosks for rapid entry
- Shower rooms with integrated accessible washrooms
- Dedicated prayer rooms for men and women
- Open buffet and beverages
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Private family rooms
- Children’s play room
- Dedicated prayer rooms (masjids) for men and women, with ablution areas
- Complimentary luggage storage inside the lounge
- CATRION — formerly Saudi Airlines Catering Company (est. 1981). Operates Al Fursan lounges under contract for Saudia, the Wellcome Lounge brand, and the new COZAYA brand. The largest lounge operator in the Kingdom by total capacity. Recently partnered with Airport Dimensions for digital-led hospitality.
- Plaza Premium Group — Hong Kong-based global operator present in over 70 airports worldwide. Runs the most walk-in-friendly lounges in Saudi Arabia with flexible pricing tiers and online booking.
- Hayyak — Saudi-founded brand with 26 lounges across 19 airports. The best option for domestic travellers and the only brand with a meaningful presence outside the big four airports.
- TAV Operation Services — Turkish aviation services group operating the Primeclass Lounge in Medina as part of the airport’s concession agreement with Tibah Airports.
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Airport Guide — Terminal maps, transport, and practical tips for every major airport
- Flights to Saudi Arabia — Airlines, routes, prices, and booking advice
- Saudi Arabia Itinerary — 7, 10, and 14-day travel plans across the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Hotels Guide — Where to stay in every major city
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type, cost, and requirement explained
Walk-In / Pay at the Door
Every Plaza Premium, Hayyak, Wellcome, and Primeclass lounge in Saudi Arabia accepts walk-in guests. Typical pricing is SAR 150–250 (US $40–67) for a two-to-three-hour session. You can also pre-book online through the lounge operator’s website, Viator, or the Mastercard Airport Experiences app, which sometimes offers a small discount. Payment by Apple Pay and all major credit cards is accepted at reception.
Riyadh — King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport and the main gateway for business travellers visiting the capital. If you are planning a broader trip, see our Saudi Arabia airport guide for terminal maps and transport options. The airport currently hosts six lounges spread across four terminals.
Al Fursan Golden Lounge (Terminal 4 & 5)
Saudia’s flagship lounge in the Kingdom. The Terminal 4 location serves international departures and is reserved for Saudia first and business class passengers, Alfursan Gold members, and SkyTeam Elite Plus cardholders. Amenities include a piano lounge, gaming room, TV room, office hubs with printing, private family areas, prayer rooms, and a restaurant-quality buffet of Arabic and international dishes. The Terminal 5 location mirrors these standards for domestic departures. No walk-in access is available — eligibility is strictly through ticket class or loyalty status.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminals 1, 2, and 5)
Plaza Premium operates three locations at Riyadh, making it the most accessible brand for economy travellers. The Terminal 1 International Departures lounge is on the Mezzanine Floor after passport control. Amenities include a hot buffet with Indian and Middle Eastern options, shower rooms, Wi-Fi, and flight monitors. Walk-in pricing starts at SAR 150 for a 2-hour pass, SAR 270 for 5 hours, and SAR 535 for 10 hours. All three locations accept Priority Pass, DragonPass, and Mastercard Airport Experiences.
Hayyak Lounge (Terminals 3 and 5)
Hayyak is a Saudi-founded lounge brand operating 26 lounges across 19 airports in the Kingdom. The Terminal 3 lounge at Riyadh features four zones: a large-screen seating area, a restaurant-style dining zone with a self-service counter, couple pods, and two fully enclosed sleeping pods. The food selection includes waffles, pancakes, Arabic coffee, and hot meals. Walk-in entry costs SAR 230 (~US $61). Priority Pass, DragonPass, and SAIB cardholders enter free.
naSmiles Lounge (Terminal 5)
Operated by budget carrier flynas, the naSmiles Lounge near Gate 509B is the best-value option for domestic travellers. It is open 24 hours and accepts Priority Pass as well as walk-in guests from SAR 140 (~US $38). Amenities include showers, snacks, Wi-Fi, and flight monitors. The lounge is smaller and more basic than Plaza Premium, but perfectly adequate for a short domestic wait.
