The Riyadh Metro has become a daily transport lifeline for residents and visitors across the capital. With six lines, 85 stations, and a fully integrated bus network, knowing the exact Riyadh metro operating hours is essential for planning your commute.
On September 5, 2025, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced an update to the official metro schedule. These changes made the service more convenient, especially in the early morning and on Fridays.
This complete guide covers: Riyadh metro timing after the 2025 update, Friday and Saturday schedule, Riyadh metro Ramadan timing, Riyadh bus operating hours, Peak hours and how to avoid crowds. and How the Darb app helps you track trains live.
Riyadh Metro Operating Hours (After September 2025 Update)
The updated schedule gives passengers more flexibility, especially in the morning.
Saturday to Thursday
Opening time: 5:30 AM
Closing time: 12:00 Midnight
Friday
Opening time: 10:00 AM
Closing time: 12:00 Midnight
This is a major improvement from the old schedule when Friday service used to start in the afternoon.
If you are searching for “Riyadh metro opening time” or “Riyadh metro closing time”, these are the current official hours.
Riyadh Bus Operating Hours
The bus network complements the metro and connects areas not directly served by train stations.
Daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight
Over 840 buses
Around 80 routes
More than 2,900 bus stops
Most major bus routes are directly linked to metro stations for smooth transfers.
If you miss the early metro, buses start earlier and can get you to the nearest station.
Old Riyadh Metro Timing (Before September 2025)
Before the update, the schedule was less convenient:
Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
The key improvements now are:
Opening 30 minutes earlier (5:30 AM)
Friday opening moved from 2:00 PM to 10:00 AM.
Riyadh Metro Ramadang Timing 2026
During Ramadan, metro hours are extended to match prayer, shopping, and night activities.
During Ramadan 2026, Riyadh Public Transport has announced adjusted operating hours to better serve passengers throughout the holy month. The updated schedule covers Riyadh Metro (Riyadh Train), regular city buses, and on-demand bus services.
The Riyadh Metro operates from Sunday to Thursday starting at 8:00 AM until 2:30 AM. On Fridays, services begin at 11:00 AM and continue until 3:00 AM, while on Saturdays, operations run from 11:00 AM to 2:30 AM. These extended evening hours aim to accommodate increased nighttime mobility during Ramadan.
Regular Riyadh Buses operate daily from 6:30 AM until 3:00 AM. Meanwhile, On-Demand Bus Services run from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30 AM and 3:00 AM, on Fridays from 10:30 AM to 3:30 AM, and on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 3:00 AM.
Ramadan 2026 Operating Hours – Riyadh Public Transport
| Service | Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh Metro | Sunday – Thursday | 8:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 2:30 AM | |
| Riyadh Buses | Daily | 6:30 AM – 3:00 AM |
| On-Demand Buses | Sunday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 3:30 AM | |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 3:00 AM |
These extended hours make it easier for:
Worshippers going to mosques
Families going out after Iftar
Employees with evening shifts
Searches for “Riyadh metro Ramadan timing” peak every year, and this schedule is consistent during the holy month.
Riyadh Metro Eid Timing 2026
If you’re planning to get around during the holiday using the Riyadh Public Transport network, it’s important to know that operating hours vary slightly between the metro, buses, and on-demand services. Understanding these differences will help you plan your trips smoothly and avoid delays—especially during peak holiday times.
| Service | Period | Dates | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Metro (Riyadh Train) | Eid Holiday | March 20 – 23 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight |
| 🚌 Riyadh Buses | March 20 Only | March 20 | 6:30 AM – 12:00 Midnight |
| 🚌 Riyadh Buses | باقي الأيام | March 21 – 23 | 5:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight |
| 🚐 On-Demand Buses | Eid Holiday | March 20 – 23 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM (after midnight) |
Quick Tips:
- The metro starts later than buses, so early trips are better by bus.
- On-demand buses are your best option for late-night returns since they run past midnight.
Peak Hours in Riyadh Metro
Like any metro system, there are busy periods known as peak hours.
Morning Peak
6:30 AM – 9:00 AM
School and work commuters.
Evening Peak
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
People returning home.
Weekends (Friday & Saturday)
Crowds are lighter but increase:
After Friday prayer
In the evening for shopping and outings.
How to Avoid Crowds
Travel one hour before peak times
Use the Darb app to track live train arrivals
Buy tickets in advance
Travel during mid-day if your schedule allows
Darb App – Your Smart Travel Assistant
The Darb app is essential for metro users in Riyadh. It allows you to:
See live train timings
Track trains on the map
Buy tickets electronically
Receive delay notifications
Use Arabic and English interface (iOS & Android)
Many commuters rely on it daily to plan trips efficiently.
Summary Table of Riyadh Metro and Bus Timings
| Day | Metro Opening | Metro Closing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday – Thursday | 5:30 AM | 12:00 Midnight | Peak: 6:30–9:00 AM / 4:30–7:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM | 12:00 Midnight | Peak after Friday prayer & evening |
| Ramadan (Weekdays) | 8:00 AM | 2:00 AM | Extended after Iftar |
| Buses (Daily) | 5:00 AM | 12:00 Midnight | Connect to metro stations |
Why Knowing Riyadh Metro Timing Matters
Riyadh traffic is famous for long delays during rush hours. The metro helps you avoid that — but only if you know the correct schedule.
A trip that used to take 90 minutes by car can now take 30 minutes by metro, as long as you plan according to the operating hours.
FAQs About Riyadh Metro Timing
What time does Riyadh metro open?
5:30 AM from Saturday to Thursday, and 10:00 AM on Friday.
What time does Riyadh metro close?
12:00 Midnight daily.
Do buses run at the same time as the metro?
Buses start earlier at 5:00 AM daily.
Is the metro timing different in Ramadan?
Yes, service extends until 2:00–3:00 AM.
Is Darb card expensive?
The Darb card costs only 10 SAR and can be purchased at stations or through the app.
Do children ride free?
Yes, children under 6 years old ride for free.
The updated Riyadh metro operating hours make commuting easier than ever. With earlier openings, better Friday timing, extended Ramadan hours, and an integrated bus network, public transport in Riyadh is now practical, reliable, and comfortable.
Before you travel, always check the Darb app for the latest updates and live timings.