Riyadh Metro ticket prices and timings are among the most searched topics by expats living in Saudi Arabia, especially those tired of long car commutes, rising fuel costs, and traffic congestion. Public transport in Riyadh has been limited for years, making the launch of the metro system a major lifestyle change.
With six fully automated lines covering most of the capital, the Riyadh Metro is set to transform daily commuting for office workers, families, students, and visitors.
What Is Riyadh Metro?
The Riyadh Metro is one of the world’s largest driverless metro projects, developed under Saudi Vision 2030. It includes:
- 6 metro lines
- 176 km track length
- 85 stations
- Fully automated, air-conditioned trains
- Integration with buses and park-and-ride facilities
For expats, this means lower transport costs, predictable travel time, and less dependency on private cars or ride-hailing apps.
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Riyadh Metro Ticket Prices (Latest)
Understanding Riyadh Metro ticket prices and timings starts with knowing the fare structure. The system follows a time-based ticket model, not distance-based.
Standard Riyadh Metro Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Validity | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Journey | 2 hours | 4 SAR |
| 3-Day Pass | Unlimited rides (3 days) | 20 SAR |
| Weekly Pass | Unlimited rides (7 days) | 40 SAR |
| Monthly Pass | Unlimited rides (30 days) | 140 SAR |
Based on expat commuting patterns, the monthly pass is the most cost-effective option for office workers.
Prices are aligned with affordability goals under Vision 2030 and are significantly cheaper than daily car expenses.
Riyadh Metro Timings & Operating Hours
Riyadh Metro ticket prices and timings also depend on when you travel.
Official Operating Hours
| Day | Metro Timings |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 6:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight |
| Friday | 2:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight |
Timings may slightly adjust during Ramadan, public holidays, or national events.
Peak vs Off-Peak Travel Times
Knowing peak hours helps you plan smarter:
Peak Hours (Busy):
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Off-Peak Hours (Comfortable):
- Mid-morning (10 AM – 1 PM)
- Late evening (after 9 PM)
Many expats in Saudi Arabia prefer off-peak travel for seating availability and quieter coaches.
How to Buy Riyadh Metro Tickets
Ticketing is fully digital and user-friendly.
Available Methods:
- Official Riyadh Transport mobile app
- Contactless smart cards
- NFC-enabled bank cards
- Ticket vending machines at stations
Tip from real expat experience: Always keep your phone charged if using app-based tickets — inspections are random.
Riyadh Metro Lines & Coverage
The metro connects major residential, commercial, and business hubs:
- King Khalid International Airport
- King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
- Olaya & King Fahd Road
- Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)
- Riyadh Boulevard & major malls
This makes Riyadh Metro ticket prices and timings especially attractive for professionals working in central Riyadh.
Real-Life Tips for Expats (KSA-Specific)
- Metro stations have separate family & single sections, similar to malls
- Dress modestly inside stations
- Food and drinks are not allowed on trains
- Security screening is similar to airport light checks
- Friday timings start late — plan accordingly
First Class Ticket Prices
Riyadh Metro sells First Class tickets as well as the standard tickets shown above. They cover the same time periods but cost more, and they are sold through the same official channels.
| First Class ticket | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | 10 |
| 3 days | 50 |
| 7 days | 100 |
| 30 days | 350 |
For most daily commuters, Standard Class is enough. First Class makes sense when you travel with luggage, at peak hours, or for an important meeting where you want a calmer ride.
One Ticket for Metro and Bus
Riyadh Metro passes also cover Riyadh Bus for the same period. If your home is not near a station, you can take a bus to the metro and continue on the same pass without paying twice. This is useful in residential districts where the nearest station is too far to walk in summer heat.
Children and Families
Children under six travel free when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Older children need their own ticket. For a family day out, buy a ticket for each adult and each child aged six or above before you pass the gates.
Riyadh Metro to King Khalid International Airport
The Yellow Line (Line 4) serves the airport. There are two airport stations:
- T1-T2 station for Terminals 1 and 2
- T3-T4 station for Terminals 3 and 4
Check which terminal your airline uses before you set off, so you get off at the right station. The airport lists metro hours as 6:00 AM to midnight, so for a very early flight a taxi may still be the only option.
Which Ticket Should You Buy?
A simple calculation helps. If you commute to work and back on 22 working days a month, that is 44 journeys. At SAR 4 per two-hour ticket, you would pay SAR 176. The 30-day pass at SAR 140 saves you SAR 36 and also covers weekend trips.
- Daily commuter: 30-day pass.
- Visitor staying a week: 7-day pass if you plan more than ten journeys.
- Occasional rider: single 2-hour tickets.
To see how transport fits into your monthly budget alongside rent and bills, try our cost of living calculator. For trips outside the capital, see the Darb Alwatan intercity bus schedule and our guide to the Haramain train.
More Riyadh Metro Questions
Does Riyadh Metro have First Class tickets?
Yes. First Class tickets start at SAR 10 for two hours and SAR 350 for 30 days.
Can I use my metro pass on Riyadh buses?
Yes. Passes cover both the metro and the bus network for their validity period.
Which metro line goes to Riyadh airport?
The Yellow Line (Line 4), with one station for Terminals 1 and 2 and another for Terminals 3 and 4.
Are Riyadh Metro ticket prices affordable for expats?
Yes. Riyadh Metro ticket prices are among the lowest in the region. A monthly pass costs less than weekly fuel expenses for most commuters.
Do children need tickets on Riyadh Metro?
Children above a certain age require tickets. Younger children may travel free when accompanied, subject to official rules.
Are Riyadh Metro timings same during Ramadan?
No. During Ramadan, Riyadh Metro timings usually shift later in the day to match fasting schedules.
Can I use one ticket across all metro lines?
Yes. Tickets are u003cstrongu003enetwork-wideu003c/strongu003e, not line-specific.
Is Riyadh Metro operational on public holidays?
Yes, but timings may be adjusted. Always check official announcements.
Is Riyadh Metro safe for families?
Absolutely. Stations are monitored, well-lit, and family-friendly.
Public transport in Riyadh keeps changing, so it is worth reading the driverless taxi rules the TGA has approved for self-driving vehicles.