Purple Line: KAFD to An Naseem

Why, Where, How

The Purple Line traces a northern arc through Riyadh, connecting the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) with the northern suburban hub An Naseem. This 29.7-kilometer line is ideal for business professionals accessing KAFD's towers, northern neighborhood residents, and travelers exploring commercial districts. Purchase a SAR 4 standard ticket via the Darb app or station machines; the line operates 6 AM–midnight with 5–7 minute frequencies. First Class (SAR 10) offers premium seating. The Purple Line bridges six lines, making it Riyadh's crucial northern connector launched December 1, 2024.

Journey Experience & Landmarks

The Purple Line is a half-ring route blending commerce, education, and residential zones. From KAFD (Zaha Hadid-designed hub at the financial district's heart), the route heads north, passing Ar Rabi (commercial zone), SABIC (major petrochemical facilities), the upscale Al-Hamra district (retail and dining hub), eventually reaching An Naseem (northern residential zone, interchange with Orange Line). Key interchanges: KAFD (Blue, Yellow lines), Al-Hamra (Red Line), An Naseem (Orange Line). Journey time: approximately 40 minutes end-to-end. Clear signage marks residential neighborhoods and commercial anchors; look for shopping mall proximity markers.

The "Local Scoop"

Purple Line trains are fully air-conditioned with dedicated family carriages for women and families. The line experiences morning rush (7–9 AM toward KAFD) and evening return (5–7 PM from business district). Ramadan etiquette: non-Muslims should avoid public eating/drinking during daylight fasting hours. The northern arc offers diverse ridership—business professionals, shoppers, students—creating a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than downtown routes. Al-Hamra Station is a major interchange where crowds surge; midday travel (11 AM–3 PM) ensures comfortable seating. The line is slightly less crowded than Blue/Red parallels, offering breathing room during peak periods.

Integration & Comparisons

The Purple Line is a master connector: transfer at KAFD to access the Blue and Yellow Lines (downtown/airport); at Al-Hamra connect to the Red Line (university/sports); at An Naseem switch to the Orange Line (eastern industrial zones). This makes the Purple Line ideal for complex, multi-zone journeys. A taxi from KAFD to An Naseem costs 60–80 SAR and takes 50 minutes; metro travel at SAR 4 saves 93% while eliminating traffic. For a comprehensive Riyadh tour, combine all six lines using a 7-day pass (SAR 40) and track connections via the Darb app—opening the entire 176 km network.