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How To Travel Around Qatar
There are three types of public transport in Qatar: buses, taxis and limousines, all owned by the state-owned company Mowasalat (Karwa), with the exception of some private limousine companies.
Get Around - By metro
The Qatar Metro is one of the most convenient and comfortable methods to commute throughout the country. The Doha Metro system provides access to all World Cup 2022 stadiums as well as numerous other popular attractions. In addition, the Metro will provide services with longer durations during the event.
In addition, certain metro stations, notably Qatar University, Al Qassar, and Umm Ghuwailina, will have dedicated parking lots to help minimize traffic throughout the event. Here you can view the complete network map.
The plan for the Metro includes four lines (Red, Green, Gold, and Blue) spanning around 300 kilometers and 100 stations.
Metro travel cards
To travel on the metro, you must purchase a travel card. There are three distinct varieties of travel cards: Limited Use Travel Cards, Standard Travel Cards, and Gold Travel Cards.
The Standard Travel Card (STC), which is a reusable plastic travel card that costs QR 10, is the most prevalent of the three. This card must be loaded with travel credit before it may be used for travel. This Travel Card does not grant access to the Doha Metro’s Gold section.
The price of a Limited Use Travel Card (LUTC), a non-reusable paper travel card containing either a single journey or day ticket, is dependent on the type of product purchased (single journey or day pass) and the class of travel desired (Standard or Gold Club).
The Gold Travel Card (GTC) is a reusable card made of plastic that costs QR 100. This card allows access to the Gold Club areas of the Doha Metro. This card must be loaded with travel credit before it may be used for travel.
When unsure on what to purchase, feel free to approach any Doha Metro employee. They are eager to clarify the fares and assist you in selecting and purchasing the best alternative for your needs.
Here are some suggestions for maximizing your use of the Qatar Metro:
Metro - The Red Line
The Red Line goes for 40 kilometers from Al Wakra to Lusail in the direction of the north, with 17 stations, including West Bay QIC, Katara, and Qatar University. This route also connects Terminal 1 of Hamad International Airport to downtown Qatar.
Stations on the Red Line of the Metro:
- Lusail QNB
- Qatar University
- Legtaifiya
- Katara
- Al Qassar
- DECC
- QIC
- Corniche
- Al Bidda
- Msheireb
- Al Doha Al Jadeda
- Umm Ghawalina
- Al Matar Qadeem
- Oqba Ibn Nafie
- Hamad International Airport
- Free Zone
- Ras Bu Fontas
- Al Wakra
Metro - The Green Line
The Green Line stretches from Al Mansoura to Al Riffa from east to west. The line consists of eleven stations, including Hamad Hospital, Al Shaqab, and Qatar National Library.
Stations on the Green Line of the Metro:
- Al Riffa
- Education City
- Qatar National Library
- Al Shaqab
- Al Rayyan Al Qadeem
- Al Messila
- Hamad Hospital
- The White Palace
- Al Bidda
- Msheireb
- Al Mansoura
Metro - The Gold Line
From Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziyah, the Gold Line has eleven stations along its east-west path. The Qatar National Museum and Souq Waqif are among the Gold Line’s most important stops.
Stations on the Gold Line of the Metro:
- Al Aziziyah
- Sport City
- Al Waab
- Al Sudan
- Joaan
- Al Sadd
- Bin Mahmoud
- Msheireb
- Souq Waqif
- National Museum
- Ras Bu Abboud
Get Around - By Bus
The public bus services in Qatar are an economical and convenient way to travel throughout Qatar. Moreover, bus services will operate for longer hours than usual during the FIFA World Cup.
To use the Karwa public bus, smartcards for public transport are necessary. Ensure that you purchase and reload Karwa smart cards at ticket vending machines in Hamad International Airport, Doha Bus Station, The Pearl Qatar, and Qatar Mall, in addition to a few other retail partners. Three types of Karwa smart cards exist:
- Smartcard Classic – initial fee of QR30 with QR20 credit included. The fare varies and costs QR2.50 for a short journey. You must sign in when you get on the bus and sign out when you get off to avoid a penalty of QR30 by default. You can buy these tickets from the various retailers listed on the Karwa website, but not on the buses.
- Smartcard 24 Limited – An initial charge of QR10 allows two bus journeys (one return) within 24 hours of first use. Simply board the bus and do not leave. The card can be purchased on board the bus for travel within the Doha city area only.
- Smartcard 24 Unlimited – An initial amount of QR20 allows the user to travel unlimited throughout Qatar within 24 hours of the initial connection. Again, you do not need to make any withdrawals. It can be purchased on board the bus.
A large number of roads criss-cross the country, with the network extending north to Al Khor, west to Dukhan and south to Mesaieed. For timetable and ticket information, call +974 4436 6053.
