Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Tips

The Riyadh Metro has quickly become one of the easiest and most affordable ways to move around the Saudi capital. With a modern fleet, air-conditioned stations and clear signage in Arabic and English, it links major districts, business hubs and shopping areas without the stress of traffic or parking. In this Saudi Living guide, we break down the lines, the full fare structure, the passes worth considering, and practical tips to make your first ride smooth.

The Network at a Glance

The Riyadh Metro runs across 6 lines, forming a network that stretches roughly 176 km and serves 85 stations. The lines are colour-coded, so once you learn which colour connects your home to your workplace or favourite mall, planning a trip becomes very simple. Because the system is fully integrated with city buses under the Darb umbrella, a single ticket can carry you across both the metro and connecting bus routes.

Fares: What a Ride Costs

Fares are designed to be budget-friendly, with two travel classes: standard and first class. Here is the full breakdown:

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

The 2-hour ticket allows unlimited travel across the metro and Darb buses for the full two hours, making it ideal for short errands or a return trip. Longer passes cover unlimited travel for their named validity periods of 3 days, 7 days, 30 days, 120 days and one year.

What's New for 2026

Starting 1 January 2026, two new options were introduced: an annual pass and a dedicated student pass. The annual pass is a smart choice for daily commuters, while the student pass offers 120 days of standard-class travel at a reduced price. Importantly, the everyday fares — the 2-hour, 3-day, 7-day and 30-day options — remain unchanged from the original launch pricing, so regular riders keep the same familiar rates.

How to Buy Your Ticket

You have two easy ways to pay and ride:

• Darb app: Buy and store tickets digitally on your phone, top up, and scan to enter. This is the most convenient option for most riders.
• Darb cards and station vending machines: Pick up a reusable card or buy a ticket directly at the machines inside stations if you prefer not to use the app.

Choose the pass that matches your travel pattern: a 2-hour ticket for occasional trips, a 7-day or 30-day pass for regular commuting, or the annual pass if the metro is part of your daily routine.

Travelling with Children and Families

Children under 6 travel free, which makes the metro an easy and economical option for family outings to malls, parks and attractions. Older children pay the standard fare, so a family day out remains very affordable compared with driving and parking.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Download the Darb app before your first trip so your ticket is ready on your phone.
• Keep some balance loaded if you rely on the app or a Darb card to avoid queuing at machines.
• Note that first-class carriages cost more but offer a quieter, less crowded ride during peak hours.
• Plan around your 2-hour window — a single ticket comfortably covers a there-and-back trip if you stay within the time limit.
• Check the colour of your line and the direction of travel on station displays before boarding.
• For daily commuters, compare the 30-day and annual passes — the annual option usually offers the best value over a full year.

Whether you're a long-time resident or newly arrived, the Riyadh Metro is one of the simplest ways to explore the city, skip traffic and cut down on transport costs. With clear fares, flexible passes and full integration with Darb buses, it's worth making part of your weekly routine. Always confirm the latest fares and any updates through the official Darb channels before you travel.

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