Riyadh Metro Becomes World’s Longest Driverless Network

Riyadh Metro has officially secured a place in the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest fully driverless metro system. Spanning 176 km and operating across six integrated lines with 85 stations, the network marks a significant leap in Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of advanced, technology-driven urban mobility.

Global Recognition for a Landmark Project

Guinness World Records certified the Riyadh Metro earlier this year after the system met the operational threshold for a fully automated network. The achievement underscores the scale and ambition of the public transport transformation underway in the Saudi capital, placing Riyadh among the global frontrunners in modern metro infrastructure.

Fully Automated Operations Across Six Lines

The metro runs on a Grade of Automation 4 model, enabling complete driverless operation from centralised control centres. These facilities oversee real-time train movement, safety, punctuality and network coordination. The system forms the core of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, designed to ease congestion and offer reliable, low-emission travel options.

Technical Capacity and Infrastructure

Riyadh Metro’s six-line layout integrates elevated, underground and at-grade corridors that link key commercial, residential and administrative zones. Its fleet, supplied by Siemens, Bombardier and Alstom, comprises nearly 190 fully automated metro trains engineered for energy efficiency and passenger comfort. With 85 stations spread across the network, the system represents one of the largest urban mobility investments in the region.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Riyadh Metro is the world’s longest driverless metro network at 176 km.
• The system includes six lines and 85 stations.
• Operations use the fully automated GoA4 model.
• The project is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mobility goals.

Boost to Riyadh’s Urban Development

The Guinness recognition strengthens Riyadh’s global profile as a high-tech city advancing large-scale infrastructure. The metro is expected to improve daily commuting, reduce emissions and enhance overall connectivity, supporting long-term economic growth and the Kingdom’s broader modernisation agenda.