This week, the Kingdom's capital city of Riyadh celebrated the launch and inaugural journey of the much-anticipated Riyadh Metro.

As part of the phase one launch, the first three lines of the city's planned six line metro system launched on Wednesday November 27, with two more lines (red and green) were opened on Sunday December 15.

Riyadh Metro: Zaha Hadid designed KAFD Station

Riyadh Metro: Zaha Hadid designed KAFD Station

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid KAFD Station Riyadh Metro via Zaha Hadid render

Riyadh cityscape view Riyadh skyline at night #1, Showing Olaya Street Metro Construction

Once completed, the Riyadh Metro will be the world's longest, driverless metro system in the world. It is hoped that this new transportation option will not only provide residents and visitors with an additional and convenient way to traverse the city but also help alleviate the capital's traffic congestion.

It was confirmed by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Transportation and Logistics that even in the initial launch phase of just three lines, the Riyadh Metro will transport almost 1 million passengers every single day.

Referencing the launch of the Riyadh Metro, Minister of Transportation and Logistics, on X, His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser noted; “The groundbreaking project, regarded as the largest and most advanced transportation initiative globally, which was developed simultaneously to the highest technical standards, marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia's transport history.”

Riyadh Metro Tickets

Metro Tickets Andermatt via unsplash yves-moret

Tickets for journeys on the three open lines of the Riyadh Metro can now be purchased via the DARB mobile application.

No ticketing and ticket price details had been released ahead of the launch of the first phase of the Riyadh Metro on Wednesday November 27, but now more details have been announced: ticket prices for the Riyadh Metro on the DARB app range from just SAR4, through to SAR140.

Passengers can choose from a selection of different tickets, catering to a variety of transport users, from once-off daily journeys for local commuters, to longer expiry tickets that would suit tourists visiting the city over a few days. All the ticket categories offer users an unlimited number of trips during the ticket's validity period, on both the bus and the metro.

It has been confirmed that Apple Pay can be used at every metro station, making for an ultra easy and seamless travel experience. Of course, tickets can also be purchased from ticketing kiosks in the metro stations.

Tickets for the Riyadh Metro are now available in four different categories:

Two-hour pass: from SAR4
Three day pass: from SAR20
Seven day pass: from SAR40
One month pass: from SAR140

Phase One of Riyadh Metro

The first phase (three lines) the Riyadh Metro officially launched at the end of November, transporting members of the public for the first time.

Even in the initial phase, it is expected that residents and visitors will experience smoother and faster commutes, reducing reliance on private vehicles and significantly enhancing the city's public transportation system. In this initial launch phase, three lines will service some of the city's main routes and thoroughfares: Al-Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and the intersection of Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street with Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street.

Riyadh Metro: Zaha Hadid designed KAFD Station

Riyadh Metro: Zaha Hadid designed KAFD Station

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid KAFD Station Riyadh Metro via Zaha Hadid 1

Facilitating swift access between destinations, and by providing efficient and reliable public transportation, the massive investment into the Riyadh Metro by the government is to enhance the satisfaction of public transport users, and contribute to the overall well-being of Riyadh's residents.

As one of the largest and most advanced transportation initiatives launched globally, it is expected that the Riyadh Metro will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the city. A testament to the future of the Kingdom, and the pillars of Vision 2030, the inauguration of the Riyadh Metro marks a moment of radical infrastructure modernisation in the capital, that will hopefully lend itself to enhancing the quality of life of Riyadh's residents.

Phase Two of the Riyadh Metro

Image via SPA

Riyadh Metro via SPA

On Sunday December 15, two additional lines of the Riyadh Metro opened, marking the transportation system edging closer to the completion of its 6 line roll out plan.

The Green and Red Lines are the fourth and fifth lines to open on the Riyadh Metro, and have been confirmed to run daily from 6am to midnight.

Running for 25.1 kilometres along King Abdullah Road, the Red Line connects key destinations like King Fahd Sport City and King Saud University. With 15 stations, including the Riyadh Exhibition Centre, it integrates seamlessly with the Blue, Green, and Purple lines, offering convenient transfers across the city.

The metro system and lines are connected to ensure that passengers can easily swap lines and reach their intended location, the Red Line intersects with the Blue Line at the STC Station, and also with the Green Line at the Ministry of Education Station, and again links to the Purple Line at Al-Hamra Station.

Whilst the Green Line is currently serving 12 stations along King Abdulaziz Road, the 13.3 kilometre route connects major government institutions, commercial centres, and residential neighbourhoods. The Green Line has been initially completed, but is set to grow in the coming years, with the Ministry of Finance and National Museum stations scheduled to open in the future.

Final Phase of the Riyadh Metro

The long-awaited completion of the 176-kilometre metro network, featuring 84 stations across six routes, is set for January 5, 2025, with the opening of the Orange Line. The Orange Line will cover Madinah Road.

Riyadh Metro Map

With its sleek design, state-of-the-art technology, and extensive network, the Riyadh Metro is set to become a symbol of progress and innovation in both the Kingdom, and the GCC region.

As Saudi Arabia continues to modernise and diversify its economy, the capital's metro system will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the city and creating an ease of access to visitors.

Minister Al-Jasser also said that the investment in and launch of the Riyadh Metro was "Supported and enabled by the Crown Prince, this metro system cements Riyadh’s position as a beacon of progress and innovation. "

RCRC

Riyadh Metro_Full Map

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