Riyadh Metro
A six-line, 176-kilometre automated metro system under development in the Saudi capital — one of the world's largest urban transit projects.
Definition
The Riyadh Metro is a fully automated, driverless rapid transit system comprising six lines and 85 stations spanning 176 kilometres across the Saudi capital, representing one of the largest single-phase urban rail projects in the world.
Overview
Approved in 2012 and construction launched in 2014, the Riyadh Metro is being developed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (now Riyadh Region Authority). The system was designed and built by three international consortia — BACS (led by Bechtel), FAST (led by FCC/Samsung/Alstom), and ANM (led by Ansaldo/Salini) — each responsible for two of the six lines.
The six lines are colour-coded: Blue (Line 1), Green (Line 2), Orange (Line 3), Yellow (Line 4), Purple (Line 5), and Brown (Line 6). Together, they create a network covering the capital’s major commercial, residential, and institutional corridors, including connections to King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh’s central business district, diplomatic quarter, and university district. The system is complemented by a bus rapid transit (BRT) network of approximately 85 kilometres.
Station design has been a signature element of the project, with landmark stations designed by renowned architects including Zaha Hadid and Snohetta. The system is fully automated and driverless, using advanced signalling and train control systems. The metro inaugurated initial public services in late 2024 and early 2025, with phased expansion of operations across all six lines.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lines | 6 |
| Stations | 85 |
| Network Length | 176 km |
| Technology | Fully automated, driverless |
| BRT Complement | ~85 km |
| Construction Start | 2014 |
| Architect (landmark stations) | Zaha Hadid, Snohetta |
| Authority | Riyadh Region Authority |
| Estimated Cost | USD 22+ billion |
Role in Vision 2030
The Riyadh Metro is one of the most tangible infrastructure achievements of the Vision 2030 era, transforming a city that was entirely car-dependent into one with a world-class public transit system. The project directly supports Vision 2030’s Quality of Life and sustainability objectives by reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and providing affordable, accessible mobility for Riyadh’s growing population.
The metro is also central to Riyadh’s ambition to become a top-10 global city by economic output, attracting international businesses and talent who expect modern urban infrastructure. The project demonstrates the Kingdom’s capacity to deliver megascale infrastructure on time and sets the standard for future urban transit investments in other Saudi cities.