Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares and Smart Tips

Oct 27, 2026•4 min read

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how people move across the Saudi capital, offering a fast, air-conditioned and affordable alternative to sitting in traffic. With 6 lines covering roughly 176 km and around 84 stations, the network links major districts, business hubs, universities and even the airport. Whether you are a new resident or have lived in الرياض for years, this guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through the lines, fares, payment options and the practical tips that make every trip smoother.

The 6 Lines at a Glance

Each line is colour-coded, which makes navigation simple once you know your corridor:

Blue Line (Line 1): Runs along the Al-Olaya, Al-Batha and Al-Hayer corridor — the main north–south spine of the city.
Red Line (Line 2): Follows King Abdullah Road, connecting key points across the east–west axis.
Orange Line (Line 3): Stretches from Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road to Prince Saad Bin Abdurrahman I Road.
Yellow Line (Line 4): Serves King Khalid International Airport Road and connects directly to the airport.
Green Line (Line 5): Covers King Abdulaziz Road.
Purple Line (Line 6): Links Abdurrahman Bin Awf Road to Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Bin Ali Road.

Transfers between lines are free as long as your ticket is still valid, so you can plan journeys that cross several corridors without paying again.

Fares and Passes

The Riyadh Metro uses a simple time-based fare system. A single ticket covers unlimited metro and bus travel during its validity window.

Regular fare: SAR 4 for 2 hours.
First-class fare: SAR 10 for 2 hours.
Regular passes: SAR 20 (3 days), SAR 40 (7 days), SAR 140 (30 days), and SAR 1,260 annually.
First-class passes: SAR 50 (3 days), SAR 100 (7 days), SAR 350 (30 days), and SAR 3,150 annually.
Student semester ticket: SAR 260, valid for four months from activation, available in Regular class.

If you ride most days, a 30-day or annual pass quickly pays for itself compared to buying single tickets. Always confirm the latest prices and eligibility through the official channels before committing to a long-term pass.

Discounts and Free Travel

Children up to 6 years old travel free.
Eligible groups, including seniors and students, may receive a 50% discount.

If you think you qualify for a discount, check the eligibility details and the documents required when you set up your card or buy a pass.

How to Pay: The Darb Card and App

Paying is flexible. You can use the Darb card, the Darb app, station vending machines, station ticket offices, bank cards, and mobile contactless payments.

The Darb app is especially handy, letting you:

Plan routes across metro and bus lines.
Buy tickets and passes directly from your phone.
Review your transaction history.
Track buses in real time.
Find nearby parking.

Downloading the app before your first trip is the easiest way to get oriented.

Operating Hours and Frequency

The metro runs from 05:30 to 00:00 Saturday through Thursday, and from 10:00 to 00:00 on Friday. Trains generally arrive every 3–5 minutes during peak periods and every 5–10 minutes off-peak, so you rarely wait long. For airport journeys on the Yellow Line, allow extra time to be safe, especially during busy travel hours.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Ride

Keep your ticket for transfers: When changing lines, keep the same valid ticket and do not exit through the gates — transfers inside the station are free.
Mind the validity clock: The 2-hour fare starts when you first use it, so plan connections accordingly.
Consider first class for peak times: If you value a quieter, less crowded ride during rush hour, the first-class fare may be worth it.
Use the app to avoid queues: Buying tickets in the app saves you time at vending machines.
Allow buffer time for the airport: The Yellow Line connects to King Khalid International Airport, but build in extra minutes so you are never rushing for a flight.

With clear colour-coded lines, low fares and reliable frequencies, the Riyadh Metro is one of the simplest ways to get around the capital. Download the Darb app, pick the pass that matches how often you travel, and confirm current fares and rules through the official channels before you ride.

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