Overview
Line: Blue Line (Line 1) & Red Line (Line 2) - Major Interchange
Location: Olaya & King Fahd Road Intersection, Central Downtown
Station Type: Major Interchange Hub (97,000 m²)
Station Function
Major interchange hub connecting Blue and Red lines at the critical Olaya-King Fahd Road intersection, serving as one of four primary metro interchanges.
Geographic Context
Located at the busy intersection of Olaya and King Fahd Roads in central Riyadh, STC represents a critical junction point where north-south (Blue Line) meets east-west (Red Line) corridors.
Interchange Hub Significance
- Dual-Line Junction: Connects Blue Line (north-south) with Red Line (east-west)
- Four Major Hubs: Part of Riyadh's primary interchange network (KAFD, National Museum, STC, Qasr Al-Hokm)
- Central Downtown Location: Strategic position in Riyadh's commercial core
- Passenger Volume: Handles thousands of daily transfers between lines
Key Hub Features
- Design Elements: 97,000 m² station featuring lush public gardens and palm trees
- Green Spaces: Botanical integration providing passenger relaxation areas
- Professional Design: Gerber Architekten architecture creating iconic transportation hub
Passenger Demographics
- Transfer passengers between Blue and Red lines
- Downtown commuters and business professionals
- Shopping and entertainment visitors
- Office workers and commercial employees
- Government and administrative workers
Connectivity & Transfer Options
Primary Line Service
- Blue Line: North-south access to SABB (north) and Ad Dar Al-Baida (south)
- Red Line: East-west access to King Saud University (west) and King Fahd Sports City (east)
Additional Connections
- Secondary transfers to buses, taxis, ride-sharing
- Downtown coordination for access to government, cultural, commercial districts
Operational Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM - Midnight daily |
| Peak Hours Service | Every 3-5 minutes on both lines |
| Dual-Platform Design | Separate platforms for Blue and Red lines with efficient transfer corridors |
| Station Size | 97,000 m² representing one of the system's largest interchanges |
Station Features
- Modern dual-platform design optimized for efficient transfers
- Public gardens with palm trees and botanical landscaping
- Real-time schedule displays for both lines
- Dedicated transfer corridors between platforms
- Extensive retail shops and dining options
- Information desks providing navigation assistance
- Climate-controlled waiting areas
- Accessibility features throughout (elevators, ramps, accessible seating)
- Emergency communication systems
- WiFi throughout station
- Security monitoring and emergency response
Transfer Experience
STC exemplifies best-in-class interchange design:
- Average Transfer Time: 5-10 minutes between lines via dedicated corridors
- Clear Wayfinding: Signage and information displays guiding passengers
- Passenger Comfort: Climate-controlled environment with botanical elements
- Accessibility: Full accessibility support for elderly and disabled passengers
- Service Information: Real-time schedules enabling accurate transfer planning
Peak Hour Operations
STC experiences intense transfer traffic during peak periods:
- Morning Peak (7:00-9:00 AM): Concentrated downtown workers arriving from residential areas
- Mid-Day: Consistent transfer traffic as workers move between locations
- Evening Peak (4:00-6:00 PM): Return commute with workers heading home
- Shopping/Leisure Evening (6:00-9:00 PM): Leisure traffic toward downtown shopping and entertainment
Downtown Commercial Integration
STC's central downtown location makes it the primary interchange for:
- Business District Access: Government offices, corporate centers
- Commercial Shopping: Downtown retail districts
- Cultural Sites: Museums, heritage areas, government buildings
- Entertainment: Dining and entertainment venues
- Financial District: Banking and finance sector access via transfers
Fare Information
- Standard pricing for both Blue and Red lines (3-5 SAR typical)
- Nol Card accepted on both lines
- Transfer within system covered by single fare
I need to transfer from Blue Line to Red Line at STC. How much time should I plan?
Plan 10-15 minutes for your transfer. The station features dedicated transfer corridors making navigation straightforward. Real-time schedule displays show next trains, enabling informed transfer planning. During peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM), expect crowded platforms but frequent trains (every 3-5 minutes) minimize wait times. The botanical gardens offer pleasant waiting areas.
What's downtown Riyadh accessible from STC?
STC's central downtown location provides access to downtown government buildings, commercial districts, cultural sites, museums, heritage areas, shopping centers, dining, and entertainment venues. The interchange enables you to access these destinations via Blue Line (north-south) or Red Line (east-west) or secondary bus/taxi connections.
Is STC convenient for shopping and entertainment?
Yes. STC is one of Riyadh's primary downtown transit hubs with excellent shopping and entertainment access. Evening leisure traffic (6:00-9:00 PM) shows families using the metro for downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment. The station's botanical garden provides pleasant waiting environment.
Information provided based on Riyadh Metro official sources. Operating schedules and fares subject to change.