Riyadh’s metro system will now start operations at 5:30 AM daily, the city’s public transport authority announced on Friday, September 5. The earlier schedule aims to better accommodate students, employees, and other commuters who travel in the early hours.
The change comes after a noticeable rise in passenger demand and aligns with the capital’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and make daily travel across Riyadh more convenient.
Passenger numbers have been climbing steadily, and the authorities see this schedule change as a step toward encouraging residents to rely less on private cars and navigate the city more efficiently. Since its launch in December, the metro has transported over 100 million people while maintaining punctuality rates above 99%.
Among the six metro lines, the blue line along Olaya corridor is the busiest, carrying almost half of all riders. The red line on King Abdullah Road and the orange line along Medina Road are next, while the remaining lines together account for roughly 25% of trips.
The network is continuously expanding. In June, a new station opened on the Orange line, offering more options for travelers and further strengthening Riyadh’s growing metro system.
The metro is part of a wider transport network that includes buses, on-demand shuttles, and park-and-ride services, making it easier for residents to leave their cars at home and rely on public transport.
