Public Transportation in Riyadh: Metro, Buses & Taxis
Riyadh’s public transport network includes the Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Bus services. Both systems are fully integrated and accessible through the darb app, which provides trip planning, live tracking, and digital ticketing.
The darb App
Download:
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rcrc.riyadhjourneyplannerApp Store:
https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/darb-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A8/id1549817739
Features:
Trip planning and route guidance
Live bus tracking
Ticket purchase and management
How it works:
Use the app-generated QR code to enter metro stations and board buses.
Purchase daily, weekly, or monthly passes directly through the app.
Payments accepted via Apple Pay and credit/debit cards.
For physical tickets, darb cards are available at ticket vending machines and metro station ticket offices.
Important:
Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Buses use the same darb ticket/card, and fares are the same. Transfers between buses and metro within a single trip are allowed without additional charges, as long as you remain within your ticket’s valid time window.
Operating Hours
Riyadh Metro: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily (6:00 AM – 2:00 AM during Ramadan)
Riyadh Bus: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily (6:30 AM – 3:00 AM during Ramadan)
Metro and Bus Map: https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Map-1.pdf
Ticket Fares
First-Class Tickets
(Unlimited access to first-class metro cabins and regular bus rides for the duration of your ticket)
SAR 10 – 2-hour pass
SAR 50 – 3-day pass
SAR 100 – 7-day pass
SAR 350 – 30-day pass
Regular Tickets
(Unlimited bus and metro rides for the entire duration of your ticket)
SAR 4 – 2-hour pass
SAR 20 – 3-day pass
SAR 40 – 7-day pass
SAR 140 – 30-day pass
Main Metro Hub
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
Is the main metro station and one of the largest transportation hubs in Riyadh.
Transportation Q&A
Q: Can I use cash at ticket vending machines?
Yes. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) accept cash (Saudi Riyal banknotes) to purchase darb cards and travel passes. Coins are not accepted. You can also pay using credit/debit cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Mada (cards and pay), and Google Pay.
Q: How do I connect to Riyadh Metro Wi-Fi?
Connect to the network: “Riyadh Public Transport (RPT)”
Enter your phone number and follow the prompts to receive and input the verification code.
Other Transportation Options - Taxis
Taxis (green-colored cars) are widely available in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Taxi Rates (Approximate):
Base fare: SAR 10–15 for the first 3 km
Per kilometer: SAR 2–3
Airport fares: SAR 80–100 from King Khalid International Airport to Riyadh city center
Most taxis are metered, but it is always advisable to confirm the fare if a meter is not used.