Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Travel Tips

Oct 25, 2026•4 min read

Getting around the capital has never been easier thanks to the Riyadh Metro, a modern driverless network that stitches together the city's neighborhoods, business hubs and the airport. With 6 lines covering 176 km and 83 stations, it offers a fast, air-conditioned alternative to sitting in traffic. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the lines, fares, operating hours and the practical details you need to travel with confidence.

The 6 lines at a glance

The network is color-coded, making it easy to navigate once you learn the main corridors. Each line serves a different slice of the city:

Blue Line 1: Olaya–Bathaa, running through the heart of central Riyadh.
Red Line 2: King Abdullah Road corridor.
Orange Line 3: Jeddah Road–Khashm Al An; this line became fully operational with all 22 stations open on 15 May 2026.
Yellow Line 4: the King Khalid International Airport corridor.
Green Line 5: King Abdulaziz Road.
Purple Line 6: Abdurrahman bin Auf Road–Sheikh Hassan bin Hussein Road.

Together these lines connect King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, major residential and commercial districts, and the central areas of the city. A separate Line 7 — proposed to link Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park, Misk City and Qiddiya — is not part of the current operating network.

Fares and passes

The metro uses time-based tickets. A valid time-based ticket allows unlimited metro and bus journeys during its validity period, including transfers between metro lines — so a single pass covers your whole trip, not just one ride.

Regular class:

2 hours: SAR 4
3 days: SAR 20
7 days: SAR 40
30 days: SAR 140
Annual: SAR 1,260
Student semester pass (4 months): SAR 260

First class:

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

The annual and four-month student passes took effect on 1 January 2026. If you commute daily, the 30-day or annual pass quickly pays for itself compared with buying short tickets.

How to buy and use tickets

Tickets and passes are issued through the darb card system. The easiest way to plan routes and purchase tickets is the official Darub application. A few simple habits will keep your journey smooth:

Buy or activate your ticket before entering the paid area.
Keep your ticket or darb card with you — it may be checked during inspection.
Choose the right pass length for how often you travel to get the best value.

Operating hours

Plan your trips around the published hours:

Saturday–Thursday: 05:30–00:00
Friday: 10:00–00:00

Trains run frequently, so you rarely wait long. During peak times, trains arrive roughly every 3–5 minutes, while off-peak intervals are about 5–10 minutes.

Practical tips for a smooth ride

Check the Darub application before you leave for station access, route changes, service interruptions and current departure information.
Learn your interchange stations so you can switch lines efficiently with a single valid pass.
Traveling to or from King Khalid International Airport? The Yellow Line 4 corridor links you directly to the airport — a reliable option that avoids traffic.
If you're heading to meetings in the financial district, the network's connection to King Abdullah Financial District makes it a convenient commuter route.
Students should take advantage of the four-month semester pass for significant savings over the academic term.

Is the metro right for you?

For most residents and newcomers, the Riyadh Metro is a cost-effective, comfortable way to move across the city without worrying about parking or congestion. With clear color-coded lines, affordable passes and frequent service, it has quickly become a cornerstone of daily life in the capital. Download the Darub application, pick the pass that fits your routine, and you'll be navigating Riyadh like a local in no time.

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