Overview
The Riyadh Metro is a rapid transit system serving Saudi Arabia's capital city. Opened in December 2024, it is the world's longest fully automated, driverless metro network, spanning 176 kilometres with six lines and 85 stations. As a visitor, you'll use the system by purchasing a ticket or pass at station gates, tapping your card or mobile payment at entry and exit, and boarding trains that run from 6 AM to midnight daily. The metro integrates with Riyadh Bus for connecting journeys, making it a practical alternative to the car-dependent transport culture that has historically defined the city.
The network
The Riyadh Metro comprises six colour-coded lines, each serving different parts of the city:
- Blue Line (Line 1): Runs north–south across the city, largely following Olaya Road, connecting major commercial and residential areas.
- Yellow Line (Line 2): Serves King Khaled International Airport and the downtown area, intersecting with the Blue Line at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) station on the city's north side.
- Orange Line (Line 3): Traverses the city west–east, with notable stops including Qasr Al-Hukm and Western Metro stations.
- Red Line (Line 4): Also traverses the city west–east, complementing the Orange Line's route.
- Purple Line (Line 5): Serves the eastern part of the city, with interchange at National Museum Station.
- Green Line (Line 6): Serves the eastern part of the city.
Key interchange stations include KAFD (connecting Lines 1, 4, and 6), National Museum (connecting Lines 1 and 5), STC (connecting Lines 1 and 2), and Qasr Al-Hukm (connecting Lines 1 and 3). The system includes an integrated bus network, Riyadh Bus, which connects to metro stops throughout the city. Trains are fully automated and driverless, with stations featuring air-conditioning, solar power technology, and accessibility facilities including lifts and escalators.
Tickets & fares
The Riyadh Metro uses an integrated smartcard and mobile payment system called Darb. You can purchase tickets and passes at station gates or load credit onto the Darb card (which costs 10 riyals) or use the free Darb mobile app for contactless payment.
Ticket and pass types
- Single ride (Standard Class): 3 riyals, valid for 2 hours and includes unlimited connecting Riyadh Bus rides.
- Single ride (First Class): 6 riyals, granting access to the more spacious First Class carriage.
- Day pass (Standard Class): 15 riyals.
- 30-day pass (Standard Class): 60 riyals.
- First Class passes: 50 riyals per day or 350 riyals for 30 days.
Discounts and concessions
- Students and senior citizens receive 50% discount on fares.
- Passengers with disabilities ride free.
All fares and passes include unlimited connections on Riyadh Bus services. The Darb app also provides journey planning and transport information. Prices listed are approximate and may change; contactless payment is accepted at all entry gates.
From the airport
King Khaled International Airport is located approximately 35 kilometres north of central Riyadh. The airport has five terminals; Terminals 1–4 are connected at the arrivals level, while Terminal 5 is accessible by free shuttle bus.
The most convenient public transport option is the Yellow Line (Line 2) of the Riyadh Metro, which serves all five terminals. A single metro ticket costs 4 riyals and will take you directly to KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District) in downtown Riyadh. Trains run from 6 AM to midnight daily.
Alternative transport to the city includes taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem). Official metered taxis to central Riyadh typically cost 70–90 riyals and take approximately 30 minutes in normal traffic. Hotel limousines are also sometimes available and offer a more comfortable, air-conditioned option.
Etiquette & customs
While specific customs for the Riyadh Metro have not been extensively documented in official sources, general public transport etiquette in the region and the metro's design features suggest the following practices:
- Trains are divided into three classes—first, family, and single—separated by glass partitions. Respect the designated class for your ticket type.
- The metro stations are air-conditioned and designed for comfort; maintain quiet behaviour and avoid loud conversations.
- Queue orderly at ticket gates and when boarding.
- The system is integrated with family-friendly design; families with children will find designated family-class seating.
- As is standard in public spaces in Saudi Arabia, dress modestly and be respectful of local customs.
Survival terms
- مترو (Metro) – rapid transit system
- تذكرة (Tadhkira) – ticket
- خط (Khatt) – line
- مدخل (Mudkhal) – entrance
- مخرج (Mukhraj) – exit
- تحويل (Tahweel) – transfer
- تذكرة واحدة (Tadhkira wahida) – single fare
- تصريح يومي (Taareeh yawmi) – day pass
Download the Darb app before your journey to streamline ticket purchases, access live service information, and plan your connections across the metro and bus network.