Green Line: Ministry of Education to National Museum

Why, Where, How

The Green Line serves Riyadh's administrative heart, ideal for government workers, tourists exploring cultural landmarks, and visitors accessing key ministries. Running 12.9 kilometers along King Abdulaziz Road, this compact line connects the Ministry of Education with the National Museum, passing four major government ministry buildings. Purchase a SAR 4 standard ticket via the Darb app or station kiosks; a 30-day pass costs SAR 140 for unlimited metro and bus access. Operating 6 AM–midnight daily, the Green Line is the city's shortest metro line but punches above its weight for heritage and administrative access.

Journey Experience & Landmarks

The Green Line is a slow, deliberate journey through Riyadh's bureaucratic core. Key stops include Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and the sprawling National Museum—housing five centuries of Saudi Arabian heritage, art, and Islamic artifacts (a must-see for cultural visitors). The route is distinctly governmental, with modern ministry office complexes flanking stations. Interchange points: Ministry of Education connects to the Red Line (university/sports access); National Museum links to the Blue Line (downtown). Visual cue: watch for the distinctive National Museum's mountain-inspired architectural silhouette at the southern terminus.

The "Local Scoop"

Green Line trains are fully air-conditioned throughout. Family carriages are available for women and families. The line experiences moderate usage (6–9 AM government shifts, 4–5 PM returns) and remains uncrowded midday—ideal for unhurried exploration. During Ramadan, respect fasting colleagues by avoiding eating or beverages during daylight. The route is slower-paced than central lines but reliable and consistent. Government employees dominate rush periods; tourists enjoy quieter midday hours (11 AM–3 PM) for comfortable sightseeing. The National Museum visit alone justifies a trip; allocate 2–3 hours for exhibits.

Integration & Comparisons

Combine the Green Line with the Blue Line at National Museum to access downtown Riyadh; transfer to the Red Line at Ministry of Education for university and exhibition center access. This line is less useful for general tourism alone but essential for government visitors or cultural deep-dives. A taxi covering the same route costs 30–40 SAR; the metro's SAR 4 fare offers modest savings but considerable convenience and air-conditioned comfort. Use the Darb app to plan multi-line journeys efficiently, especially to maximize your 3-day (SAR 20) or 7-day (SAR 40) pass value.