Riyadh
Getting around Riyadh
Riyadh now has a driverless Metro, but it does not reach some of the big sights. Here is what it covers, what it costs, and when a car is the better choice.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) · CC BY-SA 4.0On this page
Riyadh Metro at a glance
- Network
- 6 lines, 85 stations, 176 km, fully driverless
- Opened
- December 2024 to January 2025
- Hours
- 6am to midnight Saturday to Thursday; 8am to midnight on Friday
- Fare
- SAR 4 (≈ $1.07) for a 2-hour ticket; SAR 10 (≈ $2.67) in First class
- Carriages
- First, family and single sections, separated by glass
- Airport
- Yellow Line from the airport terminals to KAFD
The six lines
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| Line | Route |
|---|---|
| Blue (1) | Alawwal Bank to Ad Dar Al Baida, along Olaya |
| Red (2) | King Saud University to King Fahd Sports City |
| Orange (3) | Jeddah Road to Khashm Al Aan |
| Yellow (4) | Airport Terminals to King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) |
| Green (5) | Ministry of Education to the National Museum |
| Purple (6) | KAFD to Al Naseem |
Sources: Visit Saudi (lines, hours), Wikipedia (opening dates, classes). Fares as listed by Visit Saudi and the airport, checked 2 October 2026.
Which sights it reaches
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| Sight | By Metro? |
|---|---|
| National Museum and Murabba | Yes: National Museum station (Blue and Green lines) |
| Masmak Fortress and the old centre | Yes: Qasr Al-Hokm station (Blue and Orange lines), then a short walk |
| KAFD and Olaya | Yes: KAFD and STC stations |
| Diriyah and At-Turaif | No: take Uber or Careem (about 20–30 minutes from the centre) |
| Edge of the World | No: about 2 hours away; go on a 4x4 tour |
| Airport | Yes: Yellow Line, change at KAFD |
When to use Uber or Careem instead
- Diriyah, Bujairi Terrace and anywhere off the network.
- Late at night after midnight, and on Friday mornings before 8am.
- With heavy luggage, or when your destination is a long walk from the nearest station.
- From the airport, UberX averages about SAR 90 (≈ $24) to the centre; the Metro is SAR 4 (≈ $1.07). See Riyadh airport transfer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the Metro goes to Diriyah. It doesn’t yet; an extension has only been proposed.
- Planning an early Friday start by Metro: it opens at 8am.
- Sitting in the wrong section. Check the signs on the platform for First and family areas.
- Driving yourself without an International Driving Permit: many hire companies require one.
Riyadh essentials
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Riyadh airport pickup
Fixed-price driver waiting in arrivals at King Khalid International (RUH).
Data eSIM
Install before you fly. Maps, ride apps and tickets all need data on arrival.
Car hire
AlUla and the Riyadh escarpment are driving destinations. Book an SUV early in season.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the Riyadh Metro?
SAR 4 (≈ $1.07) for a 2-hour ticket in standard class and SAR 10 (≈ $2.67) in First class (checked 2 October 2026).
What time does the Riyadh Metro open?
6am to midnight from Saturday to Thursday, and 8am to midnight on Fridays, according to Visit Saudi.
Does the Riyadh Metro go to Diriyah?
No. Take Uber or Careem from the centre, about 20–30 minutes.
Does the Riyadh Metro go to the airport?
Yes. The Yellow Line runs from the airport terminals to KAFD, where you change for the rest of the network.
