Riyadh is a large, sprawling city built around the car. Until recently, public transport was minimal and taxis the only practical option for visitors. The new Riyadh Metro, opened in 2024 after years of construction, has changed this substantially. Six lines cover the main corridors of the city, connecting the airport to the historic centre, the bus station, the King Abdullah Financial District, and the university area in a system that is clean, fast, and air-conditioned.
Taxis are widely available, and Uber operates in Riyadh and is generally preferred over traditional taxis for its fixed pricing. Careem, the regional ride-hailing service now owned by Uber, is also popular.
Driving is possible and car hire is readily available at the airport, but Riyadh's roads are wide and fast, traffic is heavy at peak hours, and parking at major sites can be difficult. For most visitors, the metro plus Uber covers everything comfortably.
The city is very large — distances that look manageable on a map can take 45 minutes to cross in traffic. Plan itineraries with this in mind.