Riyadh Metro is a moving gallery of architecture, culture, and innovation. Every station is a story in itself, merging Saudi Arabia’s heritage with cutting-edge design. Together, they represent Riyadh’s transformation into a global capital that respects its past while embracing the future.
The metro system spans 176 kilometers with six lines and 85 stations, making it the longest fully driverless metro network in the world. Opened in phases starting in December 2024, it is designed to carry up to 3.6 million passengers daily, significantly reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and connecting neighborhoods, landmarks, and business hubs.
1. KAFD Station: The Lattice Gateway to the Future
Design and Inspiration
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the King Abdullah Financial District Station covers 8,150 m² and serves Lines 1, 4, and 6. Its lattice façade is inspired by the rippling forms of desert dunes and the intricate geometry of mashrabiya screens. As daylight shifts, shadows dance across the walls, creating a dynamic visual experience.
Connectivity and Features
The station is a major interchange with six tracks spread across multiple levels, linking metro lines, buses, and a future monorail. It has achieved LEED Gold certification, blending sustainability with bold design.
Unique Journey Element
Walking through KAFD feels like stepping into a living sculpture. The interplay of curves, light, and shadow gives passengers a sense of movement even when standing still, turning a routine commute into an artful experience.
2. Qasr Al-Hokm Station: Where Heritage Meets Modernity
Location and Cultural Context
Located in the heart of Riyadh’s historic center, Qasr Al-Hokm Station by Snøhetta connects travelers to Al-Masmak Fortress, Souq Al Zal, and other heritage landmarks.
Architectural Highlights
This 20,000 m² station reaches 40 m underground and spans eight underground levels, crowned by a 70 m-diameter stainless-steel inverted cone roof. Inside, a glass-enclosed garden creates a calming space while reflecting surrounding heritage architecture.
Unique Journey Element
Descending into Qasr Al-Hokm is like traveling back in time. As passengers move deeper underground, the design shifts from sleek modern finishes to heritage-inspired textures, mirroring the layers of the city’s history.
3. King Khalid International Airport Station: The Grand Gateway
📍King Khalid International Airport Station
Strategic Role
Serving the Yellow Line (Line 4), this station connects King Khalid International Airport to downtown Riyadh in under 30 minutes.
Passenger Experience
The design prioritizes travelers’ needs with spacious platforms, easy luggage access, and clear bilingual signage. Natural light streams in, creating a warm welcome for international visitors.
Unique Journey Element
For arriving passengers, the journey begins the moment they board the metro. Within minutes, they transition from the calm of the airport to the vibrant pulse of the city, a seamless introduction to Riyadh’s energy.
Yes, it does. The Riyadh Metro Line 3 (Orange Line) and Line 4 (Yellow Line) both provide direct and efficient connections to King Khalid International Airport (KKIA).
4. Riyadh Al Olaya (STC) Station: The Urban Hub
Design Concept
Designed by Gerber Architekten, this central station sits at the intersection of Lines 1 and 2, making it one of the busiest interchanges in the network. Above ground, its sleek, modern entrance integrates with Riyadh’s commercial core.
Functionality and Community Space
Natural light fills the concourses, while intuitive wayfinding ensures stress-free navigation. Surrounded by shopping, dining, and business centers, it serves as a true urban hub.
Unique Journey Element
Arriving here immerses passengers in the heart of Riyadh’s commercial life, with easy access to the city’s skyline views and its vibrant day-to-night energy.
5. Riyadh National Museum Station: The Cultural Connector
Cultural Significance
Located near the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, this station offers direct access to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, one of the Kingdom’s most important cultural landmarks.
Architectural Highlights
The station’s design draws inspiration from the museum’s modernist façade and the textures of Najdi architecture. Interiors use warm tones and natural materials to create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors exploring Riyadh’s cultural heart.
Unique Journey Element
Stepping out of National Museum Station places passengers within minutes of world-class exhibitions, heritage parks, and cultural institutions, making every commute an opportunity for discovery.
A Metro That Moves More Than People
The Riyadh Metro is a cultural connector, an architectural showcase, and a symbol of transformation. Each station offers its own story and atmosphere, turning everyday travel into a journey through the city’s identity.
It’s a system that encourages exploration, builds pride in the city, and shows the world that Riyadh is a capital in motion, confident, connected, and full of character.
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