Riyadh Metro opens green, red lines as network nears full completion

Riyadh Metro will add two new lines on Sunday, bringing the network closer to full operational capacity.

The Red Line (King Abdullah Road) and Green Line (King Abdulaziz Road) will open on December 15, running from 6:00 AM to midnight, said the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) in a statement.

The additions mark the completion of five out of the metro’s six planned lines.

The Red Line stretches 25.1 km from east to west along King Abdullah Road, linking King Fahd Sport City to King Saud University. It includes 15 stations, such as the Riyadh Exhibition Centre, and intersects with the Blue, Green, and Purple lines at key points.

The Green Line covers 13.3 km along King Abdulaziz Road, with 12 stations serving major government entities, commercial zones, and residential areas. Two stations – Ministry of Finance and National Museum – will open later.

The Orange Line, the final segment, will open on January 5, 2025, completing the 176-km network, which features 84 stations across six routes.

Major Vision 2030 milestone

The Riyadh Metro project, a $22.5bn infrastructure initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to modernise the capital’s transport network and reduce car dependency.

The phased rollout began in November with the launch of the first three lines, including connections to Al Orouba, King Khalid International Airport Road, and Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street.

The system incorporates renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and energy-efficient trains, with plans to run entirely on clean energy when fully operational. The project is expected to cut carbon emissions and improve mobility for Riyadh’s residents and visitors.

Riyadh Metro pricing

For those planning a trip on the network, ticket prices are divided into four categories:

• Two-hour journey: SAR 4
• Three-day ticket: SAR 20
• One-week ticket: SAR 40
• 30-day ticket: SAR 140

Commuters can purchase tickets through the Darb app, available on Apple and Android devices. The app enables users to plan journeys across metro and bus lines, buy QR code-based tickets, and access features like live bus tracking and “bus on demand” services for first and last-mile connectivity.

The metro also integrates with the Riyadh Bus Project, which covers 1,900km. Together, they will form the backbone of the city’s public transport system.