The Riyadh Metro is now fully open. After the first three lines began carrying passengers on 1 December 2024, the remaining lines followed within weeks, and by early 2025 all six were running across the capital. In 2026 the network stretches roughly 176 kilometres over about 85 stations, making it one of the largest driverless metro systems in the world. For residents and visitors alike, it has turned a car-dependent city into one you can genuinely cross on rails. This guide covers the lines, fares, the Darb card, hours, key interchanges, and the practical tips that make journeys smoother.
The six lines and their colours
The network is built around six lines, each with its own colour and corridor. Together they form a grid that links the northern financial and university districts with downtown, the airport, and the eastern and southern suburbs.
- Line 1 – Blue: The backbone of the system, running north to south for about 38 km along Olaya and Batha through the commercial heart of the city, from SAB Bank in the north to Ad Dar Al-Baida in the south.
- Line 2 – Red: An east–west line of roughly 25 km along King Abdullah Road, connecting King Saud University in the west with King Fahd Sports City in the east.
- Line 3 – Orange: The longest line at about 41 km, crossing the city east to west from Jeddah Road to Khashm Al-An, serving densely populated western and eastern neighbourhoods.
- Line 4 – Yellow: The airport line, running about 30 km from the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) to the terminals of King Khalid International Airport.
- Line 5 – Green: A shorter central line of around 13 km along King Abdulaziz Road, linking the Ministry of Education area to the National Museum.
- Line 6 – Purple: A roughly 30 km half-ring from KAFD past Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University to An Naseem in the east.
Fares and ticket types
Fares are simple, flat, and among the cheapest of any major metro. Prices do not change by distance or time of day, so a short hop costs the same as crossing the city. Standard-class fares are:
- 2-hour pass: around SAR 4
- 3-day pass: around SAR 20
- 7-day pass: around SAR 40
- 30-day pass: around SAR 140
First-class fares run higher — for example, roughly SAR 10 for the 2-hour pass — in exchange for a premium carriage. Children under six ride free with a fare-paying adult, and a 50% discount applies to students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, and people with disabilities. Because fares are unlimited-ride within their window, a multi-day or monthly pass is the obvious choice for regular commuters. Always confirm current pricing in the Darb app before you travel, as figures can be updated.
The Darb card and app
Payment runs through Darb, the official Riyadh public-transport brand. The reloadable Darb card costs about SAR 10, is valid for several years, and works across both the metro and the connected bus network — you simply tap it at the fare gates and on buses. You can buy and top up a card at station ticket machines and customer-service counters.
The Darb app does the same digitally: plan a trip, buy a QR-code ticket, reload a card, and check live network information from your phone. For most riders the app is the easiest option, while the physical card suits those who prefer not to rely on a phone battery. Contactless bank cards are also accepted at many gates. Whichever you choose, tap in at the start and keep the ticket or card ready for inspection.
Operating hours
The metro generally runs from around 6:00 AM to midnight, Saturday to Thursday, with a later start of about 8:00 AM on Fridays, closing at midnight. Hours are extended during Ramadan and adjusted on Eid and other special occasions, so check the app during holiday periods. Trains are frequent throughout the day, with the shortest waits during weekday peaks.
Key interchange stations and destinations
A handful of interchange stations tie the network together. Learning these makes planning any cross-city trip straightforward:
- KAFD: The northern hub where the Blue, Yellow, and Purple lines meet — your gateway to the financial district and the airport line.
- National Museum: Interchange between the Blue and Green lines near the historic centre and Qasr Al-Hokm district.
- STC: Where the Blue and Red lines cross in the Olaya business area.
- Ministry of Education: Links the Red and Green lines in the north-central corridor.
Popular destinations reachable by rail include King Khalid International Airport (Yellow Line), KAFD, King Saud University, King Fahd Sports City, the National Museum, and the downtown Batha shopping area. The airport link in particular is a major convenience for anyone weighing the cost of living in Riyadh against getting around it.
Classes: first, family, and single
Each train offers different seating classes to suit different riders. First class is a separate, more spacious carriage at the higher fare. Single class is the standard cabin used by most passengers, while family class is reserved for families and women travelling alone. Look for the platform markings and carriage signage before boarding so you queue in the right zone — a small habit that saves confusion, especially at busy interchanges.
Rider tips
- Load the Darb app first. Set up your ticket or card before you reach the gates to avoid queuing at machines.
- Buy a multi-day pass if you will ride more than a couple of times — the maths favours it quickly.
- Mind the class markings so you board first, family, or single class correctly.
- Keep your card or QR ready for inspection and for the exit gates.
- Combine metro and bus — the same Darb card covers connecting bus routes to reach areas the rails do not.
- Sort your residency admin online. New arrivals can handle IDs and permits through the government portals covered in our Absher and Muqeem residents guide before settling into a commute.
If you have used the Dubai network, the system will feel familiar — the tap-in model mirrors the approach in our Dubai Metro and Nol card guide, with Darb playing the role of Nol.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Riyadh Metro ride cost in 2026?
Standard fares are flat regardless of distance: about SAR 4 for a 2-hour pass, SAR 20 for three days, SAR 40 for seven days, and SAR 140 for 30 days. First class costs more. Confirm live prices in the Darb app before travelling.
Which line goes to King Khalid International Airport?
The Yellow Line (Line 4) connects the airport terminals to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), where you can interchange with the Blue and Purple lines to reach the rest of the city.
Do I need a Darb card to ride?
You need a valid ticket or card. The reloadable Darb card (about SAR 10) works on metro and buses, the Darb app sells QR-code tickets, and many gates also accept contactless bank cards.