Jeddah — King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
Jeddah is the primary gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and Saudi Arabia’s busiest airport overall. The new Terminal 1, opened in 2019, consolidated most operations under one roof. Lounge options are somewhat more limited than Riyadh, but the Al Fursan and Wellcome lounges are among the best in the network.
Al Fursan Lounge (Terminal 1)
Saudia’s Jeddah lounge spans over 3,500 square metres and can accommodate more than 10,000 guests daily during peak Hajj season. It is the largest airline lounge in Saudi Arabia. Access is restricted to Saudia first and business class passengers, Alfursan Gold and Silver members, and SkyTeam partners. The lounge includes a full hot buffet, prayer rooms, showers, a dedicated children’s play area, and a business centre. If you are connecting from Jeddah to Mecca, this is an excellent place to rest before the onward journey.
Wellcome Lounge (Terminal 1)
Operated by CATRION (formerly Saudi Airlines Catering Company), the Wellcome Lounge is the main pay-access option for international departures. Located airside near the Duty-Free area on the second floor, it is open 24 hours with a maximum three-hour stay. Amenities include hot and cold food, Wi-Fi, TV channels, showers, and flight displays. Walk-in entry starts at approximately SAR 140 (~US $38). The lounge accepts Priority Pass and Mastercard Airport Experiences. Reviews are mixed — the food and Wi-Fi are generally rated well, but cleanliness can be inconsistent during peak pilgrim traffic.
naSmiles Lounge (Domestic Terminal)
Flynas also operates a naSmiles Lounge for domestic departures at Jeddah. Access and amenities are similar to the Riyadh location, with Priority Pass accepted and walk-in pricing from SAR 140. For travellers connecting to domestic flights within Saudi Arabia, this is a practical stop.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 1)
Located near Gate 39 of international departures, the Plaza Premium lounge at Jeddah offers the same global standard as its Riyadh counterparts: comfortable seating, local and international cuisine, Wi-Fi, and TV. Priority Pass and walk-in access are both available.
Dammam — King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
King Fahd International Airport serves the Eastern Province and is the gateway for business travellers heading to the oil-sector cities of Dammam and Al Khobar. Although smaller than Riyadh and Jeddah, the airport has invested heavily in its lounge infrastructure.
Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
Reopened in November 2025 after an extensive redesign, the Dammam Plaza Premium is arguably the best independent lounge in Saudi Arabia. The 1,067-square-metre space seats 262 guests across zones for quiet reflection, productive work, premium dining, and family relaxation. Standout features include:
The design blends Saudi heritage motifs with contemporary styling. Walk-in access, Priority Pass, and DragonPass are all accepted. Located opposite Al Dawa Pharmacy at the departure level within the restricted area.
Hayyak Lounge (Domestic)
Hayyak covers the domestic terminal at Dammam with the same four-zone layout found in Riyadh: seating, dining, pods, and sleeping pods. Walk-in entry is approximately SAR 230.
COZAYA Lounge
Launched in July 2025 by CATRION under the patronage of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, COZAYA is a new branded lounge concept. It is the first in a planned series across Saudi airports and represents CATRION’s push beyond its traditional Al Fursan contract operations into its own consumer-facing brand. Amenities and pricing details are still being finalised as the network expands.
Medina — Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
Medina’s airport handles over 6 million visitors annually, the majority being international pilgrims. If you are arriving for Hajj or Umrah, the airport experience can be overwhelming — especially during peak season when terminals fill with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Lounge access here is less about luxury and more about a practical refuge.
Primeclass Lounge
Operated by TAV Operation Services, the Primeclass Lounge is the only international departure lounge at Medina airport. Located after passport control on the ground floor near Gate 112, it operates 24/7 with a maximum three-hour stay. Amenities include:
Access is available through Priority Pass, the TAV Passport app, Dreamfolks, Lounge Me, and walk-in payment. The lounge is designed to accommodate over 50,000 passengers annually and is purpose-built for the pilgrim demographic — the prayer and ablution facilities are notably well-maintained.
Other Saudi Airports with Lounge Access
Hayyak operates lounges at 19 regional airports across Saudi Arabia, making it the most geographically widespread lounge brand in the Kingdom. While these smaller airports — including Abha, Tabuk, Taif, Ha’il, Jizan, and Yanbu — do not offer the same variety as the big four, Hayyak provides a consistent baseline of hot food, Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and comfortable seating at each location. If you hold a Priority Pass or SAIB card, check availability at your departure airport before flying.
