Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Smart Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how people move around the capital, offering a fast, driverless, air-conditioned alternative to sitting in traffic. Spanning roughly 176 km across six lines, it connects business districts, universities, malls and residential areas — and it links directly with the city's bus network. In this guide, Saudi Living walks you through the lines, the 2026 fares, the different passes, and the practical tips that make daily commuting simple.

How the fare system works

The Riyadh Metro uses a simple time-based flat fare — you don't pay by distance. Whether you travel one station or the length of a line, the price is the same, and the same ticket also covers rides on the integrated city buses within its validity period. That means one pass can carry you across metro and bus journeys without buying separate tickets.

Prices have stayed unchanged since launch and remain valid in 2026, which makes budgeting easy for regular commuters.

Regular-class tickets and passes (2026)

Standard (regular) class is the everyday choice for most riders. Current prices are:

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

If you ride most days, the 30-day or annual pass usually pays for itself quickly compared with buying individual tickets.

First-class tickets and passes (2026)

First class offers a more spacious, premium carriage. Current prices are:

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

Note that the student semester pass is available in standard class only.

Validity: know before you activate

Understanding how long each pass lasts helps you avoid wasting money:

• 2-hour pass: valid for 2 hours from activation, including transfers.
• 3-day pass: valid 72 hours from first use, with unlimited rides.
• 7-day pass: valid 7 consecutive days from first use.
• 30-day pass: valid 30 consecutive days from activation.
• Annual pass: valid 12 months from activation.
• Student semester pass: valid 120 days (one academic term) from activation.

The new annual and student passes took effect from 1 January 2026, while regular ticket prices did not change. Children under 6 years travel free and don't need a ticket.

How to buy and pay

You have several convenient options for getting tickets:

• Darb app (Android and iOS) for digital tickets and passes — the easiest option for daily riders.
• Darb Card, a reloadable smart card available from station ticket vending machines.
• Station ticket machines and staffed counters at major stations.

Using the Darb app lets you top up and reactivate passes without queuing, which is a real time-saver during rush hour.

The lines at a glance

The network is fully driverless and made up of six colour-coded lines that crisscross Riyadh:

• Line 1 (Blue): running between SAB Bank and Ad Dar Al Baida, forming a key north–south spine through the city.
• Additional lines — including Red, Green and others — connect major districts, universities, financial areas and commercial hubs, with interchange stations letting you switch lines on a single pass.

Because transfers are included within your ticket's validity window, you can combine lines and buses on one journey.

Smart tips for a smoother ride

• Match the pass to your habits: occasional riders save with 2-hour or 3-day tickets, while daily commuters benefit from monthly or annual passes.
• Activate a pass only when you're ready to travel, since validity counts from first use.
• Keep the Darb app installed for quick reactivation and to check line status.
• Travel light during peak hours and use first class if you prefer more room.
• Always confirm the latest fares, timings and line details on the relevant official Riyadh transport channels before you plan a trip.

With flat fares, integrated buses and easy digital payment, the Riyadh Metro is one of the simplest ways to get around the capital — whether you're a longtime resident or newly arrived.

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