Fast, fully air-conditioned and driverless, Riyadh Metro ties together the KAFD financial district, the historic center and the airport across six modern lines. This guide is written for travelers who want to feel confident from day one (and for daily riders too): lines and map, tickets, hours, connections, accessibility, sample routes and honest, practical tips.
General information
Riyadh Metro is a network of six fully automated lines (GoA4) totaling roughly 176 km and about 85 stations. Stations are air-conditioned, equipped with platform screen doors and bilingual signage (Arabic/English). The project is owned by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). Operations are split between experienced operators: Capital Metro Company (CAMCO)—a joint venture led by RATP Dev and SAPTCO—on Lines 1–2, and FLOW—FS Italiane, Alstom and Ansaldo STS—on Lines 3–6. The network was designed to be the backbone of the capital’s public transport, linking low-density residential areas to employment hubs (KAFD), education, culture and leisure.
Trains offer three areas: Standard (economy-style seating), Family (quieter space for family travel) and First (wider seats and extra room). Beyond air-con comfort, expect generous platforms, clean interiors and visible station staff at key hubs to keep things smooth at peak times.
Local tip: in hot months, plan station access via indoor, air-conditioned corridors whenever possible. Many entrances connect directly to malls or office buildings, saving time outside.
Main lines
The six lines interlock at hubs like KAFD, STC, Qasr Al Hokm and the National Museum. Think of the layout as three dominant spines: a north–south axis (Line 1 Blue), an east–west axis (Lines 2 Red and 3 Orange) and a diagonal airport axis (Line 4 Yellow) feeding the financial district. Lines 5 (Green) and 6 (Purple) add mesh and more interchange options.
| Line | Color | Termini | Length | Stations | Key interchanges | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue | SAB Bank ↔ Ad Dar Al-Baida | ~38 km | ~25 | KAFD (L4,L6), STC (L2), National Museum (L5), Qasr Al Hokm (L3) | No |
| 2 | Red | King Saud University ↔ King Fahad Sports City | ~25 km | ~15 | STC (L1), Ministry of Education (L5), Al-Hamra (L6) | No |
| 3 | Orange | Jeddah Road ↔ Khashm Al-An | ~41 km | ~22 | Qasr Al Hokm (L1), Al-Hamra (L2,L6) | No |
| 4 | Yellow | Airport T1-2 ↔ KAFD | ~30 km | ~9 | KAFD (L1,L6), Ar Rabi (L6) | Yes |
| 5 | Green | Ministry of Education ↔ National Museum | ~13 km | ~12 | National Museum (L1), Ministry of Education (L2) | No |
| 6 | Purple | KAFD ↔ An Naseem | ~30 km | ~11 | KAFD (L1,L4), Al-Hamra (L2,L3) | No |
Business travelers heading to **West/North Riyadh** will often pass through KAFD (finance) or STC (tech). For a first cultural stop, Qasr Al Hokm and the National Museum put you steps from historic souqs and well-curated exhibits. The **L4 airport line** saves an expensive taxi and—if your meetings are in the financial district—drops you almost at the office door.
Connections to other systems
Riyadh Bus acts as the capillary network: 80+ urban routes, three BRT-style lines and direct links at major metro stations. Fares are integrated (same payment medium). In many places the interchange is designed to keep you indoors under air-con, which is a game changer in summer. If you rent a car, note the Park & Ride facilities: typically free for up to 12 hours when validated with your Darb card, located right next to key stations so you can leave the car on the edge and ride the metro into the center.
For visitors, the most convenient hubs are: KAFD (L1/L4/L6 plus buses to offices and hotels), STC (L1/L2), Qasr Al Hokm (L1/L3, historic core) and Western Station (bus terminal with a large concourse). Expect clear wayfinding and staff available to assist.
Tickets and fares
The system uses the Darb medium and time-based pricing valid on metro and bus. As a rule of thumb: a 2-hour product is around SAR 4 in Standard (First ~SAR 10). There are 3/7/30-day passes (e.g., 20/40/140 SAR for Standard; 50/100/350 SAR for First). Payment: cards (Mada/Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay/Mada Pay, and cash at ticket machines and counters (coins usually not accepted). 50% discounts exist for students, seniors, people with disabilities (and some other categories) upon documentation.
If you will ride intensively for three to four days, a multi-day pass is best. For a work week, the 7-day pass removes the hassle of reloading. First class adds comfort at peak times; off-peak, Standard is more than adequate.
| Product | Indicative price (SAR) | Validity | Where to buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours (Standard) | ~4 | Metro + Bus | TVM / ticket office / web | Good for 1–2 linked trips |
| 3 days (Standard) | ~20 | Metro + Bus | TVM / ticket office / web | Perfect for long weekends |
| 7 days (Standard) | ~40 | Metro + Bus | TVM / ticket office / web | Work week convenience |
| 30 days (Standard) | ~140 | Metro + Bus | TVM / ticket office / web | For residents or long stays |
| 2h / 3–7–30 days (First) | ~10 / 50–100–350 | First + Bus | TVM / ticket office / web | More space; handy at peaks |
Hours and frequencies
As a reference, the metro runs roughly 06:00–00:00 on weekdays and from about 08:00 on Fridays. Hours may shift for holidays or major events—always check on the day at station displays or the official website. Typical headways are 3–5 minutes at peak and 5–10 minutes off-peak; as demand grows, the system is designed to approach ~2.5 minutes on the busiest sections.