Lounge Comparison Table
| Lounge | Airport | Terminal | Walk-in Price (SAR) | Priority Pass | Showers | 24-Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Fursan Golden Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | T4 / T5 | N/A (invite only) | No | Yes | No |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | T1 / T2 / T5 | 150–535 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hayyak Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | T3 / T5 | 230 | Yes | No | Yes |
| naSmiles Lounge | Riyadh (RUH) | T5 | 140 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Al Fursan Lounge | Jeddah (JED) | T1 | N/A (invite only) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wellcome Lounge | Jeddah (JED) | T1 | ~140 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Jeddah (JED) | T1 | 150–250 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Dammam (DMM) | Int’l | 150–250 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Primeclass Lounge | Medina (MED) | Int’l | ~140 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hayyak Lounges | 19 regional airports | Varies | ~230 | Yes | Varies | Varies |
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Saudi Airport Lounges
Book Ahead During Hajj and Ramadan
Jeddah and Medina lounges fill to capacity during Hajj season (typically May–June in 2026) and the last two weeks of Ramadan. If you are transiting during these windows, pre-book your lounge session online. Walk-in access may be refused once capacity is reached, even for Priority Pass holders.
Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Many travellers pay for lounge access without realising their credit card already includes it. Before your trip, check whether your card provides Priority Pass, Mastercard Airport Experiences, or direct lounge access. If you travel through Saudi Arabia more than twice a year, a Priority Pass membership (from US $99/year for the Standard plan) pays for itself quickly.
Use Showers Strategically
Long-haul arrivals into Riyadh and Jeddah often land between midnight and 4am. If you have an early meeting or a connecting domestic flight, the shower facilities at Plaza Premium and Al Fursan lounges are invaluable. Towels and toiletries are provided. Arrive early — shower rooms can have a 15–20 minute wait during peak arrival windows.
Dress Code
Saudi Arabia’s general dress code applies within airport lounges. Modest, loose clothing is expected. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts or shorts. Women are not required to wear an abaya in airports, but should cover arms, shoulders, and knees. Children’s dress code is relaxed. For broader guidance, see our non-Muslim travel guide for Saudi Arabia.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Families with young children should prioritise the Al Fursan Golden Lounge (Riyadh) and the Primeclass Lounge (Medina), both of which have dedicated, well-designed children’s play areas. The Hayyak lounges also have family zones, though they are more basic. If you are planning a family itinerary through Saudi Arabia, lounge access at each stop makes long travel days significantly easier.
Prayer Rooms
Every lounge listed in this guide provides dedicated prayer rooms. The Primeclass Lounge in Medina stands out with separate masjids for men and women plus full ablution facilities — a significant comfort for pilgrims departing after Umrah.
Practical Tip: If you are connecting between domestic and international flights at Riyadh, you may need to change terminals. Lounge access is terminal-specific — a Priority Pass for Terminal 1 (international) will not work at Terminal 5 (domestic) unless the lounge operator has a presence in both. Check your terminal assignment before choosing which lounge to book. Our airport guide covers terminal layouts in detail.
Who Operates the Lounges?
Understanding the operator landscape helps you choose the right lounge:
Is Lounge Access Worth It in Saudi Arabia?
For most travellers, the answer is yes. Saudi airports are modern and well-maintained, but they can be crowded — particularly Jeddah during pilgrimage season and Riyadh during business hours. Terminal seating is often at capacity, food options outside the lounge are limited to fast-food franchises, and Wi-Fi in the general terminal areas can be unreliable.
At SAR 150–230 (US $40–61), a two-to-three-hour lounge visit delivers a hot meal, reliable Wi-Fi, a quiet seat, and potentially a shower. If you are on a layover exceeding three hours, the sleeping pods at Hayyak in Riyadh Terminal 3 are a standout feature. For luxury travellers, the Al Fursan Golden Lounge in Riyadh Terminal 4 is genuinely impressive — a piano lounge and gaming room set it apart from the typical airline-lounge experience.
Budget travellers who want to skip the lounge entirely can still access prayer rooms, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi (with varying reliability) in the general terminals at all four major airports. For a complete breakdown of terminal amenities, see our Saudi Arabia airport guide.