The world’s longest driverless metro is now operational in Riyadh! 85 stations, modern trains and impressive architecture
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has entered a new era of public transport with the opening of a new automated metro, the world’s longest driverless metro. The grandiose project, which cost over $22 billion, was inaugurated in December 2024 and includes six lines with a total length of 176 kilometers, connecting the most important points of the city, from King Khalid International Airport to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
The Riyadh Metro has 85 stations, some of which have already become tourist attractions thanks to their architecture. One of the most prominent is “Qasr Al Hokm”, designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. This gigantic station, with seven underground floors, 17 elevators, 46 escalators and a curved steel dome that mirrors the exterior, also offers space for shops, art exhibitions and an indoor garden.
Equally impressive is the King Abdullah Financial District station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, with its undulating facade inspired by the shapes of the desert. The STC station, designed by German architects Gerber Architekten, takes inspiration from the formations of the Tuwaiq mountains, while the Western Station in Al Sweedi was created by Saudi firm Omrania.
The trains are modern, equipped with braking systems that regenerate energy, and the stations use solar panels, giving the project a strong dimension of sustainability. Tickets are affordable: a two-hour journey costs just 4 Saudi riyals (about $1), while a monthly subscription costs 140 riyals ($37).
The trains are divided into sections: single men’s carriages, family carriages, and a first-class section for VIP passengers. Inside, cleanliness is absolute; eating and drinking are prohibited, and the seats feature motifs inspired by Riyadh’s traditional architecture. Trains run every four minutes during peak hours, and while space is plentiful, passengers often have to stand due to high demand.
Some stations, such as Qasr Al Hokm, have now become tourist destinations in their own right. Residents often recommend that visitors not miss the chance to see these “architectural gems,” alongside popular attractions like the Sky Bridge and Boulevard World. Just six months after opening, the metro has exceeded expectations, carrying over 100 million passengers. However, traffic in the city remains congested, a challenge that has more to do with Riyadh’s urban planning than with the operation of the metro. Saudi authorities already have plans for a seventh line, which will connect Qiddiya Entertainment City, Diriyah Gate and King Abdullah International Gardens.
The Riyadh Metro is now considered not only a transportation project, but also a cultural and tourist attraction that has begun to change the identity of the Saudi capital.