Riyadh Metro for Visitors: Lines, Fares & How to Pay
Short answer
The Riyadh Metro is a 176 km, six-line (colour-coded Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple) driverless network. A 2-hour standard fare is SAR 4 (first class SAR 10), with 3-day (SAR 20), 7-day (SAR 40) and 30-day (SAR 140) passes. Pay with the Darb app (QR), a Darb card (~SAR 10 + top-up), or contactless Apple Pay/Mada Pay. Use the Darb app to plan lines and interchanges.
Key takeaways
- ✓176 km across six colour-coded lines: Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple.
- ✓Fares: 2-hour SAR 4 (first class SAR 10), 3-day SAR 20, 7-day SAR 40, 30-day SAR 140.
- ✓Pay three ways: Darb app (QR), Darb card (~SAR 10 + top-up), or contactless Apple Pay/Mada.
- ✓The network links the airport, KAFD, downtown and the diplomatic quarter — plan in the Darb app.
- ✓Fares verified July 2026 — check the Darb app for live details.
Quick facts
- Network
- 176 km, 6 lines
- 2-hour fare
- SAR 4
- 7-day pass
- SAR 40
- Pay via
- Darb app / card / tap
- First class
- SAR 10 (2h)
- Plan routes
- Darb app
The Riyadh Metro is one of the world's largest driverless metro systems — 176 km across six colour-coded lines — and it has transformed how visitors move around the Saudi capital. It is cheap, clean, fully air-conditioned and easy to use once you know the payment options, and for a city as spread out as Riyadh it is a genuine game-changer. Here is the visitor's guide: the lines, the fares, and exactly how to pay. Fares and hours verified July 2026 — confirm current details in the Darb app.
The six lines
Each line has a colour, which makes navigation simple even if you don't read Arabic. Blue (Line 1) and Red (Line 2) are the main cross-city routes, with Orange (3), Yellow (4), Green (5) and Purple (6) completing the network and connecting the airport, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), downtown and the diplomatic quarter. Use the Darb app to plan your route and any interchanges — it works in English and shows the fastest connection.
Fares
| Pass | Price |
|---|---|
| 2-hour pass (standard) | SAR 4 |
| 2-hour pass (first class) | SAR 10 |
| 3-day pass | SAR 20 |
| 7-day pass | SAR 40 |
| 30-day pass | SAR 140 |
A single 2-hour standard fare is just SAR 4 — remarkable value across a city this size — and the multi-day passes are worth it if you plan several trips. First class buys you a quieter, less crowded carriage for SAR 10 a ride.
How to pay
- Darb app — download it (English-friendly), pick your start and end stations, choose a pass, pay by card and scan the QR at the gate. The simplest way for visitors, with no physical card to carry.
- Darb card — a physical card (about SAR 10, plus top-up) you tap at the gates; buy and recharge at station machines with cash, Mada or Apple Pay.
- Contactless — Apple Pay (Express Mode) and Mada Pay let you tap and ride at the gate directly, with nothing to set up first.
Tips for visitors
- There are family/first-class and single-rider sections on trains — check the carriage signage before you board.
- The Metro is fastest off-peak; allow more time at rush hour and just after prayers.
- Stations are modern and well-signed, with lifts and escalators — easy with light luggage, less so with large cases.
- Pair the Metro with a private airport transfer for your arrival with luggage, then ride the Metro around the city.
- Keep your pass or QR handy for the exit gate as well as the entry.
Where it takes you
The network links most places a visitor wants — the airport, the financial district, downtown near Masmak and the old souqs, and the diplomatic quarter — so for sightseeing across Riyadh it is both the cheapest and often the fastest option. For out-of-town trips like the Edge of the World, you'll still want a private car. See the Riyadh city guide for what's near each area.
Fares verified July 2026 against the operator; the Darb app has the live map, hours and any service updates.
Step by step
- 1
Get the Darb app
Download it (English-friendly) or buy a Darb card at a station machine.
- 2
Plan your route
Pick start and end stations; the app shows the line and interchanges.
- 3
Choose a pass
2-hour (SAR 4), 3-day, 7-day or 30-day, standard or first class.
- 4
Pay
Card in-app, or top up a Darb card, or tap Apple Pay/Mada at the gate.
- 5
Scan and ride
Scan the QR or tap at the gate and follow the colour-coded line.
Frequently asked questions
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Last updated: 23 July 2026·Sources reviewed by the Wadana Go editorial team.
