The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has announced extended operating hours for the Riyadh Metro during the holy month of Ramadan 2026, ensuring that the capital’s rapidly growing public transport network keeps pace with the city’s shifting rhythms during the fasting season.
The Updated Ramadan Schedule
Under the revised timetable, the Riyadh Metro will operate from 8:00 AM to 2:30 AM from Sunday through Thursday, accommodating both daytime commuters and the late-night activity that characterizes Ramadan evenings in the Kingdom. On Fridays, the system will begin service at 11:00 AM and run until 3:00 AM, reflecting the later start to the day and the surge in post-Taraweeh movement. Saturday hours mirror the weekday extension, with trains running from 11:00 AM to 2:30 AM.
The adjustments represent a notable expansion from the metro’s regular schedule, which typically operates from 5:30 AM to midnight on weekdays. The extended late-night service is designed to support residents heading to family gatherings, Iftar events, and the bustling commercial districts that come alive after sunset during Ramadan.
Bus Services Follow Suit
Public transport buses across Riyadh will also adopt extended hours during the holy month, operating from 6:30 AM until 3:00 AM daily. The coordination between metro and bus schedules aims to provide seamless connectivity for passengers transferring between the two systems, particularly during the peak evening and late-night hours.
The Riyadh Metro, which launched commercial operations in late 2024, has already surpassed 100 million riders in less than a year. Its six lines spanning 176 kilometers make it the longest driverless metro network in the world, a milestone that has positioned Riyadh as a global leader in urban transit infrastructure.
A City Adapting to Its New Transport Reality
This marks the second Ramadan since the metro’s full commercial launch, and authorities appear to have learned from last year’s experience. The extended hours address feedback from commuters who found the regular closing time too early for the Ramadan lifestyle, when shopping, socializing, and worship often continue well past midnight.
For the millions of residents who have embraced the metro as part of their daily routine, the Ramadan schedule is another sign that Riyadh’s public transport system is maturing — adapting not just to growth, but to the cultural rhythms that define life in the Kingdom.
