Riyadh Metro is one of the largest public transport projects in the world and the longest driverless metro network globally. After 12 years of construction and an investment exceeding $22.5 billion (84 billion SAR), all six metro lines became fully operational in January 2025, marking a transformative milestone in the Saudi capital's transportation system.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about Riyadh Metro: lines and stations, ticket prices, operating hours, and booking methods.
Riyadh Metro Overview
The Riyadh Metro project comprises an integrated network featuring:
6 main lines spanning 176 kilometers with 85 stations, including 8 major interchange stations. The metro serves approximately 1.16 million passengers daily.
Opening Phases:
• December 1, 2024: Blue, Yellow, and Purple lines
• December 15, 2024: Red and Green lines
• January 5, 2025: Orange line (full completion)
The Six Metro Lines
Blue Line (Line 1) - Olaya/Batha Corridor:
Extends 38 km with 22 stations, connecting north and south Riyadh via Olaya Street and Batha Street to Al-Hair. Key stations include King Abdullah Financial Center, Olaya, and Qasr Al-Hokm.
Red Line (Line 2) - King Abdullah Road:
Extends 25.3 km with 13 stations, running east-west along King Abdullah Road between King Saud University and the Eastern Sub-Center.
Orange Line (Line 3) - Madinah Road:
The longest line at 40.7 km with 19 stations, starting from near Jeddah Highway in the west to Khashm Al-An in the east. Connects the airport to the city.
Yellow Line (Line 4) - King Khalid Airport Road:
Extends 29.6 km with 9 stations, directly connecting King Khalid International Airport to King Abdullah Financial Center.
Green Line (Line 5) - King Abdulaziz Road:
Extends 12 km with 12 stations along King Abdulaziz Road corridor.
Purple Line (Line 6) - Abdulrahman bin Auf Road:
Extends 29 km with 8 stations along Abdulrahman bin Auf Road and Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein Road.
Major Stations
Riyadh Metro features 4 major interchange stations at line intersections:
1. King Abdullah Financial Center (KAFD) Station:
The largest and most distinctive, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Connects three lines with integrated services and parking facilities.
2. Qasr Al-Hokm Station:
Located at Batha and Madinah Road intersection, connecting Blue and Orange lines. Features Islamic architectural design.
3. Olaya Station:
Major interchange point in the heart of the commercial district.
4. Diplomatic Quarter Station:
Connects Blue and Green lines, near the National Museum and King Abdullah Park.
Ticket Prices
Standard Class Tickets:
• 2-hour ticket: 4 SAR
• 3-day ticket: 20 SAR
• Weekly ticket (7 days): 40 SAR
• Monthly ticket (30 days): 140 SAR
First Class Tickets:
• 2-hour ticket: 10 SAR
• Monthly ticket: 350 SAR
Free: Children under 6 years travel free.
How to Book Tickets
You can book Riyadh Metro tickets through several methods:
1. Darb App:
The official public transport app for Riyadh, available on iOS and Android. Enables ticket booking, train tracking, and peak time information.
2. Mada/Bank Cards:
Pay directly at gates using your bank card.
3. Vending Machines:
Available at all stations for instant ticket purchase.
4. Riyadh Bus App:
Issues digital tickets for both metro and buses.
Operating Hours
Regular Hours (after September 2025 update):
• Saturday - Thursday: 5:30 AM to 12:00 Midnight
• Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight
Ramadan Hours:
• Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM
• Friday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Peak Hours:
• Morning: 7:00 - 9:00 AM
• Evening: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Key Features
• Driverless: World's longest autonomous metro network
• Eco-friendly: 20% of energy from solar panels
• High speed: Up to 80 km/h
• Traffic reduction: Eliminates 2 million daily car trips
• Comprehensive coverage: Serves residential, commercial, and government areas
Tips for Using the Metro
• Download the Darb app to track trains and arrival times
• Avoid peak hours when possible for a comfortable journey
• Purchase tickets in advance to skip queues
• Use interchange stations to transfer between different lines
• For airport access, use the Yellow or Orange lines
For assistance: Contact the unified support center at 19933
Riyadh Metro represents a quantum leap in the Kingdom's public transport system, embodying Vision 2030's commitment to infrastructure development and improving quality of life in the capital.
