In a landmark achievement for global infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's longest fully driverless train network. This prestigious certification places Saudi Arabia's capital city at the forefront of smart urban transportation innovation.
Record-Breaking Scale and Specifications
The Riyadh Metro has achieved this remarkable distinction with a total system length of 176 kilometers (109 miles), spanning across six integrated lines and 85 stations. According to Guinness World Records, the network reached the threshold for recognition on January 30, 2025, with the formal announcement made by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City later in November 2025.
What makes this achievement particularly significant is the metro's completely automated operation. The system runs on a Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless model, meaning all train movements are managed from centralized control rooms that provide real-time oversight, ensure punctuality, and maintain safety standards without any human intervention on the trains themselves.
A Decade of Ambitious Development
The journey to this world record began back in 2012 when the Saudi government approved the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport. This visionary initiative aimed to create a comprehensive public transportation network for the rapidly growing capital city.
Construction officially commenced in 2014 after contracts were awarded to international consortiums in July 2013. Over the following decade, the project navigated numerous challenges including the global pandemic and complex technical requirements. The development phase included extensive civil works, underground tunneling, track-laying, signaling systems integration between 2015 and 2022, followed by rigorous testing and commissioning.
The metro was officially inaugurated on November 27, 2024, marking the beginning of public service. The project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments globally, with total costs estimated between $22.5 to $25 billion. Officials have highlighted that at approximately $166 million per kilometer, this represents one of the most cost-efficient projects of its scale worldwide.
World-Class Technology and Global Significance
The Riyadh Metro features a sophisticated fleet of 190 fully automated trains sourced from leading global manufacturers including Siemens, Bombardier (Innovia series), and Alstom (Metropolis series). The specific train models vary by line, but all are engineered for high capacity, passenger comfort, energy efficiency, and reliability.
This Guinness World Record certification serves as a powerful validation of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to building world-class infrastructure and positioning Riyadh as a global leader in high-tech urban mobility. The recognition not only boosts the city's international profile but also strengthens investor confidence in Saudi Arabia's capability to deliver mega-projects successfully.
For daily commuters, the Guinness certification provides an independent verification of the system's reliability and global standard quality. It transforms the Riyadh Metro from merely a transportation system into a showcase of Saudi engineering capability and ambitious vision for the future.
