Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Rider Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how residents move around the capital: a modern, driverless network that connects major districts quickly and affordably. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to a mall, or exploring the city on a weekend, understanding the lines, fares and a few insider tips will make every trip smoother. This is Saudi Living's practical guide to riding the Riyadh Metro with confidence.

The network at a glance

The system is made up of six color-coded, driverless lines covering roughly 176 km of track across central Riyadh and its main districts. Large hub stations act as interchanges, so you can switch between lines to reach almost any major destination in the city. Because the trains are automated, service is frequent and consistent throughout operating hours.

Tickets and passes

All passes are unified across both the Metro and the Riyadh Bus, so a single ticket covers both modes within its validity window. Each option comes in Regular and First Class:

• 2-hour pass: SAR 4 (Regular) / SAR 10 (First Class)
• 3-day pass: SAR 20 / SAR 50
• 7-day pass: SAR 40 / SAR 100
• 30-day pass: SAR 140 / SAR 350

For frequent riders, long-term options were introduced for 2026:

• Annual pass: SAR 1,260 (Regular) / SAR 3,150 (First Class)
• Student semester pass: SAR 260 (Regular only), valid for about 4 months / one academic term

Discounts and free travel

The Metro offers several concessions to make travel more accessible:

• Children under 6 ride free — no ticket needed.
• Registered students, seniors aged 60+, and people with disabilities receive around 50% off, provided their status is registered on the official system or app.

To claim these discounts, make sure your eligibility is registered in advance so it's applied automatically at the gates.

The Darb card

The rechargeable Darb card is the easiest way to tap in and out at fare gates. Here's what to know:

• The physical card carries a one-time fee of SAR 10.
• The minimum first top-up is SAR 5, so you'll pay around SAR 15 to get started.
• You can recharge it via the official mobile app, at station ticket machines, or at service counters.

If you prefer to go paperless, digital versions of passes are available in the official app, and the plastic card is optional.

How validity works

One key rule to remember: time-based passes — the 2-hour, 3-day, 7-day, 30-day, annual and student passes — start counting from your first tap-in at the gates, not from the moment you buy them. So you can purchase in advance and activate only when you begin your journey.

• Within the validity window, you get unlimited transfers between Metro and Bus at no extra charge.
• Once a pass expires, you'll need to buy or activate a new one before passing through the gates.

Step-by-step: your first ride

1. Enter the station and head to a ticket machine, service desk, or open the official app.
2. Buy a new pass or top up your Darb card.
3. Tap your Darb card, QR code, or digital ticket at the fare gate.
4. Check the platform signs for the correct direction of travel.
5. Board the designated car — Regular or First Class — and enjoy the ride.

Handy tips for smooth trips

• For occasional trips, the 2-hour pass is great value; frequent commuters save most with the 30-day or annual pass.
• Keep a small balance on your Darb card so you're never held up at the gate.
• Plan transfers around the major hub stations to minimize walking between lines.
• Register any eligible discount before you travel so it applies automatically.

For the latest fares, line updates and to register concessions, always confirm details through the official Riyadh transport app before your trip.

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