Get Around - By Taxi or Limousine
The public company Mowasalat also operates a taxi and limousine service. The taxis are easily recognisable thanks to their uniform light blue colour with brown roofs. The initial charge rate is QR 4, with a surcharge of QR 1.20 per kilometre within Doha and QR 1.80 anywhere outside the capital. A one-way fare of QR 25 applies to travel to and from the airport. Certain precautions should be taken to avoid fraud:
- For journeys within Doha, the fare should be set to “1” and for journeys at night or outside Doha, the fare should be set to “0”.
- Check that the meter has not been tampered with; signs of a tampered meter are tape and paper strips on the outside.
- By law, the ride must be free if the driver refuses to use the meter.
- Sometimes there are reports of unruly drivers locking the taxi doors or refusing to open the boot until another payment is made. If this happens to you, try to leave the vehicle. If this is not possible, call the police on 999. The driver should be very cooperative.
Demand for taxis exceeds supply and waiting times can vary considerably. Trying to get a taxi during morning office hours requires at least 24 hours’ notice, although even this is unreliable in practice as the designated taxi often does not turn up. At other times, it can take 90 minutes or more to get a taxi on call, and hailing a taxi on the street is impossible most of the time. The only places where you are guaranteed to find a taxi are large shopping malls, the airport and international hotels.
Taxis can be booked and hailed by calling +974 4458 8888.
An alternative to taxis and buses would be to use a limousine service that sends an unmarked limousine car to your location. These are usually expensive but luxurious taxis with an initial fee of 20 rupees, but they are not always equipped with a taximeter.
Sometimes a local driver will offer to drop you off if they see you waiting by the side of the road. It is common to offer you some money at the end, although they usually refuse. The driver offering you a lift will slow down and flash his headlights; he may be summoned by waving his hand. Although this practice is safe, it is not recommended for single women.
Get Around - By Car rentals
Although it is recommended that you take public transportation if you are staying in central Doha to avoid congested roads, closures, and diversions, you may also rent a car with your non-Qatari driver’s license.
Passengers can rent a vehicle if they are at least 25 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least a year. However, due to high demand, car rental availability is likely to be limited.
In addition, holders of visit or business visas are permitted to drive for up to fifteen (15) days with their home country license or six (6) months with an international license from the day of their arrival. After arrival, GCC license holders may drive for up to three (3) months. To prolong this, passengers must apply for a temporary driving license in Qatar.
The car rental charge varies according on the make and type of the vehicle, with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rates available.
Al Muftah Rent A Car
Al Muftah has five separate locations that offer world-class automobile rental services in Qatar and the surrounding area via a user-friendly online reservation system. They offer a variety of services, including chauffeured automobiles, airport transportation, and bus services for schools and businesses.
- Location: Main Branch, D Ring Road – Near Commercial Bank
- Phone: +974 7063 4433
- Website: www.rentacardoha.com
Al Saad Rent A Car
Al Saad Rent A Car has over 2,000 vehicles and 500 employees, so you can be confident that you are in good hands if you need to rent a car. Their first concern is customer happiness, so you can have a secure and comfortable ride in their high-quality vehicles. You can rent a car immediately by visiting one of their locations or by visiting their website.
- Locations: C-Ring Road, Al Mansoura
- Phone: +974 4415 4414
- Website: http://alsaadrentacar.com
Auto Z Rental
With a fleet of over 3,000 vehicles, Auto Z has become one of the leading local automobile rental and leasing companies in Qatar, thanks to its well-established reputation. With over 100 vehicles rented per day, you can rely on Auto Z to provide you with the greatest quality service! Auto Z additionally offers lease-to-own alternatives.
- Locations: East Industrial Road – near Street 11
- Phone: +974 4406 8444
- Website: http://autozqa.com
AVIS Rent A Car
Mini fleets for short travels around the city to large industrial trucks for moving furniture, AVIS Qatar has an extensive fleet to match your car rental needs. AVIS has you covered, regardless of how long you need the vehicle. Select your vehicle from the list on their website and reserve your trip immediately.
- Location: Main Branch, New Salata – Near Classical Palace
- Phone: +974 4466 7744
- Website: www.avisqatar.com
Europcar Qatar
In Qatar, Europcar is one of the largest worldwide transportation firms. Whether you require a daily, a monthly, or a one-way rental, they provide the most suitable rental options. Even better, the average age of the vehicles is less than six months, and they range from compact to luxury, so you may drive away satisfied!
- Location: C-Ring Road, Ibn Dirhem Street
- Phone: +974 4474 0678, +974 4010 8888
- Website: https://www.europcarqatar.com
Budget Rent A Car Qatar
Budget Rent A Car is the place to go for your pleasure or business car rental needs, as they offer a wide selection of automobiles, from economy to ultra-luxury. Their fifty years of experience in the car rental industry guarantee excellent client service. As suggested by its name, they offer inexpensive lease prices for globally recognized brands.
- Location: Barwa Village, Al Wakrah
- Phone: +974 7769 9313, +974 6697 1703, +974 4432 5500
- Website: http://www.budgetqatar.com
Hertz Car Rental
With over 90 years of experience in car and van rentals, Hertz is one of the best companies to book your car hire, with amazing discounts and deals on car rental and the option to pay online or at the time of car collection. Start the booking process by using their website’s reservation system!
