Riyadh Metro sets record as world’s longest driverless / Image: File
Hey, have you heard the huge news coming out of Riyadh? It’s official: the Riyadh Metro has just been certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest fully driverless train network. This isn’t just a record; it’s a massive statement about the Kingdom’s commitment to building a smart, modern future. This achievement really puts Riyadh on the map as a global leader in high-tech transportation.Riyadh Metro tops Guinness World Records Guinness World Records lists the Riyadh Metro as the longest driverless metro network, recording a total system length of 176 km (109 miles). The network reached the threshold Guinness recognises (the Guinness page cites an achievement date of 30 January 2025), and the announcement and formal recognition were reported by regional press and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City later in November 2025. The system runs across six integrated lines and 85 stations, all operated with a fully automated, driverless model controlled from central operations centres. From a technical standpoint, the Metro is part of the broader King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, an ambitious endeavour by Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to reimagine urban mobility in Riyadh. The Metro isn’t just long, it’s fully automated, operating under a driverless (GoA4) model, with all train movments managed from centralized control rooms that ensure real-time oversight, punctuality, and safety. As for the trains and infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro employs a sophisticated fleet drawn from leading global transit manufacturers. According to the system’s specifications, it uses a mix of metro trains built by Siemens, Bombardier (Innovia series) and Alstom (Metropolis series), depending on the line, offering state-of-the-art rolling stock engineered for comfort, energy efficiency, and reliability.How did the Riyadh metro start?The idea for Riyadh Metro dates back to 2012, when the government approved the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, which envisioned a comprehensive public-transport network for the capital. In July 2013, contracts for building the metro were awarded to international consortiums, and formal construction began in 2014 with major civil works, tunnelling, and infrastructure build-out.Over roughly a decade, despite challenges such as the global pandemic and technical complexity, the project advanced steadily, civil works, underground tunnelling, track-laying, signalling and systems integration were carried out between 2015 and 2022, followed by extensive testing and commissioning. On 27 November 2024, the metro was officially inaugurated, marking the beginning of public service.When completed, the network spans 176 kilometres across six metro lines and includes 85 stations, making it not only the backbone of Riyadh’s transport plans but also the largest fully driverless metro network in the world. Building the Riyadh Metro was a massive financial, technical, and logistical undertaking. The total cost of the project has been quoted at around US $22.5 to $25 billion. By some accounts, this translates to roughly US $166 million per kilometre, a figure described by officials as “one of the most cost-efficient globally for its scale.” The metro isn’t just about tracks and tunnels. The project includes 190 fully automated trains from leading global manufacturers, with fleets by companies like Siemens, Bombardier and Alstom, designed for high capacity, comfort and energy efficiency.
What does the Guinness Record mean for Riyadh?
Being certified by Guinness instantly places Riyadh Metro in a global league of engineering achievements. The title validates the system’s 176-km scale, 85 stations, and fully automated operations, giving the city an internationally verified benchmark of quality. This recognition boosts Riyadh’s global visibility, strengthens investor confidence in its mega-projects, and reinforces Vision 2030 goals of building world-class infrastructure. For commuters, it signals reliability: a network that has been independently measured, audited and recognised at a global standard. In simple terms, the Guinness title becomes a credibility stamp, one that turns a transport system into a global showcase of Saudi capability and ambition. Go to Source
