Route 8: Al Batha to Dallah Driving School

Why, Where, How

Route 8 primarily serves students enrolling in Saudi Arabia's most prestigious driving school, plus office workers commuting to the thriving King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) corridor. Stretching approximately 12 kilometers, this route connects downtown Al Batha with the modern facilities at Dallah Driving School, passing through upscale commercial and medical zones. Secure a SAR 4 standard two-hour pass via the Darb app, station machines, or ticket offices. Weekend frequency is higher; use the Darb app to check Friday schedules (slightly fewer buses during morning prayers).

Journey Experience & Landmarks

Route 8 is a mixed commercial-institutional route reflecting Riyadh's evolution. Highlights include:

• Civil Affairs (downtown administrative hub)
• The prestigious King Faisal Specialist Hospital (tertiary care center)
• The vibrant Euromarch Markets (upscale shopping destination)
• The iconic King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) with its distinctive Zaha Hadid-designed central hub
• Finally the modern Dallah Driving School campus

This 7-stop journey takes approximately 35 minutes and passes through increasingly modern architecture zones, transitioning from historic downtown to cutting-edge financial districts. Journey time: 30–35 minutes. Morning (7–9 AM) and evening (4–6 PM) peaks reflect both school and office traffic. Visual cue: the KAFD's unmistakable curved architectural silhouette signals the final stretch toward Dallah.

The "Local Scoop"

Route 8 buses offer full air-conditioning—critical for the long commute, especially during Riyadh's scorching summers when buses function as moving cooling centers. The route serves a younger, more diverse demographic (students, young professionals, expats), resulting in a more relaxed social atmosphere than older routes. While gender-segregated seating sections exist, enforcement is minimal; seating is generally first-come, first-served. During Ramadan, respect fasting passengers by avoiding food or beverages during daylight hours. Peak crowding: 7:30–8:30 AM (school enrollment rushes and office starts) and 5:00–6:30 PM (returns). Midday travel (noon–2 PM) is significantly less crowded. The route's route through upscale neighborhoods makes it comfortable for international residents.

Integration & Comparisons

Route 8 connects seamlessly at Al Batha station to all other routes (7, 9, 10, 16, 17) and to the Riyadh Metro network, enabling complex multi-modal journeys across the city. KAFD serves as a critical interchange for banking, finance, and retail activities. A taxi from Al Batha to Dallah Driving School costs 70–100 SAR and takes 45–50 minutes depending on traffic; Route 8 at SAR 4 saves 95% while providing a guaranteed, air-conditioned journey. For students enrolling at Dallah, purchasing a 7-day pass (SAR 40) covers multiple enrollment visits. Use the Darb app for live bus tracking and route integration across all metro and bus services.