Route 17: Al Batha to Industrial City

Why, Where, How

Route 17 is the workhorse route serving Riyadh's manufacturing and industrial heartland. Stretching 15 kilometers from downtown Al Batha to Industrial City—the sprawling hub of factories, cement production, and manufacturing facilities—this route is essential for factory workers, shift employees, and industrial sector commuters. Purchase a SAR 4 standard two-hour pass via the Darb app or station machines. Frequency is excellent: every 10 minutes on weekdays, 14 minutes Friday mornings, and 7 minutes Friday evenings, reflecting the route's heavy industrial demand. Operating hours: 5:30 AM–11:30 PM daily.

Journey Experience & Landmarks

Route 17 is an industrial-sector backbone connecting downtown Riyadh to manufacturing zones. The 7-stop journey includes:

• Riyadh Water Tower (iconic water infrastructure landmark)
• Al Kharj (commercial center)
• Yamama Saudi Cement Factory (major industrial employer)
• Convalescent Hospital (healthcare facility)
• Saudi Cables (manufacturing hub)
• Ibn Sulaiman Commercial Center (retail/business complex)
• Finally Industrial City—home to dozens of manufacturing and cement plants

The total journey averages 25 minutes and passes through increasingly industrial terrain, transitioning from urban commercial (downtown) to manufacturing zones. The route's character reflects Riyadh's industrial foundation; passengers are predominantly factory workers and shift employees. Visual cue: the distinctive Yamama Saudi Cement Factory signage marks the route's transition into the industrial heartland.

The "Local Scoop"

Route 17 buses maintain full air-conditioning—critical for workers handling demanding manufacturing jobs in extreme heat. The route serves a working-class, diverse demographic (Saudi nationals and migrant workers dominate), reflecting the industrial sector's employment patterns. Seating is pragmatic and egalitarian; the route's culture prioritizes functionality over formality. During Ramadan, many industrial workers fast despite physical demands; non-fasting travelers should avoid eating in their presence out of respect for fasting colleagues. Peak crowding is intense during 6–7 AM (factory start shifts) and 3–4 PM (afternoon shift changes), with additional surges during evening (5–6 PM) returns. Midday travel (10 AM–2 PM) offers more comfortable seating. The route is absolutely reliable for shift workers dependent on punctual factory access.

Integration & Comparisons

Route 17 connects at Al Batha to all other bus routes (7, 8, 9, 10, 16) and Riyadh Metro services, enabling workers with multiple employer sites to plan complex commutes. The route's endpoint at Industrial City represents Riyadh's manufacturing sector and economic foundation. A taxi from Al Batha to Industrial City costs approximately 60–90 SAR and takes 40–50 minutes through congestion; Route 17 at SAR 4 saves 95% while providing guaranteed 25-minute access regardless of traffic. For factory workers making daily commutes, a 30-day pass (SAR 140) is the most economical option, covering unlimited trips. The route is invaluable for industrial sector employees and represents the backbone of Riyadh's working-class commute infrastructure. Download the Darb app for real-time tracking and shift-planning integration.