Getting Around in Riyadh

Expats may feel somewhat restricted when it comes to getting around in Riyadh. Cars are cheap, so most new arrivals opt to get a personal vehicle with a driver. While some expats do drive themselves, it can be a frustrating exercise. Taxis are widely available and are a good option, although costs do add up.

Up until recently, public transport in Riyadh was extremely limited. But in December 2024, the long-awaited Riyadh metro was opened. Consisting of six lines, the metro is a fast and efficient way to get around Riyadh.

Driving in Riyadh

Expats in Riyadh often find they can afford cars they wouldn’t have been able to back home, thanks to low import duties and cheap petrol. Roads in the city are well maintained, but local drivers are notorious for being aggressive and reckless, so many new arrivals hire a personal driver.

Speeding, cutting across lanes to turn, not indicating and ignoring right-of-way rules aren’t uncommon, so driving defensively is advised.

Traffic cameras are increasingly being used to deter drivers from running red lights and speeding, and fines can be steep. Expats should check the government website frequently to see if they have any, as it is not permitted to leave the country with unpaid fines.

Driver’s licences

Expats can drive with a foreign or international driver’s licence for up to three months, after which they’re required to apply for a Saudi licence.

Saudi Arabia has licence exchange agreements with Gulf countries, Canada, the USA, the EU and Australia. This allows expats from any of these countries to exchange their foreign driver’s licence for a Saudi licence without taking a practical driving test. New arrivals from countries without an exchange agreement will need to take and pass a driving test to secure their driver’s licence.

Public transport in Riyadh

Riyadh metro

With six lines, 85 stations, and air-conditioned trains, the Riyadh metro connects key business, residential, and leisure areas. Integrated with the Riyadh bus network, it offers a fast, cashless alternative to driving.

Beyond convenience, the metro reflects Riyadh’s vision for sustainability, reduced congestion, and improved quality of life for residents and expats alike.

Buses

Historically, the bus network in Riyadh has been very limited. However, as part of the government’s vision for 2030, it has been investing heavily in expanding public transport systems in Riyadh. This means that more extensive bus routes are on the way.

While buses do exist in Riyadh, they are rarely used by expats. It’s quite difficult for new arrivals to get to grips with the bus system in Riyadh, as there are no posted stops and routes tend to be written in Arabic.

Some expat compounds provide buses for short journeys to and from nearby shopping centres.

Useful links

• Riyadh Public Transportation – Bus and Metro

Taxis in Riyadh

Taxis are abundant in Riyadh and are an excellent option for expats who don’t want to buy a car. They are reasonably priced, and drivers will usually use the meter if the passenger doesn’t negotiate a fixed price.

A taxi driver’s English proficiency can vary from fairly decent to non-existent, so it’s best to have the destination written down in Arabic before starting a journey.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and the local equivalent, Careem, are operational in Riyadh and can be a useful tool in bridging language barriers.

Useful links

• Uber
• Careem