King Khalid International — Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line, opened 2024)
King Khalid International (RUH) to Riyadh — Updated 2026
King Khalid International (RUH) is 35 km north of Riyadh. Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line) connects the airport to central Riyadh — the newest addition to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Riyadh Metro network (opened late 2024). Fare: SAR 4 (~$1) with Riyadh Metro Card, journey 45-60 minutes to Al Ma'ather Station in central Riyadh. Trains run every 5-15 minutes 06:00-00:00. Alternative: Careem/Uber SAR 60-100 (~$16-27); airport taxis SAR 100-140. Riyadh Metro is one of the world's largest new metro systems + Saudi Vision 2030 flagship infrastructure.
Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line, opened 2024) stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RUH Airport Station | 0 min | Direct walkway from arrivals |
| Al Farwaniyah | ~15 min | Suburban Riyadh |
| Al Wurud | ~25 min | Business district |
| King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) | ~35 min | Financial hub interchange |
| Al Ma'ather (Central Riyadh) | 45 min | CBD + hotels + shopping |
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Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line, opened 2024) vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Yellow Line | SAR 4 | 45-60 min | Cheapest. Every 5-15 min 06:00-00:00. |
| Careem / Uber | SAR 60-100 | 35-55 min | App-based. Best for luggage/families. |
| Prepaid airport taxi | SAR 100-140 | 35-55 min | Counter inside arrivals. |
| Airport limousine (SAPTCO) | SAR 60-100 | 35-55 min | Fixed-rate premium option. |
| SAPTCO city bus | SAR 3-10 | 90-120 min | Cheapest but slow. |
FAQ
How to use Riyadh Metro from the airport?+
Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line) opened late 2024, connecting RUH to central Riyadh in 45-60 min. Buy Riyadh Metro Card at station kiosk (SAR 8 card + top-up). Or use Riyadh Metro Contactless (tap credit card/Apple Pay at gate). Fare: SAR 4 with card, SAR 6 without. Trains every 5-15 min 06:00-00:00. All 6 metro lines interchange at central Riyadh.
Careem vs Metro from Riyadh airport?+
Metro wins on cost dramatically (SAR 4 vs SAR 60-100). Careem wins on door-to-door + time (35-55 min vs Metro 45-60 min). For solo/couple to central Riyadh + Metro-station-adjacent hotels: Metro clear. For families or hotels outside Metro coverage: Careem. Note: Riyadh temperatures 45°C+ Jun-Sep — Metro fully AC + covered walkways vs waiting for Careem in heat.
Riyadh Metro coverage — what districts?+
6 lines totaling 176 km + 85 stations opened phased 2024-2025: Blue (Line 1) north-south spine, Red (Line 2) east-west, Orange (3) covers Al-Malaz, Yellow (4) airport line, Green (5) Historic District + Diplomatic Quarter, Purple (6) King Abdulaziz Road. Covers 80% of Riyadh business + tourism destinations.
Late-night RUH transport?+
Metro runs 06:00-00:00. After midnight: Careem/Uber 5-15 min wait, SAR 60-100. Airport taxi 24/7. Riyadh nightlife-friendly + safe overnight (Saudi Vision 2030 opened up entertainment). Some flights arrive 03:00 — Careem is standard choice.
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