Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how residents move around the capital, offering a fast, air-conditioned and driverless way to cross the city without traffic. With six lines and 83 stations, plus integration with the Riyadh Bus network, it connects business districts, residential neighbourhoods, universities and major landmarks. This guide from Saudi Living walks you through the lines, the fare system, operating hours and the practical steps to buy and use your ticket.

The Six Lines and 83 Stations

The network is made up of six colour-coded, fully driverless lines that criss-cross Riyadh:

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

Together they serve 83 stations across the city. Because the lines intersect at several interchange stations, you can travel to most parts of Riyadh by switching between lines — and transfers between metro lines are free as long as your ticket is still valid. Simply follow the station signage to reach the line or transfer point you need.

How Fares Work

Fares are flat and time-based, which makes budgeting simple: the price does not change based on how far you travel or how many times you switch lines. You pay for a period of validity, and during that period your ticket also covers Riyadh Bus journeys.

Regular class:

• SAR 4 for 2 hours
• SAR 20 for 3 days
• SAR 40 for 7 days
• SAR 140 for 30 days
• SAR 1,260 annually

First class:

• SAR 10 for 2 hours
• SAR 50 for 3 days
• SAR 100 for 7 days
• SAR 350 for 30 days
• SAR 3,150 annually

Students have a dedicated option: SAR 260 for 120 days, available in regular class only. Annual passes and the four-month student pass were introduced for 2026 and became available from 1 January 2026.

Operating Hours

Plan your trips around the following schedule:

• Saturday to Thursday: 05:30 to 00:00
• Friday: 10:00 to 00:00

The later start on Fridays is worth remembering if you rely on the metro for early morning plans on the weekend.

How to Buy and Use Your Ticket

Getting on board is straightforward once you know the steps:

• Buy a ticket through the darb application or a station ticket-vending machine, or use a Darb card bought at a station.
• Select your required duration (from 2 hours up to annual) and your class (regular or first).
• Activate or validate the ticket before you enter.
• Tap or scan at the station gates.
• Keep your ticket or Darb card with you for inspections during your journey.
• Follow the station signs to your line and any transfer stations.

Payment is handled through the darb application and station ticket-vending machines, so it helps to set up the app in advance if you want to skip queues at the machines.

Children and Discounts

Children aged six and under are reported to travel free. As with any discount, it is best to confirm the exact eligibility rules before you buy, so check the current terms in the darb application or at the station before completing your purchase.

Practical Tips for Riders

• If you commute daily, a 30-day or annual pass usually works out cheaper than buying single trips.
• Since fares are time-based, plan several errands within a single 2-hour window to get the most value from a short ticket.
• Remember that one ticket also covers Riyadh Bus, so combine metro and bus for the last stretch of your journey.
• Download the darb application before your first ride to avoid queues at vending machines.
• Always keep your ticket or card until you exit, as inspections can happen at any point.
• For the latest fare details, class options and eligibility rules, always confirm through the official darb application before travelling.

With clear pricing, wide coverage and simple ticketing, the Riyadh Metro is one of the easiest ways to get around the capital — whether you are commuting to work, heading to a mall or exploring the city.

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