Tip: crowding peaks early morning and late afternoon. If you travel for leisure, shifting your plan by **30–45 minutes** either side of the peak can make journeys much calmer.
Rules and etiquette
- No food or drink on platforms or trains; cleanliness is a priority and enforcement is visible.
- Luggage: don’t block doors or aisles; cabin-size (about 56×45×25 cm) works well. Use bus luggage racks when provided.
- E-scooters and bicycles: not allowed on metro or buses for safety reasons.
- Pets: not allowed (service dogs excepted). Priority seating is clearly marked.
- First, Standard and Family areas: follow floor and door markings—staff may ask you to switch cars if needed.
- Security: stations and trains have CCTV and staff; follow instructions in case of disruption.
Airport connection
Line 4 (Yellow) links King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) directly with the city. It serves T1-2, T3-4 and T5. From the airport you reach KAFD and the wider network with minimal transfers. With heavy luggage, consider First class at peaks or travel just outside the rush; all platforms have screen doors and level boarding, making trolleys straightforward.
Future expansion
The core corridors are already covered, but the master plan foresees capacity upgrades (more peak trains), better bus–metro interchanges and stronger Park & Ride coverage. Expect continued improvements to comfort (shading and indoor passageways) and tourist-friendly signage to help international visitors.
What to see using the metro
- KAFD (L1/L4/L6): skyscrapers, pedestrian skywalks and solid dining.
- Qasr Al Hokm (L1/L3): souq lanes and the Masmak Fortress a short walk away.
- National Museum (L1/L5): a clear, engaging introduction to the Kingdom’s history.
- STC (L1/L2): tech district energy with cafés and co-working options.
- Airport T1-2 / T3-4 (L4): on a long layover, KAFD is an easy urban taster by metro.
Riyadh Metro map
Night and weekend service
Thursday evenings may see enhanced service; on Fridays the start is usually later in the morning. Big events (sports, concerts, festivals) can bring special timetables—check the day itself at station displays or the official site.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a core design principle: lifts to all levels, tactile routes, audio/visual announcements, platforms with screen doors aligned to train floors, and trained staff on hand. Trains provide wheelchair spaces and clearly marked priority seats. With strollers, lifts are the easiest option—signage points you to the nearest one from each concourse.
Luggage and lockers
Metro travel with suitcases is common: use quieter cars off-peak and avoid blocking doors or aisles. For left-luggage, look at airport facilities or malls connected to major stations; station staff can point you to options nearby. With fragile items, stand near longitudinal seats and brace your bag during acceleration/braking.
Practical tips
- Plan ahead: save the PDF map on your phone and note key stations (KAFD, STC, Qasr Al Hokm, National Museum, Airport T1-2/T3-4/T5).
- Climate: chain journeys through indoor passageways whenever you can—it makes a big difference.
- Park & Ride: leave the car on the outskirts and hop on the metro; it’s often faster and simpler for the center.
- Family areas: use the Family zone for a calmer ride; floor markings make it clear where to board.
- Headways: if a train is crowded, let it go; the next one is usually minutes away and far more comfortable.
Typical routes
- Airport T5 → KAFD: L4 direct. Ideal for domestic arrivals with meetings in the financial district.
- Airport T1-2/T3-4 → Old Town: L4 to KAFD, change to L1 for Qasr Al Hokm. Great for a souq stroll and the Masmak Fortress.
- KAFD → National Museum: L1 directly to National Museum, or L6 + L5 depending on your exact start. Culture plus skyline views.
- STC → King Fahad Library: L1 direct; cafés and a cool library space close by.
- Al-Hamra → KAFD: L6 direct or L6 + L1 from farther east.
- Qasr Al Hokm → KAFD (sunset): L3 or L1 depending on time; late sun on the towers is photo-friendly.
FAQ
What are the usual operating hours?
Roughly 06:00–00:00 on weekdays and from ~08:00 on Fridays. Always check on the day for event/holiday adjustments.
How do I pay and where do I buy tickets?
Ticket machines and counters at stations; Mada/Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay/Mada Pay and cash (coins often not accepted). The Darb card costs about SAR 10.
Are there family-only or women-only areas?
There are clearly marked Family areas on platforms and trains. Staff can direct you to the correct car if unsure.
Can I bring an e-scooter or bicycle?
No—neither are allowed on metro or buses. Cabin-size luggage is fine; avoid peaks if carrying several bags.
Does the metro reach the airport?
Yes—Line 4 serves T1-2, T3-4 and T5.
Is there Park & Ride?
Yes—at key stations. Typically free for ~12 hours when validated with the same Darb card.
Is the system safe?
Visible staff and CCTV on stations and trains. Follow staff instructions during any disruption.
What languages are used on signage?
Arabic and English throughout the network. Station names are large and easy to read.
Riyadh Metro map
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Riyadh Riyadh Metro map
- Also Known As: Riyadh Metro
- Passengers/Day 0
- Fares: SAR ~4 (2h Standard)
- 24h operation: No
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Walk between platforms: Yes
- Driverless trains: Yes
- Screen Doors Platforms: Yes
- Operator: RCRC / CAMCO (L1–2); FLOW (L3–6)
- SAR 4 (2h)
- Riyadh Metro Official Website
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