Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Tips

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how residents and visitors move around the capital, offering a fast, air-conditioned and affordable alternative to driving through traffic. With six lines covering the city, it links major districts, business hubs and transport points, and it works smoothly alongside the city's bus network. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the lines, fares, passes, payment options and practical tips so you can ride with confidence from day one.

The network at a glance

The system is made up of six color-coded lines that together cover an impressive stretch of the capital.

• Six lines: Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Purple.
• 85 stations spread across the city.
• 176 km of total track.

Each line serves different parts of Riyadh, and the color coding makes it easy to follow your route on station maps and in the app. Transfers between lines are free as long as you are travelling on a valid time-based ticket.

Fares: regular and first class

You can choose between regular class and the more spacious first class, with pricing available for short trips and longer periods.

Regular class:

• SAR 4 for a 2-hour ticket
• SAR 20 for 3 days
• SAR 40 for 7 days
• SAR 140 for 30 days

First class:

• SAR 10 for a 2-hour ticket
• SAR 50 for 3 days
• SAR 100 for 7 days
• SAR 350 for 30 days

The 2-hour ticket is especially handy: it starts from your first check-in and lets you use both the metro and buses throughout its validity period. Transfers during that window are covered.

Passes, children and discounts

For frequent riders, longer passes offer better value. For 2026, the published options include:

• Regular annual pass: SAR 1,260
• First class annual pass: SAR 3,150
• Student four-month pass: SAR 260

Families and eligible groups benefit too:

• Children aged 6 or younger travel free.
• A 50% discount is available for eligible seniors, students, cancer patients and families of martyrs.

Discount eligibility and required documents can change, so confirm the latest details through the official channels before you buy.

How to pay: the Darb card and app

There are several flexible ways to pay, so you can pick what suits you best:

• Darb card: a reusable card that costs SAR 10, not including the travel credit you load onto it. You can buy and top it up at ticket machines or sales offices.
• Darb app: buy digital tickets, plan your route and check network information from your phone.
• Contactless payment: tap a contactless bank card, a bank device or a payment-enabled smart device at the reader.

Whichever method you choose, use the same payment method for both entry and exit to avoid issues at the gates.

Operating hours

Plan your trips around the service schedule:

• Saturday to Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to midnight
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. to midnight

If you have an early start or a late night out, double-check the first and last services for your specific line before heading to the station.

Smart tips for a smooth ride

• Check the Darb route map before you set off to pick the best line and transfer points.
• Allow extra time for transfers between lines, especially at busy interchange stations.
• Keep the same payment method ready for both entry and exit.
• Avoid peak periods when you can for a more comfortable journey.
• Load enough credit onto your Darb card in advance so you are not held up at the machine.

With a little planning, the Riyadh Metro is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get around the capital. Download the Darb app, pick the ticket that matches your travel habits, and enjoy a comfortable ride across the city.

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