Darb Card Riyadh: Price, Passes, Top-Up and Balance Check
One card, total freedom. Discover how the Darb Card unifies Riyadh Metro and Bus travel, from purchasing your first pass to mastering the mobile app.
The Darb card is the travel card for Riyadh's public transport. One card works at all 85 stations of the Riyadh Metro and on the Riyadh Bus network.
In short: the card costs SAR 10 and lasts 5 years. A 2-hour pass is SAR 4 and covers any Metro and bus trips in those 2 hours, including changes. A 30-day pass is SAR 140. You buy and top up at station ticket machines and offices, or buy tickets in the Darb app.
What is the Darb Card?
The Darb card is a contactless card you tap at the Metro gates and on the bus validators. It holds either credit or a pass, works on both the Metro and buses, and lasts 5 years.
How to Buy Riyadh Bus Card & Metro Pass
Getting your card is straightforward, with multiple purchase points available across the city.
Where to Purchase
- Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): at Metro stations.
- Ticket Sales Offices: Manned counters at stations for personalized assistance.
Purchase Process
- Visit any TVM or station counter.
- Select "Buy New Card."
- Pay the SAR 10 one-time card fee.
- Add credit (from SAR 5) or buy a pass.
- Receive your physical card instantly.
Darb Card Pricing and Passes
Commuters can choose between "Pay-As-You-Go" wallet balance or specific time-based passes. To see which is cheapest for your trip, use the Riyadh Metro and bus fare calculator.
Standard Class Fares
| Pass Type | Price (SAR) | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Hour Pass | 4 | 2 Hours | Quick trips |
| 3-Day Pass | 20 | 3 Days | Short visits |
| 7-Day Pass | 40 | 7 Days | Weekly commuting |
| 30-Day Pass | 140 | 30 Days | Daily commuters |
Is the monthly pass worth it? A return trip on 2-hour tickets costs SAR 8. If you travel on more than about 17 days a month, the SAR 140 Darb monthly pass is cheaper.
First Class & Discounts
| First Class pass | Price (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 2-Hour | 10 |
| 3-Day | 50 |
| 7-Day | 100 |
| 30-Day | 350 |
First Class gives you the First Class car on the Metro. A seat isn't guaranteed at peak times.
- Half price: students, people over 60 and people with disabilities get 50% off passes. Proof of eligibility is needed.
- Children: young children travel free. Sources give different age limits, so ask at the ticket office.
The darb app
The darb app, published by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City in English and Arabic, is the official app for the Riyadh Metro and buses (App Store; Google Play). Its listing says you can use it to:
- plan a trip by Metro and bus, from a typed address, a station or a saved favourite
- buy a 2-hour, 24-hour, 7-day or 1-month pass on your phone, instead of a physical card
- follow buses on a map with live arrival times
- book Bus on Demand, which is free with a Metro or bus ticket
- see your past purchases and trips
Reviewers describe showing a QR ticket from the app at the station gates. The App Store page lists Apple Wallet support, so iPhone users can keep passes in Wallet; the listing doesn't explain the steps. The app's description doesn't mention checking a physical card's balance.
How to Check Riyadh Bus Card Balance
Knowing your balance prevents delays at the gate. Here are three ways to perform a riyadh bus card balance check:
Tap your card on any station ticket machine to see its credit and passes, or ask at a station ticket office. The darb app shows the tickets you bought in the app, but not the balance of a physical card.
Topping Up Your Card
Currently, top-ups must be done physically.
- Machines (TVMs): Insert your card and pay via Cash, Debit/Credit Card, Apple Pay, or Mada Pay.
- Ticket Offices: Staff can top up your card manually.
Can I recharge my Darb card online? The reliable way to top up a physical card is a ticket machine or ticket office. If you'd rather pay on your phone, buy a digital ticket in the Darb app instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Darb card?
SAR 10 for the card, which lasts 5 years. Then add credit or a pass. The cheapest ticket is a 2-hour pass for SAR 4.
How much is the Darb monthly pass?
SAR 140 for 30 days in Standard class, or SAR 350 in First Class.
What happens if I lose my Darb Card?
Contact Riyadh public transport customer service on 19933. Bring your receipt or registration details if you have them.
Is the card valid for 24 hours?
The card itself is valid for 5 years. A 2-hour pass is valid for 2 hours from the first tap, and multi-day passes count consecutive days. Fares can change, so check the Darb app or call 19933 for the latest prices.
Next steps
For your first trip, buy a card and a 2-hour pass at any station machine. If you'll ride most days, switch to the 30-day pass. Plan your route with the Riyadh Metro lines and stations guide or find the stops near you.
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