Riyadh Metro: The Ultimate Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Groundbreaking Transportation Network

After much waiting, the Riyadh Metro has finally begun its operations, representing a significant change for the capital of Saudi Arabia. This 176-kilometer network, featuring 84 stations and six lines, is a key element of the urban mobility objectives of Vision 2030 and promises to change the way people in Riyadh and visitors travel around the city.

A Fresh Beginning for Commuters in Riyadh

The first three lines of the metro system officially opened in December 2024, with additional lines being introduced gradually. Now that it is fully functional, it connects important areas, government offices, commercial districts, and places of entertainment—helping to cut down on traffic and providing a quick, efficient, and environmentally friendly option compared to driving.

Overview of the Six

Metro Lines

• Blue Line (38 km) – From Olaya to Batha’a
• Red Line (25. 3 km) – Along King Abdullah Road
• Orange Line (40. 7 km) – From Al Madina Al Monawara to Prince Saad bin Abdul Rahman Road
• Yellow Line (29. 6 km) – Connecting to King Khaled International Airport Road
• Green Line (12. 9 km) – Running on King Abdulaziz Road
• Violet Line (30 km) – From Abdul Rahman bin Aouf to Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain Road

Ticket Choices & Pricing

Tickets can be obtained through the Darb app, offering various options:

Standard Class:

• SAR 4 (2-hour ticket)
• SAR 20 (3-day ticket)
• SAR 40 (7-day ticket)
• SAR 140 (30-day ticket)

First Class (VIP):

• SAR 10 (2-hour ticket)
• SAR 50 (3-day ticket)
• SAR 100 (7-day ticket)
• SAR 350 (30-day ticket)

Main Stations & Transfer Points

Four central stations enable easy transfers between metro lines and buses:

• Qasr Al Hokm Station (Connecting Blue & Orange Lines)
• King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Station (Connecting Blue, Yellow, Violet Lines)
• Western Station (Al Sweedi) (Orange Line & bus links)
• STC Station (Details yet to be announced)

Coordinated Metro & Bus System

Riyadh’s bus network is also seeing expansion in stages:

• Initial Phase: 340 buses covering 633 stops
• Full Launch (Future): 842 buses operating over 1,900 km with 2,864 stops

Train Features & Comfort Amenities

Trains are fully automated and driverless

Three types of carriages:

• Single (For men only)
• Family (For women and families)
• VIP (For premium seating)
• Provided by top global manufacturers: Siemens, Bombardier, and Alstom

Park-and-Ride Options

To promote metro usage, there are 21 dedicated parking areas (200-600 vehicles each) across the city for convenient transfers.

Predicted Results

• 1. 2 million people expected to ride the metro daily
• 500,000 anticipated daily users of the bus system once fully functioning
• Significant decrease in traffic congestion

Ready to Travel? Download the Darb app and discover Riyadh like never before!
Have you experienced the metro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! RiyadhMetro Vision2030.