Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Rider Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed the way people move around the Saudi capital, offering a fast, air-conditioned and affordable alternative to sitting in traffic. Whether you are a new resident finding your feet or a long-time commuter, this Saudi Living guide walks you through the network layout, the full fare structure, how to buy and activate your ticket, and a few practical tips to make every journey smoother.

The network: six lines at a glance

The system is built around six colour-coded lines that connect the city's major districts, business hubs and residential areas:

• Blue Line (1)
• Red Line (2)
• Orange Line (3)
• Yellow Line (4)
• Green Line (5)
• Purple Line (6)

Together, these lines serve 83 stations across roughly 176 km of track, making it one of the most extensive driverless metro networks in the region. Interchange stations let you switch lines without leaving the paid area, so a single valid ticket can take you across the city.

Fares: simple, flat and distance-free

One of the best things about the Riyadh Metro is that fares are flat — they do not change based on how far you travel. A valid ticket covers unlimited metro and bus journeys, including line changes, for its whole active period.

Regular class:

• 2 hours — SAR 4
• 3 days — SAR 20
• 7 days — SAR 40
• 30 days — SAR 140
• Annual — SAR 1,260

First class:

• 2 hours — SAR 10
• 3 days — SAR 50
• 7 days — SAR 100
• 30 days — SAR 350
• Annual — SAR 3,150

Students: A dedicated 120-day ticket is available for SAR 260, though first class is not offered on this option.

Discounts and free travel

The metro is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly:

• Children under 6 travel free.
• Eligible seniors, students, cancer patients and families of martyrs may qualify for a 50% discount.

Discount eligibility is verified through the official system, so make sure your details are up to date when you apply.

How to buy and activate your ticket

Tickets are managed digitally through the official darb app. You can also get a contactless darb card, which stays valid for 5 years from the date of purchase — handy if you prefer a physical card or share the metro with family members.

To ride using a digital QR ticket, follow these steps:

• Download the darb app.
• Select the ticket type and class you need.
• Complete payment.
• Activate the ticket.
• Show the QR code at the gate to enter.
• Keep the QR code handy for inspection and for transfers.

A note on validity: time-based tickets start counting from the moment you activate them or first check in. If a pass's validity runs past the end of the operating day, it will expire when service closes that day — so plan longer passes with that in mind.

Operating hours

Trains run on the following schedule:

• Saturday to Thursday: 05:30 to 00:00
• Friday: 10:00 to 00:00

Because Friday mornings have a later start, it is worth checking your timing if you rely on the metro for early weekend plans.

What's new in 2026

From 1 January 2026, both annual passes and the 120-day student ticket became available — a welcome option for regular commuters and students looking to save over the long term compared with shorter passes.

Practical tips for a smooth ride

• Buy your ticket in advance through the app to avoid queues at the gate.
• Keep your QR code or card easily accessible for gates, inspections and line transfers.
• If you commute daily, compare the 30-day and annual passes to find the best value.
• Use interchange stations to switch lines within the paid area on the same ticket.
• For any issue, reach customer service through the darb app or by calling Riyadh public transport support on 19933.

With flat fares, wide coverage and an easy digital ticketing system, the Riyadh Metro is one of the simplest ways to get around the capital. Once you have the darb app set up and know your line colours, the rest is smooth riding.

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