Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Smart Tips

Oct 22, 2026•3 min read

The Riyadh Metro has reshaped how people move around the capital, offering a clean, air-conditioned and affordable alternative to sitting in traffic. With six colour-coded lines connecting business districts, universities, the airport and key landmarks, it is now one of the easiest ways to get across the city. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the lines, fares, operating hours and a few practical tips to make your journey smooth.

The Six Lines Explained

The network is built around six lines, each with its own colour. Knowing which line serves your destination makes planning simple:

Line 1 (Blue): SAB Bank to Ad Dar Al Baida, running along the central north–south spine of the city.
Line 2 (Red): King Saud University to King Fahad Sport City, an east–west route.
Line 3 (Orange): Jeddah Road to Khashm Al An, the longest cross-city corridor.
Line 4 (Yellow): KAFD to King Khalid International Airport terminals 1–2 — the go-to line for travellers.
Line 5 (Green): Ministry of Education to the National Museum.
Line 6 (Purple): KAFD to An Naseem.

You can switch between lines at interchange stations as often as you need within the validity of your ticket, which keeps multi-stop trips simple and cost-effective.

Operating Hours

The metro runs on the following schedule:

Saturday to Thursday: 05:30 until midnight (00:00).
Friday: 10:00 until midnight (00:00).

Note the later start on Fridays — if you have an early appointment that day, plan an alternative or allow extra time, as service does not begin until 10:00.

Fares: Standard Class

Tickets are time-based, meaning you enjoy unlimited metro and bus journeys — including line changes — for the whole validity period. Standard fares are:

2 hours: SAR 4
3 days: SAR 20
7 days: SAR 40
30 days: SAR 140
Annual: SAR 1,260
Student semester ticket: SAR 260, valid for four months from activation

Fares: First Class

First class offers a more spacious, premium cabin experience for a higher price:

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

If you are a daily commuter, the monthly or annual passes offer clear savings over buying short-term tickets repeatedly. For occasional riders, the 2-hour or 3-day options are more sensible.

Buying and Activating Tickets

You can purchase and activate tickets through the official darb public-transport app or at ticket machines inside metro stations. The app is also your best tool for planning routes and checking service information before you travel. Download it ahead of your first trip so you can top up and plan on the go.

Train Frequency and Timing Tips

Trains are frequent, so you rarely wait long:

Peak periods: every 3–5 minutes.
Off-peak: every 5–10 minutes.

Station-by-station timetables are not published, so rely on the live departure screens on the platforms and the darb app for real-time information. A few extra tips to ride smarter:

For the airport, take Line 4 (Yellow) and allow plenty of buffer time before your flight.
Keep your ticket or app ready at the gates to avoid holding up the queue.
Travel outside rush hours if you prefer a quieter, less crowded ride.
Always confirm current fares and any updates on the official public-transport channels, as pricing and schedules can change.

With a little planning, the Riyadh Metro is a fast, comfortable and budget-friendly way to explore and commute across the capital.

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: