Riyadh Metro and Buses: Darb Card, Tickets, Fares and Discounts
Riyadh’s public transport network has made getting around the capital much easier without a car. Whether you are commuting or have just arrived, knowing how tickets work saves time at the gate. This guide uses the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) FAQs for fares, discounts and rules.
Quick answer
The RCRC lists 2-hour, 3-day, 7-day and 30-day passes in Regular and First Class, and says the network has 6 Metro lines and 85 stations. Pay with a Darb card, a contactless bank card or payment-enabled device, or the Darb app. Children 6 and under travel free, and some groups get 50% off with a registered Darb card. Fares are as listed on the RCRC page, so check the current amount before you pay (RCRC).
Key takeaways
- Network: 6 Metro lines, 85 stations.
- Fares and card price: as listed on the RCRC page; check the current amount before you pay.
- Children 6 and under: free, per the RCRC.
- Pass validity: starts when you activate the ticket and expires at the end of the operational day, per the RCRC.
- Help and complaints: use the contact channels on the RCRC contact page and in the Darb app.
Fares at a glance
The RCRC’s FAQ lists these pass prices. We checked the page on 16 October 2026, but it shows no “last updated” date, so treat the figures as listed on the official page and check the current amount before you pay (in the Darb app or at the station).
| Pass | Regular | First Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | 4 SAR | 10 SAR |
| 3 days | 20 SAR | 50 SAR |
| 7 days | 40 SAR | 100 SAR |
| 30 days | 140 SAR | 350 SAR |
The National Platform also has a ticket purchase service for metro and bus passes (my.gov.sa). We could not re-open that page on 16 October, so check its current price there.
Tip
If you ride most working days, compare the 30-day pass with buying 2-hour passes each day, using the amounts shown when you buy. The RCRC says passes expire at the end of the operational day.
Ways to pay
According to the RCRC FAQs, you can travel with:
- the Darb card, a reusable card you buy once at a ticket vending machine or ticket sales office and top up at the same machines (card price as listed on the RCRC page);
- a contactless bank debit or credit card, or a payment-enabled smart device, at the reader;
- the Darb app for Android and iOS, to buy a digital ticket.
If you are new and do not yet have a local card, see our guide to opening a bank account.
Discounts
Who travels cheaper (per RCRC)
- Children aged 6 and under: free
- Public education students aged 6 to 18: 50% off
- Seniors aged 60 and over: 50% off
- People with disabilities (plus one companion): 50% off
- Cancer patients (plus one companion): 50% off
- First-degree relatives of martyrs: 50% off
How to get a concession
The RCRC says the 50% discount applies to all fares when a registered Darb card is first issued at a ticket office, and only if you meet the validation requirements with the necessary documents. It lists a National ID or Iqama for each group, plus a student ID or letter for students, proof of disability, an approved medical report for cancer patients, or proof from a relevant government authority for relatives of martyrs.
Rules on board
The RCRC FAQs set out a few rules worth knowing:
- Eating and drinking are not permitted. The RCRC says any food or drink you bring must be in a closed, spill-proof container.
- Family seats are at the front of buses.
Warning
Do not try to share one pass through the gate. Use a valid ticket for every traveller who needs one.
Questions or complaints
The RCRC’s FAQ page points to the Darb app, the Riyadh Public Transport website, the official social media channels and staff at stations for more information. Ticket vending machines have a help button. For inquiries, suggestions or complaints, use the RCRC’s official contact form, and check the contact details on the official website for the current options.
Getting started
Your first trip
1
Plan your route: check lines and stations in the Darb app.
2
Choose how to pay: Darb card, contactless bank card or the app.
3
Pick the right pass: 2 hours for a single trip, longer for regular travel.
4
Tap in at the gate: and keep your card or phone handy.
5
Follow the rules on board: no eating or drinking.
A working local number makes the app easier; see our mobile SIM guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Riyadh Metro ticket?
The RCRC lists Regular and First Class passes from 2 hours to 30 days; see the table above. Amounts are as listed on the RCRC page, so check the current amount before you pay.
How much does the Darb card cost?
The RCRC lists a one-time price for the card. Check the current amount at the machine or ticket office before you pay.
Do children pay?
Children aged 6 and under travel free; public education students aged 6 to 18 can get 50% off with a registered Darb card, per the RCRC.
Can I eat on the metro?
Not unless it is in a closed, spill-proof container; the RCRC says eating and drinking are not permitted.
Last checked: 16 October 2026 against the RCRC FAQ page and RCRC contact page (the National Platform page could not be opened that day). Fares and rules can change; confirm with the RCRC and the Darb app. Infosaudia is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the RCRC or any government agency.
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