The Darb Card Guide: One Pass for Riyadh Metro & Bus
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.
By Rifat Hossain
The Darb Card Guide: One Pass for Metro & Bus
Navigating Riyadh's massive new transport network is incredibly simple thanks to one essential tool: the Darb Card. As the city's unified smart payment system, this single card grants you access to all 85 stations of the Riyadh Metro and over 80 routes on the Riyadh Bus network. Whether you are commuting to KAFD or exploring historic Al Batha, the Darb Card is your key to the city.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the riyadh metro card, from purchase and pricing to using the Darb App for digital ticketing.
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What is the Darb Card?
The Darb Card is an NFC-enabled contactless smart card designed for seamless travel across Riyadh. It supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal of creating a smart, sustainable city by reducing paper waste and car dependency.
Key Advantages:
- Unified Access: Works on both Metro and Bus systems.
- Long Validity: One-time purchase lasts for 5 years.
- Cost-Effective: Save money with weekly or monthly passes.
- Fast Entry: Tap-and-go access at all gates.
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): Located at all 85 metro stations and major bus stops. Available from 5 AM to 12 AM.
- 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 a minimum balance of SAR 5 (Total initial cost: SAR 15).
- 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.
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 |
Pro Tip: If you commute daily, the riyadh bus monthly pass (30-Day Pass) saves you approximately SAR 1,000 annually compared to buying daily tickets.
First Class & Discounts
- First Class Upgrade: Enjoy premium metro cabins and enhanced bus comfort. A 2-hour pass costs SAR 10, while a monthly pass is SAR 350.
- Students: Get 50% off all fares with a valid student ID registered in the app.
- Children: Kids under 5 travel for FREE.
The Darb App: Digital Ticketing Power
The Darb App (available on iOS and Android) is the digital companion to your physical card. While it cannot currently top up the physical card (a feature coming in 2025), it offers powerful alternatives.
Key App Features:
- Digital Tickets: Buy QR code tickets directly on your phone and scan them at gates.
- Trip Planner: Plan multi-modal journeys combining bus and metro routes.
- Live Tracking: See real-time bus locations and arrival countdowns.
- Balance Check: Register your physical card number to view its current 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:
- Via Darb App (Best Method): Register your 16-digit card number in the app to see your balance instantly.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Tap your card on any station machine and select "Check Balance."
- On the Bus: When you tap your card on the bus validator, the screen briefly displays your remaining credit.
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.
Note: Online top-up for physical cards is a planned feature for future updates. For now, use the TVMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay instead of a Darb Card?
Yes! You can tap your smartphone with Apple Pay or Mada Pay directly at metro gates and bus validators without needing a physical Darb Card.
What happens if I lose my Darb Card?
If you have registered your card in the Darb App, you can contact customer service to block it and transfer the balance to a replacement card (SAR 10 fee applies). Unregistered card balances are usually lost.
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. Daily service hours are typically 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Your Next Commute Step
Download the Darb App today to register your account. For your first trip, visit a station TVM, buy a 30-Day Pass if you are a regular commuter, and enjoy a month of unlimited, hassle-free travel across Riyadh.
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