STC Al Olaya Metro StationALO

STC Al Olaya Metro Station stands at one of the most recognisable intersections in Saudi Arabia - the crossing of Olaya Street and King Abdullah Road. These two roads are the commercial backbone of modern Riyadh, and this station is built directly beneath the point where they meet. It is the Blue and Red Line interchange for the city centre, and for many commuters it is simply the most important station in the network.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects as one of the network's four iconic stations, the architecture channels the flowing desert landscape into sweeping forms that feel entirely unlike a conventional metro station. Above ground, the twin towers of Kingdom Centre and the bullet of Al Faisaliyah are visible from the station exits - a reminder that you are standing at the commercial heart of the Kingdom.

Station Overview

STC Al Olaya Station opened in 2024 as a two-line interchange on the Riyadh Metro. It sits in Zone 1 and is served by the Blue Line running north to south along Olaya Street, and the Red Line running east to west along King Abdullah Road. The station name reflects its location and its title sponsor, the Saudi Telecom Company.

Lines and Connectivity

The Blue Line (Line 1) connects Al Olaya northward to KAFD and the airport corridor, and southward to the National Museum, Al Murabba, and Al Bat'ha. The Red Line (Line 2) runs east along King Abdullah Road toward An Nuzhah, Riyadh Exhibition Center, and King Fahd Sports City, and west toward King Saud University and KACST. Between these two lines, you can reach virtually anywhere in the Riyadh Metro network with at most one transfer.

Station Layout and Structure

Al Olaya is an underground station built beneath the intersection. Blue Line and Red Line platforms are on separate levels connected by lifts and escalators through a central concourse. The Zaha Hadid-designed structure brings daylight into the concourse through a series of angular light wells, reducing the enclosed feel typical of deep underground stations. Allow 4 to 6 minutes to transfer between lines during peak hours.

Facilities

The station has ATMs, a staffed information desk, shops within the concourse, WiFi throughout, and gender-separated prayer facilities. Multiple exits connect directly to the Olaya Street retail frontage, the Kingdom Centre tower podium, and the Al Faisaliyah hotel entrance. Ticket vending machines and Darb card top-up points are positioned at all main entry points.

Accessibility

STC Al Olaya Station has full step-free access with lifts between street, concourse, and both platform levels. Tactile paving guides run throughout, audio announcements are made in Arabic and English, and full-height platform screen doors are installed on both lines. Accessible entrances are clearly marked at all four corner exits of the intersection.

Travel Tips

• This is the easiest station for reaching Kingdom Centre Tower - the Sky Bridge observation deck and Riyadh's most recognisable building are a 3-minute walk from Exit 2.
• Al Faisaliyah Centre and its restaurants are directly accessible from Exit 1 on the north side of the intersection.
• If transferring between Blue and Red lines, allow extra time during the 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 4:30 to 7:00 PM windows - this is the busiest interchange station in central Riyadh.
• Transfers between lines are free within a 2-hour journey window with a single Darb card tap.
• The station is surrounded by high-end hotels - The Four Seasons at Kingdom Centre is 2 minutes on foot.

Nearby Attractions

Kingdom Centre Tower - 3 minutes on foot from Exit 2. The iconic 302-metre tower houses the Four Seasons Hotel, luxury retail, and the Sky Bridge observation deck on the 99th floor with panoramic views of Riyadh.

Al Faisaliyah Centre - 4 minutes on foot from Exit 1. Saudi Arabia's first skyscraper, with a distinctive bullet shape, houses offices, the Globe restaurant at the top, a hotel, and a large mall at its base.

Olaya Street retail strip - directly above the station. Riyadh's primary luxury retail and dining corridor, lined with international brands, boutique restaurants, and corporate lobbies.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh - 3 minutes on foot. One of the city's flagship luxury hotels, located in the Kingdom Centre podium directly above the Blue Line exit.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

STC Al Olaya Station operates Sunday to Thursday from 06:00 to midnight, Friday from 13:00 to 02:00, and Saturday from 06:00 to 02:00. This is one of the busiest stations on the network throughout the day. The calmest windows are mid-morning from 10:00 to 12:00 and mid-afternoon between 13:30 and 15:30. Avoid the station on Thursday evenings when Olaya Street sees high leisure and dining traffic from 20:00 onwards.