Riyadh - Transport and districts (updated in July 2025)

 


Practical information and photos of Riyadh.

Map of Riyadh and surroundings


1. King Khalid International Airport; 2. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD); 3. Al Murooj and King Fahd Districts; 4. Al Olaya; 5. Al Batha; 6. Ad Dirah; 7. Al Aziziyah Transportation Center; 8. Diriyah; 9. Qasoor al-Maqbil; 10. Camel Trail; 11. Red Sand Dunes; 12. Edge of the World, Manjour Trail. 

Since this post was first published, major developments have taken place in Riyadh: most importantly, the metro network has been inaugurated, and six lines are now in service. This updated information, current as of 2025, has been added to the original post. The two most important lines are the Yellow and Blue. The first connects the international airport to KAFD, and from there the other covers all the main areas of interest in Riyadh, all the way to the Transportation Center in Al Aziziyah.

You can find detailed metro maps below. 

Maps of the Riyadh Metro 




Getting to Riyadh

From Europe, the WizzAir flights to Riyadh and other Saudi destinations are far the cheapest, sometimes as low as 50 Euros one way. But other regions, such as Central Asia and India, also offer cheap flights at around 100 Euros one way. Below is the Empty Quarter seen from my flight from Mumbai. 






Transport

In the past, getting from the airport to Riyadh center, you had no choice but to take a taxi of some sort. Today there is a metro line, but if you use taxis the best is to use Uber or similar local companies. The photos below capture two glimpses of the way to the center. 



Buses used to be a good option, quite frequent and comfortable, but now the metro is more convenient. For shorter distances buses still may come handy though. Entering the bus, you can pay - tap in - with a credit or debit card, the correct amount will be deducted.






Renting a car is a great idea if you plan to visit areas around Riyadh.


Shared taxis run between cities, they have more or less fixed prices (sometimes negotiable but sometimes not). You can usually find them near bus stations, as here in front of the Transportation Center (coach terminal) in Al Aziziyah. 


The Transportation Center (coach terminal) in Al Aziziyah


The almost completed metro station near the Transportation Center (coach terminal) in Al Aziziyah in 2024. 



You also find long distance buses in Al Batha, although most of them either to Mecca (Muslims only) or Medinah (OK to visit). 



KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District) 

It is Riyadh’s flagship business and financial hub, featuring striking modern architecture, high-rise towers, and a growing cluster of banks, corporations, and luxury amenities. It was still partly under construction in early 2024. 




Al Murooj and King Fahd Districts

Al Murooj is a mixed-use neighborhood, known for its quiet streets and proximity to major roads, while King Fahd District is a more densely built urban area with a mix of residential, commercial, and government buildings.























Al Olaya

It is a central business and commercial district in Riyadh, known for its skyscrapers, hotels, shopping malls, and vibrant urban atmosphere. Al Olaya is also home to the iconic Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah Tower, both featuring observation decks with panoramic views of the city. 








































Al Batha

It is one of Riyadh’s oldest and busiest districts, known for its large population of migrant workers and its vibrant ethnic markets and restaurants, especially those catering to South Asian and Southeast Asian communities. 
















Ad Dirah

It is a historic district in central Riyadh, home to Al-Masmak Fortress, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, and the adjacent public square known for official executions, surrounded by many traditional adobe buildings in varying states of preservation.








































Diriyah

It is a UNESCO-listed historic district, known as the birthplace of the Saudi state, featuring a beautifully restored open-air museum in At-Turaif and a growing collection of elegant cafés and cultural spaces along its scenic walkways.


















Dinner

A hearty Lebanese-style feast shared with friends from Saudi Arabia, China, and Taiwan.




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