Riyadh Metro hits 100 million riders, reshaping tourism in the capital

Riyadh’s new metro system has carried more than 100 million passengers in under nine months, a milestone that underscores how the network is rapidly transforming mobility for residents and visitors and reshaping the city’s tourism economy.

The six-line driverless network, spanning 176 kilometres and 85 stations, is one of the world’s largest urban transport projects. Since opening in December 2024, the system has achieved near-perfect punctuality, with a 99.78 per cent on-time performance rate. For the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, which oversees the project, the rapid adoption confirms that the metro is no longer just a commuter service — it is becoming central to the way tourists experience the Saudi capital.

Airport to city in minutes

For international travellers, the most significant change is the direct connection from King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) to the city centre. The Yellow Line links Terminal 5 with the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and central Riyadh, cutting journey times and offering a seamless alternative to taxis and private transfers.

This puts Riyadh in line with global capitals such as London, Paris and Dubai, where direct rail links between airport and city are considered essential infrastructure for international tourism. For Saudi Arabia, it is a statement that the capital is ready to host millions of new visitors expected for upcoming mega-events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Beyond the airport, the metro is changing how visitors explore Riyadh. Stations such as Qasr Al Hokm and the National Museum now serve as gateways to historic and cultural landmarks. The KAFD and stc stations, meanwhile, are drawing heavy traffic from business travellers and event delegates. Together, these hubs account for nearly a third of all passenger movements to date.

The Blue Line, which runs along the Olaya–Batha axis, is already the busiest route, carrying 46.5 million passengers. The Red and Orange lines have served 17 million and 12 million riders respectively, while the remaining three lines have carried a combined 24.5 million.

Boosting Riyadh’s tourism brand

The metro is part of the Kingdom’s effort to brand Riyadh as a modern, accessible and sustainable destination. Integrated bus and on-demand shuttle services, alongside park-and-ride facilities, extend the reach of the metro into residential areas and hotel districts. For visitors, this means smoother transfers between airports, cultural attractions, business venues and leisure hubs.

By reducing traffic congestion and emissions, the network also supports Saudi Arabia’s environmental commitments, an increasingly important factor for international tourists choosing where to travel.

Preparing for mega-events

With Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Riyadh’s ability to move millions of people quickly and reliably is a critical part of its tourism strategy. The metro provides the backbone for crowd management, ensuring fans, delegates and tourists can circulate between stadiums, exhibition sites, hotels and heritage areas with minimal disruption.

Officials are already looking ahead. Planning is under way for Line 7, which is expected to connect western Riyadh, including the Qiddiya entertainment district, with the airport corridor. Extensions to existing lines are also being designed to further strengthen the city’s transport web.

…