Public Transportation

Riyadh Metro

The Riyadh Metro is the backbone of the city’s transit, featuring six lines and 85 stations. It is a highly efficient way to avoid traffic during peak hours.

• The “darb” App: Attendees should download the darb (درب) app. It is the official tool for trip planning, viewing live train locations, and purchasing QR-code tickets.
• Key Lines:
  • Yellow Line (Line 4): Connects Terminals 1–4 at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) directly to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
  • Blue Line (Line 1): Runs North-South along Olaya and Batha streets, connecting many major hotels and business hubs.
• Operating Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 5:30 AM to 12:00 Midnight.
  • Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight.

Riyadh Bus & Bus on Demand

• Network: The bus system covers the entire city with over 800 buses. Routes are integrated into the darb app for seamless transfers from the Metro.
• Bus on Demand: A “First and Last Mile” service available via the darb app. It allows users to request a shared ride from their doorstep to the nearest Metro or Bus station (often free with a valid transit ticket).

Ride-Hailing & Taxis

Uber & Careem

• Uber: Extremely reliable and widely available throughout Riyadh.
• Careem: The most popular local alternative (owned by Uber but operates independently). It often offers specific “Work” or “Hala Taxi” options.
• Other Options: Kaiian and Bolt are also widely used and sometimes offer more competitive pricing for local trips.

Green Taxis

• Public metered taxis (distinguished by their bright green color) can be hailed on the street or found at designated ranks near malls and hotels. Ensure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the trip.

Car Rental

Yelo Rent a Car (Formerly Al-Wefaq)

Yelo is one of the most prominent rental services in Saudi Arabia with a massive fleet.

• Airport Presence: Yelo has 24/7 branches at King Khalid International Airport (Terminals 1-2 and 3-4).
• City Branches: Dozens of locations are spread across Riyadh (e.g., Al Yasmin, Al Aqiq, and Al Olaya), making it easy to pick up or drop off vehicles.
• Booking: Can be done via the Yelo App or website. International attendees will need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and their passport.

Pro-Tips for Attendees

• Traffic Management: Riyadh traffic can be heavy between 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM. We recommend using the Metro for cross-city travel during these times.
• Walking Zones: Areas like KAFD, U-Walk, and The Boulevard are highly pedestrian-friendly. For other areas, ride-hailing is the standard.
• Payment: All public transport and ride-hailing services are 100% cashless. Most accept Apple Pay, Visa, MasterMada, and major credit cards.