Riyadh Metro Guide: Lines, Fares & Travel Tips

Oct 30, 2026•4 min read

The Riyadh Metro has transformed how people move around the Saudi capital, offering a fast, affordable and air-conditioned alternative to driving through traffic. With six colour-coded lines and 83 stations connecting business districts, universities, shopping areas and the airport, it is now one of the easiest ways to get around the city. In this Saudi Living guide, we break down the lines, fares, passes, operating hours and the practical tips you need to ride with confidence.

The six lines at a glance

The network is organised into six lines, each with its own colour. Knowing which line serves your destination makes planning much simpler:

Line 1 (Blue): SAB Bank to Ad Dar Al Baida, running along the city's main north–south corridor.
Line 2 (Red): King Saud University to King Fahad Sport City, crossing the city east to west.
Line 3 (Orange): Jeddah Road to Khashm Al An.
Line 4 (Yellow): KAFD to King Khalid International Airport Terminals 1–2.
Line 5 (Green): Ministry of Education to the National Museum.
Line 6 (Purple): KAFD to An Naseem.

Operating hours

The metro runs on a regular daily schedule that leaves plenty of time for commuting, shopping and evenings out:

Saturday to Thursday: 05:30 to midnight (00:00).
Friday: 10:00 to midnight (00:00), with a later start to match the weekend rhythm.

Plan your return trip before the last services so you are not caught out close to closing time.

Fares and how the two-hour ticket works

The fare system is simple and affordable. A single ticket is valid for two hours and covers unlimited travel during that window:

Regular fare: SAR 4 for two hours.
First-class fare: SAR 10 for two hours.

The real value is in how the two-hour validity works: during that period you can take unlimited metro and bus trips, including changing between lines, without paying again. The flat fare covers both metro and buses, so transfers within the ticket's validity do not require a new fare — ideal if your journey combines a train ride with a short bus connection.

Passes for regular riders

If you use the metro often, a pass is far more economical than buying single tickets. Regular-class passes are priced as follows:

3 days: SAR 20
7 days: SAR 40
30 days: SAR 140
Annual: SAR 1,260

First-class passes, which offer a more comfortable travel experience, cost:

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

There is also a dedicated student pass priced at SAR 260, valid for four months from the date of activation. The student pass is for regular class only. Note that the annual and student passes took effect on 1 January 2026.

Buying tickets with the Darb app

Tickets and passes are issued through the official Darb application. You can use Darb to plan your journey, buy single tickets, and purchase passes, all from your phone. At the station gates, keep your active digital ticket or your Darb card ready so you can tap through quickly. For the latest pricing and any updates to routes or schedules, always confirm through the official Darb system.

Practical tips for a smooth ride

Heading to the airport? Take the Yellow Line (Line 4) for direct service to King Khalid International Airport Terminals 1–2 — a reliable, traffic-free way to catch a flight.
Make the most of two hours: If you have errands close together, plan them within the two-hour window so one fare covers multiple stops.
Combine metro and bus: Since the flat fare works across both, use buses to reach destinations between stations without extra cost.
Keep Darb updated: Have the app installed and your ticket loaded before you reach the gate to avoid queues.
Match the pass to your routine: Daily commuters usually save most with the 30-day or annual passes, while visitors may prefer the 3-day option.

With a clear understanding of the lines, fares and the Darb app, the Riyadh Metro becomes one of the most convenient ways to experience the city — whether you are commuting to work, exploring landmarks, or simply avoiding the hassle of parking.

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