Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Rider Tips

The Riyadh Metro has quickly become one of the easiest and most affordable ways to move around the Saudi capital. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to a mall, or simply exploring the city without the stress of traffic and parking, the network connects major districts across the city with clean, air-conditioned trains. In this سعودي ليفنج guide, we break down the lines, the ticket options for both standard and first class, how long each ticket lasts, and a few practical tips to help you ride like a local.

The 6 lines at a glance

The network is built around six color-coded lines, making it simple to navigate once you learn the colors:

• Line 1 (Blue)
• Line 2 (Red)
• Line 3 (Orange)
• Line 4 (Yellow)
• Line 5 (Green)
• Line 6 (Purple) — running roughly between مركز الملك عبدالله المالي and An Naseem.

Interchange stations let you switch between lines, so a single trip can combine two or more colors to reach your destination.

Standard class vs. first class

Most trains offer two travel classes so you can choose what suits your budget and comfort level:

• Standard class — the everyday option, great value for regular commuting.
• First class — more spacious and comfortable coaches at a higher fare.

Just make sure your ticket matches the class you intend to travel in, and board the correct coach on the platform.

Standard class fares (2026)

Standard class is the most economical way to ride and covers the full network:

• 2-hour ticket: 4 SAR
• 3-day ticket: 20 SAR
• 7-day ticket: 40 SAR
• 30-day ticket: 140 SAR
• Annual ticket: 1,260 SAR
• Student ticket (semester / 120 days): 260 SAR, standard class only

First class fares (2026)

If you prefer extra comfort, first class carries a premium:

• 2-hour ticket: 10 SAR
• 3-day ticket: 50 SAR
• 7-day ticket: 100 SAR
• 30-day ticket: 350 SAR
• Annual ticket: 3,150 SAR

How long tickets stay valid

Knowing the validity of each ticket helps you pick the right one and avoid paying more than you need:

• 2-hour ticket: valid for 2 hours from activation, with transfers allowed across the network.
• 3-day ticket: valid for 72 hours from first use.
• 7-day ticket: valid for 7 consecutive days from first use.
• 30-day ticket: valid for 30 consecutive days from activation.

The 2-hour ticket is ideal for one-off trips, while the multi-day and monthly passes make far more sense for frequent riders.

Practical tips for riders

• Match your pass to your habits. A daily commuter usually saves the most with a 30-day or annual pass, while visitors do better with a 2-hour or 3-day ticket.
• Learn the colors, not just the names. Signs and maps rely heavily on the six line colors, so recognizing them speeds up transfers.
• Board the right class. First class coaches are separate, so check the platform markings before boarding.
• Travel light and off-peak. Mornings and evenings are busier; midday and late-evening trips are usually more relaxed.
• Keep your ticket handy. You may need it for gates and any inspection during your journey.

Fares, station details, and service updates can change, so always confirm current prices and timings through the official Riyadh transit channels before you travel. With a little planning, the Metro turns getting around الرياض into one of the smoothest parts of your day.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving