Riyadh has recently introduced a new and improved bus service, which is now fully operational. The service, known as ‘Riyadh Bus’, was launched on March 19th and has already commenced its first phase, boasting an impressive fleet of over 350 buses that cover 15 different routes throughout the city.
To make things even more convenient, passengers can now book their tickets online, making the process of using the service even more seamless.
If you’re interested in utilizing this new and exciting service, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the ‘Riyadh Bus’ service?
The Royal Commission of Riyadh City has recently declared the commencement of the first phase of the ‘Riyadh Bus’ service on March 19. This initiative is a part of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project, which aims to establish a top-notch rapid transport network for Riyadh. The project includes the expansion of the ‘Riyadh Bus’ service and the creation of the ‘Riyadh Metro’.
Upon the successful completion of all five phases, the public bus network will span a total length of 1,900 km. Over 800 buses will operate through more than 2,900 stations and stops, providing a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for the residents of Riyadh. This project is a significant step towards enhancing the city’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Current bus routes in Riyadh
Here are the current bus routes of the public bus transportation plan:
- Transportation Centre – King Saud University (Route No. 7)
2. Al Batha – Dallah Driving School (Route No. 8)
3. Transportation Center – Northern Vegetable Market (Route No. 9)
4. Al Batha – Khalid Bin Alwaleed (Route No. 10)
5. King Abdulaziz – Salahuddin Al Ayubi (Route No. 11)
6. Al Batha – Tuwaiq (Route No. 16)
7. Al Batha – New Industrial City (Route No. 17)
8. Al Batha – Al-Masani (Route No. 160)
9. Qasr al-Hukm- Olaishah (Route No. 180)
10. As-Sulaimanyah – National Guard Hospital (Route No. 250)
11. Ar Rabi – Al Yarmuk (Route No. 342)
12. Hassan Bin Thabit – Al Khaleej (Route No. 540)
13. Transportation Center – Dirab (Route No. 660)
14. Transportation Center – Irqah (Route No. 680)
15. West Al-Uraija – Ar Rabi (Route No. 730)
To download a map of all the current bus routes in Riyadh, visit the website – riyadhbus.sa
Three ways to pay for a bus trip
You can pay for the bus fare through the following methods:
- A standard ticket
2. A ‘Darb’ bus card.
3. Tapping a digital or contactless credit or debit card on your smartphone on the bus reader
1. ‘Riyadh Bus’ fare cost and ticket prices
Standard ticket: Saudi Riyal 4 (Dh3.92).
A standard ticket is valid for two hours from the moment it is first scanned on the bus. This ticket also permits passengers to transfer to another bus within the same time frame.
To obtain a standard ticket, you may purchase it at a bus station or bus stop. Alternatively, you can opt for a digital ticket through the ‘Riyadh Bus’ smartphone application, which is accessible for both Apple and Android devices.
How to buy a digital bus ticket
To purchase a ticket for the Riyadh bus, simply follow these easy steps:
- Download the Riyadh Bus app from your app store.
- Once downloaded, tap on the ‘Tickets’ option located on the menu bar at the bottom of your mobile screen.
- Choose your preferred language, either Arabic or English.
- Click on the ‘Register’ button to create an account.
- Enter your full name, mobile number, and email address.
- Create a secure password and click ‘Register’.
- Pay for your ticket online using your debit or credit card.
- Your digital ticket will be saved on the app, and you must have an active internet connection when scanning it on the bus.
By following these simple steps, you can easily purchase your ticket for the Riyadh bus and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
2. ‘Darb’ bus card
“Darb” is a convenient and efficient prepaid rechargeable bus card that allows you to pay for your trips on the “Riyadh Bus”. This card is available in both physical and digital forms, with the digital version easily accessible through the “Riyadh Bus” app.
To purchase the “Darb” card, you have two options. Firstly, you can visit the ticket vending station located on Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street. Alternatively, you can use one of the ticket vending machines available at select bus stations and stops. If you’re unsure of the vending machine location closest to you, simply contact the Riyadh Bus call center on 1 99 33.
With “Darb”, you can enjoy a hassle-free and cashless experience when traveling on the “Riyadh Bus”. Say goodbye to the inconvenience of carrying cash and hello to the convenience of “Darb”.
Cost: Saudi Riyals 10 (Dh9.79)
To obtain a ‘Darb’ card, you have the option to pay with cash, credit, or debit card. After purchasing the card, you must add a balance ranging from Saudi Riyals 5 to Saudi Riyals 500. This balance will allow you to conveniently pay for transportation services throughout the city.
50 percent discount for special categories
“Riyadh Bus offers special discounts to certain categories of passengers, provided they possess a valid ‘Darb’ card. To obtain a ‘concession card’, the following documents are required:
- Children aged between six and 18 must present their National ID or Iqama.
- Students must provide their Student ID from a university based in Saudi Arabia.
- Elderly passengers must present their National ID or Iqama.
- People of Determination, along with their companion, must provide their Disability card, National ID or Iqama.
- Cancer patients must present an official medical report from the Ministry of Health.
- Families of martyrs must provide their National ID or Iqama, along with an official letter from the Ministry of Interior or Ministry of Defense, or a ‘Shahim’ card.
These requirements ensure that only eligible passengers can avail of the discounts offered by Riyadh Bus. We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for all our passengers, and these concessions are just one way we show our dedication to customer satisfaction.”