How to get around Doha, Qatar

Getting around in Qatar is rather easy considering its size and the well-connected road network from the capital city Doha where most visitors arrive at Hamad International Airport (HIA). While many locals prefer to drive, the sound public transportation system is affordable and safe for visitors therefore getting about to explore different attractions or do shopping is hassle-free. Additionally, taxis, hired vehicles and chauffeured driving services are also available at a higher price.Using 

Doha Metro

This quick and comfortable service is a great way to travel around Doha at nominal charges. It covers many cities from the HIA in the south of Doha to Lusail in the North of Doha making it seamless for passengers arriving at HIA to get to their preferred five star hotels in Doha without having to hail a taxi or book one ahead of arrival. 

A day pass is usually priced at 6 Qatar Riyals (QAR) whilst getting a travel card straightaway is more economical if you are spending a few days in Doha as the card can be topped up as and when required using the Qatar Rail App or online. Frequent visitors to Doha at properties such as Banana Island Resort Doha use Doha Metro services for many of their travel requirements for its efficiency, comfort and safety. 

With three types of seating available on the trains be mindful of picking the right carriage when you board. 

Gold - For members holding Gold Cards on Metro Service (Superior Seating)

Family - For couples, families, and women. 

Standard - Carriage for any type of passenger

On Public Bus Services

The state transport service Mowasalat has a large fleet of comfortable air-conditioned buses linking many cities across Doha and the entire Qatar. These operate daily from 4 am to 11 pm usually, though the scheduled buses may be fewer during the weekends of Fridays and Saturdays, and the rate is quite cheap. Payment for this bus service is by using Karwa Smartcards which can be obtained at the HIA as well as at bus Stations and merchant outlets.

Timetables of the bus services and the balance on your Karwa Smartcard can be easily checked using the Karwa Bus App or by visiting https://mowasalat.com/

Ranjith-chemmad, Al ghanim bus station, CC BY-SA 4.0 

Using Taxi Services

Operated by Karwa Taxi the service is managed by the state-run Mowasalat transport company with a large fleet of cars all painted a lovely shade of blue and easy to identify. The starting charge is 10 QAR on Karwas, with per km at 1.6 QAR during regular hours and at nearly 2 QAR per km at night. They are ideal for trips of short distances. For trips beyond the city limits a surcharge gets added on the final fare. 

If you want to do a ride from the HIA, Karwa Taxi is the only permitted operator. However, other taxi services such as Uber and Careem Taxi service are available in Doha city which can be booked using the mobile app.

Karwa Taxis are available in numbers at many taxi ranks, shopping malls and hotels in and around Doha for the convenience of locals and visitors.

Booking Car Hires

For visitors who arrive in Doha for Business Purposes and stay for a longer period and who prefer to drive in Doha car rental services are available. International Car Rental Companies such as AVIS and Hertz are present in addition to local car hire operators. The charges are generally affordable. These services can even be booked in advance of your arrival.

The visitor must carry the International Driving License or a License issued by a Gulf Cooperation Council country in addition to the passport and credit card.