Route 10: Al Batha to Al Rawdah District

Why, Where, How

Route 10 serves residents, students, and recreational visitors accessing the Al Rawdah District—a established neighborhood offering parks, schools, and family-oriented amenities. Running approximately 12 kilometers from downtown Al Batha, this route is ideal for families heading to weekend outings, students commuting to educational institutions, and residents balancing work and home. Purchase a SAR 4 standard two-hour pass via the Darb app or station machines. Frequency varies by day: every 20 minutes on weekdays, 40 minutes Friday mornings, and 20 minutes Friday evenings—plan accordingly using the Darb app for live scheduling.

Journey Experience & Landmarks

Route 10 is a balanced residential-recreational route reflecting Riyadh's growth into family-centric neighborhoods. Key stops include:

• Central Post (central services hub)
• King Faisal bin Fahd Stadium (sports and recreation venue)
• The beloved Riyadh Zoo (major family attraction with native and exotic animals)
• Ministry of the National Guard (government complex)
• Labour Office (employment services)
• King Abdulaziz Public Library (cultural and educational resource)
• Royal Saudi Air Forces installation
• Security Forces Hospital

This 7-stop journey averages 25–30 minutes and passes through increasingly residential zones. The route's character shifts from administrative (downtown) to recreational (zoo area) to residential (Al Rawdah proper). Visual cue: the Riyadh Zoo's distinctive wildlife signage appears roughly midway through the route, marking the transition toward recreation-oriented stops.

The "Local Scoop"

Route 10 buses feature full air-conditioning—critical during Riyadh's extreme summers. The route attracts families, students, and older adults; seating dynamics reflect this mix—family-friendly and respectful. While some buses maintain traditional gender-segregated sections, the route is increasingly relaxed about seating arrangements, particularly during off-peak hours. During Ramadan, respect fasting passengers and families by avoiding food or beverages during daylight hours. Peak crowding occurs 7–8:30 AM (students heading to school) and 4–5:30 PM (family returns and school pickups). Weekend midday travel (10 AM–1 PM) is ideal for families visiting the zoo or parks without rush-hour crowds. The route provides excellent access to family-oriented attractions.

Integration & Comparisons

Route 10 connects at Al Batha to all other routes (7, 8, 9, 16, 17) and Riyadh Metro access. The route offers direct access to recreational and educational amenities unavailable through other services. A taxi from Al Batha to Al Rawdah District costs approximately 40–60 SAR and takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic; Route 10 at SAR 4 saves 93% while providing guaranteed comfort. For families making weekend trips, a 3-day pass (SAR 20) covers multiple outings. The route is particularly valuable for tourists interested in Riyadh's recreational infrastructure (zoo, parks, library). Download the Darb app for real-time bus tracking and integration with metro connections for comprehensive city access.