Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares and Travel Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how people move around the Saudi capital, offering a fast, air-conditioned and affordable alternative to sitting in traffic. With six colour-coded lines stretching across roughly 176 km of track and about 83 stations, the network connects major districts, business hubs and even the airport. Whether you're a longtime resident or newly arrived, this guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through the lines, fares, hours and the practical tips you'll want before your first ride.

The six lines at a glance

The network is built around six lines, each identified by a colour so you can navigate quickly even without reading every station name:

• Line 1 (Blue Line): The Olaya–Al Batha corridor, running through the heart of the city.
• Line 2 (Red Line): Follows King Abdullah Road across the city east to west.
• Line 3 (Orange Line): Runs along Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Road and Prince Saad bin Abdulrahman Al Awal Road.
• Line 4 (Yellow Line): The airport route, serving مطار الملك خالد الدولي.
• Line 5 (Green Line): Follows King Abdulaziz Road.
• Line 6 (Purple Line): Connects Abdulrahman bin Auf Road and Sheikh Hassan bin Hussain bin Ali Road.

Check your route and interchange stations before you set off, and remember that the airport is served by the Yellow Line.

Operating hours

The metro runs on a consistent schedule, with a later start on Fridays:

• Saturday to Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. to midnight.

Timetables and service status can change, so it's worth verifying current operating hours through the official Riyadh public transport channels before travel.

Fares and tickets

One of the best things about the metro is its flat-fare system: prices do not change with distance, so a short hop costs the same as crossing the city. Fares are split into Regular Class and First Class:

• 2-hour ticket: SAR 4 Regular, SAR 10 First Class.
• 3-day pass: SAR 20 Regular, SAR 50 First Class.
• 7-day pass: SAR 40 Regular, SAR 100 First Class.
• 30-day pass: SAR 140 Regular, SAR 350 First Class.
• Annual pass: SAR 1,260 Regular, SAR 3,150 First Class.
• Student semester ticket: SAR 260, valid for four months from activation, Regular Class only.

The SAR 4 regular ticket is valid for two hours and allows unlimited metro and bus journeys during that window — excellent value if you have errands to run across town.

The Darb card and how to pay

All passes are issued on the Darb card, which you can buy or top up at the ticket vending machines inside stations. A physical Darb card may require a SAR 10 deposit. Use the station machines to buy tickets, load passes, top up your balance and select your travel class. Keep your card or ticket handy — you'll need it at both the entry and exit gates.

Classes and transfers

Transfers between metro lines are free during your ticket's validity, so you can switch lines at interchange stations without paying again. Just mind the class rules:

• First Class requires a First-class fare and offers a more premium carriage.
• A regular ticket does not permit travel in the First-class area.

If you accidentally board the wrong class, move to the correct carriage to avoid issues at the gates.

Practical tips for a smooth ride

• Plan your route and note interchange stations in advance, especially for airport trips on the Yellow Line.
• If you ride often, a monthly or annual pass usually works out cheaper than buying single tickets.
• Keep your Darb card loaded so you're not caught short at a machine during busy periods.
• Travel outside peak commuting hours for a more comfortable ride.
• Always confirm current hours, fares and service status through the official Riyadh public transport channels before setting out.

With a flat fare starting at just SAR 4 and a network reaching across the capital, the Riyadh Metro is one of the easiest and most economical ways to get around — and a genuine upgrade to daily life in the city.

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