The Riyadh Metro officially began operations on Sunday December 1, 2024, and was launched in two phases over two weeks.
As part of the phase one launch, and the inauguration of the new transportation hub on Wednesday, November 27, the first three lines of the city's planned six line metro system were launched (Blue, Yellow and Purple), and phase two included the addition of two more lines (Red and Green) launched on Sunday December 15. The final line of the Riyadh Metro, the Orange Line, began services on January 5, 2025.
And since its launch the Riyadh Metro, which is also the world's longest driverless train system, has been increasingly popular with locals, residents and tourists - transporting members of the public across the city for both work and leisure.
In just 75 days since its launch, the Riyadh Metro has transported more than 18 million passengers, across its six different lines. It is estimated that this translates to over 162,000 trips and a total distance of 4.5 million kilometres covered across its six lines.
The most used metro line has been unveiled as Line One, also known as the Blue Line. The Blue Line, connecting Al Olaya and Al Batha, has emerged as the most popular route, witnessing a remarkable 10 million passenger journeys. The King Abdullah Financial District Station has also proven to be a major hub, with over 3 million passengers passing through its gates.
Across these six lines, the newly launched transportation network spans across the city by 176 kilometres, and serves 85 stations.
Line 1: Blue - The Al Olaya - Al Batha Axis
The Blue Line of the Riyadh Metro extends for 38 kilometres, and of which 17.3 kilometres run through underground tunnels. This line features two main stations, three public parking buildings that accommodating 1,800 vehicles.
There are 26 stops on the Blue Line: Al Aridh, Al Safahah, KAFD, Al Murooj, King Fahad District 1, King Fahad District 2, Olaya, Al Warud 2, Al Urubah, Musa Bin Nosair, Al Tahliyha, King Fahad Library, Ministry of Interior, Al Murabba, Passport Department, Al Washin, the National Museum, Al Batha, Al Hilal, Al Owd, Skirinah, Manfouhah, Al Imam Hospital, Transportation Centre, Al Aziziah, Ad Dar Al Baida.
Line 2: Red - The King Abdullah Road Axis
The Red Line spans 25.3 kilometres, serving key areas of the city - connecting major destinations such as King Fahd Sports City, King Saud University, and the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center - and it also features two parking buildings with a capacity of up to 1,200 vehicles.
There are 15 stops on the Red Line: King Fahd Stadium, Ishbilliyah, Al Khaleej, Al Hamra, Khalid Bin Akwakeed, Riyadh Exhibition Centre, Al Nuzhah, Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz Road, Al Warud, Olaya, At Takhassussi, KACST, King Salman Oasis, King Saud Univetsity.
Line 3: Orange - The Al-Madinah - Al-Munawwarah Axis
The Orange Line runs for 41 kilometres, connecting Jeddah Road in the west with the Second Eastern Ring Road in the east.
There are 22 stops on the Orange Line: Khashm Al Am, Hassan Bin Thabit Street, Al Nasseem, Harun Ar Rashid Road, Al Rajih Grand Mosque, Jarir Road, Al Malaz, Railway, First Industry City, Al Salhiyah Station, Al Margab, Qasr Al Hokm, Courts Complex, Al Jarradiyah, Sultanah, Dhahrat Al Badiah, Aishah Bint Abi Bakr Street, Western Station, Ad Douh, Tuwaiq, Jeddah Road.
Line 4: Yellow - The King Khalid International Airport Axis
Spanning 29.6 kilometres, the Yellow Line of the Riyadh Metro, provides convenient transportation from central Riyadh to King Khalid International Airport, serving both Terminals 1-2 and Terminals 3-4.
There are 10 stops on the Yellow Line: KKIA Terminal 1 & 2, KKIA Terminal 3 & 4, KKIA Terminal 5, Military Medical Complex, Governmental Complex, Princess Noura University, Imam University, Uthman Bin Affan Road, Ar Rabi, KAFD.
Line 5: Green - The King Abdulaziz Road Axis
One of the shortest lines on the grid, the Green Line of the Riyadh Metro extends just 13.3 kilometres. Running from King Abdullah Road near the Ministry of Education to the National Museum, this line provides convenient access to vital government institutions, including the Ministries of Defence, Finance, and Commerce, as well as numerous commercial, service, and residential areas.
There are 12 stops on the Green Line: Ministry of Education, Salahaddin, As Sulimanyah, Ad Dhabab, Abu Dhabi Square, Officers Club, GOSI, Al Wizarat, Ministry of Defence, MEW&A, Ministry of Finance.
Line 6: Purple
The Purple Line, spanning approximately 30 kilometres, follows a half-ring route starting at the King Abdullah Financial District and ending at Prince Saad Ibn Abdulrahman Al Awal Road.
There are 11 stops on the Purple Line: KAFD, Ar Rabi, Uthman Bin Affan Road, Imam University, Ghirnata, Al Yarmuk, Al Hamra, Al Andalus, Al Khurais Road, Al Salam, Al Nasseem.
Riyadh Metro Tickets & Prices
Making public transport even easier to access and use, metro users can conveniently purchase Riyadh Metro tickets through the DARB mobile application. Ticket prices range from SAR4 for a two-hour pass to SAR140 for a one-month pass, offering flexibility for both locals and tourists.
The ticketing system provides a range of options, including daily, three-day, and seven-day passes, all offering unlimited travel on both the metro and bus services during the validity period. Apple Pay has also been seamlessly integrated at every metro station, providing a convenient and quick payment option. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from ticketing kiosks located within the stations.
Key Ticket Categories:
Two-hour pass: Starting from SAR4
Three-day pass: Starting from SAR20
Seven-day pass: Starting from SAR40
One-month pass: Starting from SAR140
Riyadh Metro - A Popular Transportation Choice from Day 1
Now fully operational, the Riyadh Metro, the largest in the Middle East and the world's longest driverless train system, boasts an extensive including four major hubs. Using this transportation option is effortless as passengers can conveniently plan their journeys and purchase tickets through the Darb app, at ticket offices, self-service kiosks located within metro stations, or by using digital payment methods such as bank cards, credit cards, and smart devices.
Although this recent news of the Riyadh Metro transporting more than 18 million passengers during its first 75 days of operation, the Riyadh Metro has proven immensely popular since its first week. In the first seven days of operation, the world's longest, driverless metro system transported 1.9 million passengers, and initially the Purple Line emerged as the most popular route.
The system is set to revolutionise urban mobility by significantly reducing traffic congestion and reliance on private vehicles.
Both remarkable feats, the Riyadh Metro is a cornerstone of the city's public transport expansion, strategically designed to enhance mobility, mitigate traffic congestion, and foster sustainable urban growth in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
