On January 5, 2025, the Riyadh Metro achieved a historic milestone with the full operational launch of the Orange Line, marking the final phase of its extensive rollout. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has officially announced that all six lines of the Riyadh Metro are now fully functional, offering an innovative and efficient mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike. This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming Riyadh into a global metropolis with modern, sustainable infrastructure.
The Riyadh Metro, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East, now boasts an impressive 176 kilometers of track, featuring 85 stations that connect vital areas of the capital. This project, which has been in development for several years, is not only a feat of engineering but also a significant step toward addressing the growing transportation needs of Riyadh’s rapidly expanding population. The metro network will ease congestion, reduce traffic-related pollution, and improve the quality of life for millions of people living in the city.
The Orange Line and Key New Stations
The Orange Line, also known as Line 3, is a central component of this expansive metro system. Spanning 41 kilometers, this line connects the western and eastern parts of Riyadh, providing a much-needed transport link from Jeddah Road to the Khashm Al Aan area in the east, near the second eastern ring road. With five new stations—Jeddah Road, Tuwaiq, Douh, Harun Al-Rashid Road, and Al-Naseem—passengers can now conveniently travel across the city.
The Al-Naseem Station, which serves as a transfer point, links the Orange Line to the Purple Line, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the entire system. The metro’s design ensures that passengers can easily switch between lines, reducing travel times and making it easier to navigate the city. This smooth integration between the lines is part of the Riyadh Metro’s vision to offer a seamless and user-friendly experience for commuters.
Expansion of the Blue Line and New Connections
In addition to the Orange Line, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City also announced the opening of three new stations on the Blue Line. This line connects Olaya Street to Batha, and the new stations—Al Morooj, Bank Al Bilad, and King Fahd Library—will further enhance the metro’s connectivity across the city. These stations offer easy access to key areas, including business districts, cultural landmarks, and residential zones.
The phased opening of the metro network began in December 2024, with the Blue, Yellow, and Purple Lines becoming operational on December 1. The Red and Green Lines followed on December 15, offering residents a wide range of options for getting around Riyadh. Each of the six lines serves a distinct region, ensuring that the city’s entire urban landscape is accessible by public transport.
A Fully Automated and Eco-Friendly Solution
The Riyadh Metro is renowned not only for its size but also for its cutting-edge technology. It is the world’s longest driverless train system, using fully automated trains that ensure a smooth, reliable, and safe journey. The absence of a driver means that the metro is more efficient, operating with higher frequency and minimal delays. The trains are designed to run on time, offering a high level of punctuality and reducing the waiting times for passengers.
Furthermore, the metro network is designed to be eco-friendly, contributing to Riyadh’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. By offering an alternative to traditional car-based transport, the metro will help decrease traffic congestion and reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This shift towards sustainable transport is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 plan, which aims to modernize the country’s infrastructure and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Seamless Travel Experience for Passengers
The Riyadh Metro is designed with convenience and ease of use in mind. Passengers can access the metro system from 6:00 am until midnight, offering flexibility for those who need to travel during peak hours or later in the evening. Ticketing options are diverse, with passengers able to purchase tickets via the Darb application, at ticket offices, or from self-service machines at the stations. Several digital payment methods are supported, including credit card payments, mobile apps, and bank transactions, making it easy for commuters to pay for their journeys.
Moreover, the Riyadh Metro’s design ensures that it is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with dedicated spaces and facilities for those who need additional support while traveling. This inclusivity is part of the metro’s commitment to providing a transport system that serves all members of society.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
The completion of the Riyadh Metro is a transformative moment for Saudi Arabia’s capital city. The metro network will not only help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality but will also enhance the city’s economic growth by providing efficient transportation for workers, tourists, and residents. With the full operation of all six lines, Riyadh has taken a significant step toward achieving its ambitious goals for the future.
As the metro system continues to evolve, future expansions are already being planned to further integrate Riyadh’s transport network. This includes the potential for additional metro lines and expansions of the existing network to reach even more parts of the city and beyond.
In conclusion, the Riyadh Metro is a shining example of how modern technology, urban planning, and sustainable design can come together to create a world-class transportation system. With its driverless trains, eco-friendly features, and user-centric design, the Riyadh Metro is set to redefine urban mobility in Saudi Arabia and serve as a model for other cities around the world.