Overview
Line: Blue Line (Line 1) - Northern Terminus
Location: Olaya Street, Northern Riyadh
Station Type: Terminal Station
Operational Since: December 1, 2024
Station Function
Northern terminus of the Blue Line, serving residential areas and providing primary access point to the entire north-south corridor.
Geographic Context
Located at the northern extremity of the Blue Line on Olaya Street, SABB (Saudi Arabia's largest bank) names the station and serves as the line's northern gateway.
Strategic Hub Characteristics
- Line Terminus: Starting point for north-south metro corridor
- Park-and-Ride Facility: Extensive parking supporting suburban commuters
- Northern Gateway: Access point for northern Riyadh residents
- Business District: Proximity to banking and financial services
Passenger Demographics
- Northern Riyadh residents and commuters
- Banking and financial sector professionals
- Office workers heading downtown
- Shopping and leisure visitors
- Family travelers
Connectivity & Transfer Options
Primary Line Service
- Blue Line (Line 1): Complete north-south access from SABB to Ad Dar Al-Baida (38 km, 25 stations)
Major Interchange Stations
- STC – Red Line transfer
- National Museum – Green Line transfer
- KAFD – Yellow/Purple Lines transfer
Additional Connections
- Bus network integration with Bus Rapid Transit
- Extensive park-and-ride facilities
Operational Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM - Midnight daily |
| Service Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Peak Hours Service | Every 3-5 minutes |
| Off-Peak Service | Every 5-7 minutes |
| Train Type | Fully automated driverless, 2-4 car configurations |
| Capacity | 200-300+ passengers per train |
Terminal Facilities
- Extensive parking (park-and-ride support)
- Bus rapid transit connections
- Retail shops and food services
- Information desks and wayfinding
- Emergency communication systems
- WiFi throughout terminal
- Real-time schedule displays
- Accessibility features (elevators, ramps, climate control)
Daily Commuting Impact
SABB station serves as the primary metro gateway for northern Riyadh:
- Morning Peak (7:00-9:00 AM): Concentrated northside residents traveling downtown to employment
- Evening Peak (4:00-6:00 PM): Return commute as workers head home
- Shopping/Leisure: Afternoon and weekend traffic toward downtown shopping and entertainment
Business District Integration
SABB station's location near banking and financial services supports professional commuting without personal vehicles, reducing commercial district congestion while enabling financial sector participation across income levels.
Fare Information
- Standard Blue Line pricing (3-5 SAR typical)
- Pass options available via Nol Card
I live in northern Riyadh and work downtown. How is the Blue Line commute?
From SABB, take Blue Line southbound toward downtown. The line passes through central Riyadh with multiple downtown interchange options (STC for Red Line, KAFD for financial district, National Museum for cultural access). Journey to downtown typically 15-30 minutes depending on specific destination. Frequent trains (every 3-5 minutes peak hours) ensure reliable commuting. The 3-5 SAR metro fare saves 90% compared to taxis (50-100 SAR).
Is SABB station convenient for park-and-ride usage?
Yes, extensively. SABB features extensive parking supporting suburban commuters who drive to the metro, park, and then take the train downtown. This enables efficient commuting combining both vehicle access (for residential areas with limited transit) and metro speed (for downtown access without parking hassles).
Information provided based on Riyadh Metro official sources. Operating schedules and fares subject to change.