Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Rider Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed daily commuting across the capital, offering a fast, air-conditioned and affordable way to move around a city long known for its traffic. Whether you are a new resident, a student, or a longtime local finally leaving the car at home, this Saudi Living guide walks you through the lines, ticket options, fares and practical tips to ride with confidence.

The network at a glance

The Riyadh Metro spans 6 lines covering roughly 176 km across the city, connecting major districts, business hubs, universities and shopping destinations. Most lines offer both Standard Class and First Class carriages, so you can choose between everyday value and a more spacious, premium ride.

• Trains are fully air-conditioned and designed for frequent, high-capacity travel.
• Interchange stations let you switch lines to reach destinations across the network.
• First Class carriages typically offer more space and a quieter environment for a higher fare.

Ticket types and how to pay

You have several ways to buy and carry your ticket, so pick whatever suits your routine:

• Paper/QR tickets — handy for occasional or one-off trips.
• Plastic cards — reusable and easy to top up.
• Digital passes — convenient for regular commuters who prefer their phone.

The main stored-value option is the Darb card, the season and pay-as-you-go card used across the Riyadh Metro and buses. You can buy it and top it up, then tap and travel without buying a new ticket each time.

Standard Class fares

Standard Class fares give you unlimited travel within each ticket's validity period, which makes multi-day passes excellent value if you ride often:

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

These prices have stayed the same since the metro launched, so budgeting your commute is straightforward.

First Class fares

If you prefer extra space and comfort, First Class also offers unlimited travel within the ticket's validity:

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

Annual and student passes

From 1 January 2026, annual passes were introduced for daily commuters who want the best long-term value:

• Standard annual pass: SAR 1,260
• First Class annual pass: SAR 3,150

There is also a student semester pass (Standard Class only) priced at SAR 260, valid for 120 days / one academic term from activation — ideal for university students commuting to campus. Both the annual and student passes are available in digital and plastic formats.

Who travels free, and how single trips are priced

Families will appreciate that children under 6 years travel free of charge. For statistical purposes, distance-based single-trip pricing ranges from SAR 2.00 for short trips (5 km or less) up to SAR 8.00 for longer journeys (over 25 km), with an average fare of around SAR 4.28 across all trips. For most riders, though, the fixed-validity tickets above are the simplest way to plan.

Practical tips for riding smart

• Match the pass to your habits: if you ride most days, a 30-day or annual pass usually beats buying single trips.
• Get a Darb card early: topping up in advance saves time and lets you tap straight through.
• Consider First Class at peak times if you value a calmer, less crowded carriage.
• Students should activate the semester pass at the start of term to get the full 120-day window.
• Traveling with young kids? Under-6s ride free, so you only pay for older family members.
• Confirm the latest details — fare types, coverage and pass options can be verified on the official Riyadh Metro and transport channels before you travel.

With flat, predictable fares and multiple ways to pay, the Riyadh Metro is one of the easiest and most economical ways to get around the capital. Pick the pass that fits your week, load up your Darb card, and enjoy the ride.

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