Riyadh Metro Guide 2026: Lines, Fares & Tips

The Riyadh Metro has quickly become one of the easiest and most affordable ways to move around the Saudi capital. Whether you are commuting to work, heading to a mall, or exploring the city on a weekend, understanding the network's lines, fares and ticketing options makes every trip smoother. In this guide from سعودي ليفنج, we break down the six lines, the 2026 fare structure, and practical tips to help you ride with confidence.

The six lines at a glance

The Riyadh Metro is a six-line network, and each line is identified by a distinct color, making it easy to follow maps and signage inside stations and on trains. The lines are:

• Blue Line
• Red Line
• Orange Line
• Yellow Line
• Green Line
• Purple Line

The color coding is consistent across station maps, platform signs and the trains themselves, so once you learn which color goes where, transferring between lines becomes second nature.

Fares in 2026

Fares are structured around how often you travel, with both standard class and first class options. Here is the full breakdown for 2026:

• 2-hour ticket: SAR 4 standard, SAR 10 first class
• 3-day ticket: SAR 20 standard, SAR 50 first class
• 7-day ticket: SAR 40 standard, SAR 100 first class
• 30-day ticket: SAR 140 standard, SAR 350 first class
• Annual ticket: SAR 1,260 standard, SAR 3,150 first class
• Student ticket: SAR 260 (standard class only), valid for 120 days

The annual pass and the student pass both started on 1 January 2026, giving frequent riders and students more cost-effective long-term choices.

What your ticket covers

One of the biggest advantages of the system is that a single fare covers more than just the metro. Your ticket works across both the Riyadh Metro and the darb buses that form part of the wider public transport network. That means you can combine a train journey with a bus connection to reach areas the metro doesn't serve directly, all on the same pass.

How to buy and ride

There are two main ways to get your ticket and start traveling:

• The darb app: the simplest option, letting you buy and manage tickets from your phone.
• Ticket vending machines: available at stations, where you load a Darb Card to pay for your rides.

If you plan to ride regularly, getting a Darb Card and keeping it topped up saves time at the gates. Occasional riders may find the app more convenient for quick single trips.

Which ticket should you choose?

Picking the right ticket comes down to how often you travel:

• The 2-hour ticket is the basic short-trip option, ideal for a one-off journey or a quick errand.
• The 3-day and 7-day tickets suit visitors or anyone with a busy stretch of travel.
• The 30-day and annual passes are priced for repeated travel and are the smartest value for daily commuters.
• The student ticket offers an economical 120-day option for eligible students.

As a rule of thumb, if you'll ride most days of the week, a longer pass almost always works out cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Practical tips for a smooth ride

• Learn your line colors before you travel, and note where you'll need to transfer.
• Keep your Darb Card or the darb app ready before reaching the gates to avoid delays.
• First class costs more but offers a quieter, less crowded experience during peak hours.
• Remember that your fare covers darb buses too, so plan combined trips to reach your final destination.
• Always confirm the latest fares and validity details on the official public transport channels before purchasing.

With affordable fares, wide coverage and easy digital ticketing, the Riyadh Metro makes getting around the capital genuinely simple. Choose the pass that matches your travel habits, keep your card or app handy, and enjoy the ride.

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