Your Guide to the Bus System in Riyadh

With the increasingly rapid expansion of Riyadh, efficient public transportation has become a necessity for people. In 2024, the bus network in Riyadh sprawls all over the city, allowing easy and cheap travel for residents and visitors alike.

This article provides a detailed guide regarding the bus routes in Riyadh, as well as key tips on how to navigate the system, such as timings, the fare system, and available amenities.

Overview of Riyadh’s Bus Network

Riyadh’s impressive bus network is part of the Riyadh Public Transport Project (RPTP), which aims to improve urban mobility. The network consists of 35 key routes covering the city’s major areas and connecting residential areas to commercial districts and popular landmarks.

The bus system, operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) and the development authority, is designed to be safe, efficient, and reliable.

Key Bus Routes in Riyadh

Here are Riyadh’s 35 main bus routes, including their key stops, frequency, and operating hours.

1. Route 1A: Al Malaz – Al Batha

Key Stops: Al Malaz, King Saud Medical City, Al Batha.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

2. Route 2B: Al Olaya – King Fahd Medical City

Key Stops: Al Olaya, Kingdom Tower, King Fahd Medical City.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

3. Route 3C: Al Rawdah – Al Diriyah

Key Stops: Al Rawdah, Granada Mall, Al Diriyah.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

4. Route 4D: Al Nassim – Al Hayer

Key Stops: Al Nassim, Al Rajhi Mosque, Al Hayer.
Frequency: Every 45 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

5. Route 5E: Al Murabba – Al Sahafa

Key Stops: Al Murabba, National Museum, Al Sahafa.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

6. Route 6F: Al Shifa – Al Wadi

Key Stops: Al Shifa, Al Qasr Mall, Al Wadi.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

7. Route 7A: Olaya – King Saud University

Key Stops: Olaya Street, King Abdullah Financial District, King Saud University.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

8. Route 8B: Malaz – Diplomatic Quarter

Key Stops: Malaz District, Riyadh Zoo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Quarter.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

9. Route 9G: Al Yarmouk – Riyadh Gallery

Key Stops: Al Yarmouk, Al Nakheel Mall, Riyadh Gallery.
Frequency: Every 25 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

10. Route 10C: Al Batha – King Fahd Stadium

Key Stops: Al Batha, Riyadh Rail Station, Granada Mall, King Fahd Stadium.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

11. Route 11D: King Khalid International Airport – Al Faisaliyah

Key Stops: King Khalid International Airport, Al Nakheel Mall, Al Faisaliyah Center.
Frequency: Every 45 minutes.
Operating Hours: 24/7 service.

12. Route 12H: Al Sulay – Al Nakheel

Key Stops: Al Sulay, Eastern Ring Road, Al Nakheel.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

13. Route 13I: Al Nahda – Riyadh Zoo

Key Stops: Al Nahda, Al Nahda Park, Riyadh Zoo.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

14. Route 14J: Al Murabba – Al Manar

Key Stops: Al Murabba, Al Manar Park, Al Manar.
Frequency: Every 35 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

15. Route 15E: Diriyah – King Abdulaziz Historical Center

Key Stops: Diriyah, Riyadh Park, National Museum, King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Frequency: Every hour.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

16. Route 16K: Al Aziziyah – Al Thumamah

Key Stops: Al Aziziyah, Al Thumamah Road, Al Thumamah.
Frequency: Every 25 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

17. Route 17L: Al Hamra – King Khalid University Hospital

Key Stops: Al Hamra, King Khalid University Hospital.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

18. Route 18M: Al Sahafa – Al Qiddiya

Key Stops: Al Sahafa, Riyadh Park, Al Qiddiya.
Frequency: Every 45 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

19. Route 19N: Al Aqiq – King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

Key Stops: Al Aqiq, Riyadh Techno Valley, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

20. Route 20O: Al Manar – King Abdullah Park

Key Stops: Al Manar, Riyadh Zoo, King Abdullah Park.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

21. Route 21P: Al Qasr – King Saud Medical City

Key Stops: Al Qasr, Al Murabba, King Saud Medical City.
Frequency: Every 25 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

22. Route 22Q: Al Rimal – Al Sahafa

Key Stops: Al Rimal, Granada Mall, Al Sahafa.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

23. Route 23R: Al Malaz – King Khalid International Airport

Key Stops: Al Malaz, Riyadh Zoo, King Khalid International Airport.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM.

24. Route 24S: Al Rimal – Al Faisaliyah

Key Stops: Al Rimal, Eastern Ring Road, Al Faisaliyah Center.
Frequency: Every 35 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

25. Route 25T: Al Rawdah – King Saud Medical City

Key Stops: Al Rawdah, Riyadh Zoo, King Saud Medical City.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

26. Route 26U: Al Naseem – Diplomatic Quarter

Key Stops: Al Naseem, Al Nakheel Mall, Diplomatic Quarter.
Frequency: Every 40 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

27. Route 27V: Al Aqiq – King Abdullah Financial District

Key Stops: Al Aqiq, Al Faisaliyah Center, King Abdullah Financial District.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

28. Route 28W: Al Murabba – King Fahd Stadium

Key Stops: Al Murabba, Riyadh Park, King Fahd Stadium.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

29. Route 29X: Al Malaz – Al Murabba

Key Stops: Al Malaz, National Museum, Al Murabba.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

30. Route 30Y: Al Sahafa – Al Wadi

Key Stops: Al Sahafa, Al Nakheel Mall, Al Wadi.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

31. Route 31Z: Al Olaya – Al Sulay

Key Stops: Al Olaya, Kingdom Tower, Al Sulay.
Frequency: Every 25 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

32. Route 32A: Al Shifa – King Saud Medical City

Key Stops: Al Shifa, Al Qasr Mall, King Saud Medical City.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

33. Route 33B: Al Malaz – Al Wadi

Key Stops: Al Malaz, Al Rajhi Mosque, Al Wadi.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

34. Route 34C: Al Aqiq – Al Sahafa

Key Stops: Al Aqiq, Al Faisaliyah Center, Al Sahafa.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

35. Route 35D: Al Batha – King Abdulaziz Historical Center

Key Stops: Al Batha, Riyadh Rail Station, King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Bus Timings and Frequency

The bus timings in Riyadh are designed with the needs of commuters in peak and off-peak hours in mind. Peak hours typically see buses running every 10-20 minutes, while the latter has buses 30-60 minutes.

In order to avoid complications or delays, it’s a good idea to check the SAPTCO website or mobile app for the most recent schedules.

Ticketing and Fare System

The bus service uses a unified fare system, allowing passengers to travel multiple routes without having to purchase tickets for each one. The tickets can be bought at stations, vending machines, and the mobile app, making it highly convenient, especially for commuters on the go.

Moreover, the tickets are highly affordable, and there are daily, weekly, and monthly passes to avoid hassle and save money.

Ticket Prices:

Single Journey: SAR 3
Daily Pass: SAR 10
Weekly Pass: SAR 50
Monthly Pass: SAR 150

Accessibility and Amenities

The buses are equipped with all the latest amenities to ensure comfort during the ride. They have air conditioning, priority seating (for the elderly and differently-abled), and free Wi-Fi. Moreover, most buses also have ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.

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