Direct (nonstop) flights from Riyadh to Urumqi

1 airline flys nonstop from King Khaled International (RUH) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC). It's 2,633 miles (4,237 km), about 6h in the air. Operated by China Southern Airlines.

RUH
King Khaled International
🇸🇦 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
URC
Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
🇨🇳 Urumqi, China
Flight Time
6h
Distance
2,633 mi
4,237 km
CO₂/pax
403 kg
−86 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
China Southern Airlines
Time Diff
+5h
Operated by China Southern Airlines China Southern Airlines

Route data last updated: May 24, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

China Southern Airlines CZ China Southern Airlines
Route
RUH → URC
Flight Time
6h
Distance
2,633 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Riyadh to Urumqi with one stop · direct emits 403 kg CO₂ per passenger

RUH ISB (Islamabad) URC
Leg 1: 4h 5m (1,679 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,063 mi) Total: ~6h 45m 🍃 489 kg CO₂ (+21% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RUH → ISB
4h 5m · 1,679 mi
View RUH to ISB flights →
Leg 2
ISB → URC
2h 40m · 1,063 mi
View ISB to URC flights →
RUH KBL (Kabul) URC
Leg 1: 3h 45m (1,501 mi) Leg 2: 3h 30m (1,168 mi) Total: ~7h 15m 🍃 476 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RUH → KBL
3h 45m · 1,501 mi
View RUH to KBL flights →
Leg 2
KBL → URC
3h 30m · 1,168 mi
View KBL to URC flights →
RUH GYD (Baku) URC
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,086 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,919 mi) Total: ~7h 25m 🍃 532 kg CO₂ (+32% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RUH → GYD
3h 10m · 1,086 mi
View RUH to GYD flights →
Leg 2
GYD → URC
4h 15m · 1,919 mi
View GYD to URC flights →
RUH DXB (Dubai) URC
Leg 1: 2h (543 mi) Leg 2: 5h 30m (2,214 mi) Total: ~7h 30m 🍃 500 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RUH → DXB
2h · 543 mi
View RUH to DXB flights →
Leg 2
DXB → URC
5h 30m · 2,214 mi
View DXB to URC flights →
RUH TBS (Tbilisi) URC
Leg 1: 3h 23m (1,156 mi) Leg 2: 4h 50m (2,142 mi) Total: ~8h 13m 🍃 582 kg CO₂ (+44% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RUH → TBS
3h 23m · 1,156 mi
View RUH to TBS flights →
Leg 2
TBS → URC
4h 50m · 2,142 mi
View TBS to URC flights →

Looking for the return flight?

URC → RUH: Flights from Urumqi to Riyadh

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Riyadh to Urumqi?

A nonstop flight from Riyadh (RUH) to Urumqi (URC) takes approximately 6 hours. The distance is 2,633 miles (4,237 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Riyadh to Urumqi?

Just China Southern Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Riyadh to Urumqi?

Yes. 1 airline: China Southern Airlines.

How far is Riyadh from Urumqi?

The flight distance from Riyadh to Urumqi is 2,633 miles (4,237 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What is the time difference between Riyadh and Urumqi?

Urumqi is 5 hours ahead of Riyadh. (Asia/Riyadh vs Asia/Shanghai.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Riyadh to Urumqi?

Maybe mild — 5-hour difference. Most people adjust in a day or two.

What type of aircraft flies from Riyadh to Urumqi?

At 6h, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Saudi Arabia to China?

Depends on your passport. Check with the China embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Riyadh to Urumqi?

Roughly 403 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 2,015 km.

Is the return flight from Urumqi to Riyadh also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Riyadh to Urumqi?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at King Khaled International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.