- Location: Main Branch, Almana Tower, Old Airport Road
- Phone: +974 4448 9944
- Website: www.hertz.qa
Jabrco Rent A Car
Jabrco Rent A Car specializes in supplying the newest models of luxury and exotic cars, with a huge inventory of popular makes and models ranging from economical, sedan, to 4×4 vehicles. In addition to automobile leasing, commercial vehicle, and bus rental services, 24 hour breakdown assistance, self-drive options, and dedicated customer service, they also provide other vehicle-based services with the lowest price guarantee!
- Location: Main Branch, Barwa Village, Building No.18/32
- Phone: +974 4415 2020
- Website: www.rentacarjabrco.com
National Car Rental Qatar
National Car Rental, the premium car rental company for business travel, guarantees that their services will meet your everyday travel needs. National cannot be beaten on the basis of its quality vehicles and affordable rates.
- Locations:
- Al Sadd Branch: Beside Nissan Showroom, Al Sadd Main Street: +974 4474 0678
- Hamad International Airport: +974 4010 8853
- Website: http://www.national-qatar.com
Get Around - Cycling and e-scooters
Doha’s relatively low altitude and flat terrain make for ideal riding conditions. Please visit the Qatar Cycling Federation for further information on bike trails and more challenging routes.
Electric scooters can be leased by the minute in Doha. These will be available in a variety of walking sites, including the Doha Corniche, and will allow spectators to enjoy the expected moderate weather during the event. Simply by using the provider’s app, tourists can navigate Doha in no time.
Get Around - Electric buses
In order to preserve an eco-friendly transportation system, Qatar has added a fleet of modern buses to its public transportation network. These are Euro 5 electric buses, which release far less pollution than conventional cars.
Route 76 is currently open and running, and all Doha Metro Gold and Red Line alternate transit choices are provided by electric buses.
In Al-Sudan, the Industrial Area, Al-Wakra, the Education City, Lusail, Gharrafa, and Msheireb, Karwa will gradually open eight bus stations equipped with electric charging stations beginning in May. In addition, the West Bay Central Bus Station will open for business in November 2022.
Please note that the relevant information will be modified accordingly.
Walking In Doha
Depending on which area of the city you are in, the walkability will vary. Whether walking is a practical choice in Qatar also depends significantly on the time of year you come. During the summer and Ramadan in Qatar, I would not recommend wandering around the city, as temperatures can approach 40 degrees and public water consumption is prohibited during Ramadan.
If you are visiting Doha in the winter, walking is a delightful activity. From West Bay to the museums along the corniche is my favorite walk in the city (Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar). If you are traveling in the summer and enjoy walking, this is a pleasant evening activity in Doha.
Getting to the stadium
You may quite easily go from your hotel to the stadium of your choice. All stadiums for the 2022 World Cup are included in the Doha Metro network, along with many other well-known locations. In every location and at the World Cup stadiums, buses and taxis are also available. For easy navigation and transportation at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, football fans can also use the water taxi.
Please take note that ticket holders can travel for free on matchdays using their Hayya Card and the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app. The public bus system, trams in Education City and Lusail, the metro, and services for tournament buses are also included.
It’s also important to note that, in order to accommodate football fans throughout the tournament, the majority of hotels in close proximity to the stadiums will probably provide shuttle services to and from the stadium.
Lusail Stadium
The stadium is around 15 kilometers north of the city’s center. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from the Lusail Metro Station on the red line. The stadium express buses that run between fast bus hubs are another option. Near the Lusail stadium, accessible parking choices, taxis, and shared vehicles are all accessible.
Stadium 974
The Ras Abu Abboud Expressway is quite close to Stadium 974, and it is only 2 kilometers south of central Doha. The Ras Bu Abboud metro station (gold line), which is 10 minutes’ walk from the stadium, is the closest metro station. From here, you may take the stadium express buses, and nearby parking lots are also accessible. The stadium is close to drop-off and pick-up locations for taxis and shared rides.
Al Bayt Stadium
The stadium lies five kilometers south of Al Khor and close to the Coastal Road. The shuttle services to and from the Lusail metro station are easily accessible (red line). There are additional drop-off and pick-up locations for shared-ride vehicles, stadium express buses, parking, and taxis nearby.
Khalifa International Stadium
15 kilometres to the east of the city center of Doha is where this stadium is located. The stadium is only a 10-minute walk from the Sports City metro station on the Gold line. Here you may also find a shared-ride drop-off and pick-up facility, parking, stadium express buses, and taxis.
Education City Stadium
The stadium is conveniently close to the Education City tram system and can be reached by vehicle, taxi, or metro. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from the Greenline’s Education City metro station. Shared transportation drop-off and pick-up options are also available from the stadium.
Al Janoub Stadium
The stadium lies 25 kilometers south of the city’s center, and Al Wakra (Redline), which is accessible via the M132 metro connection bus, is the closest metro station. From here, you can take the stadium express buses, and neighboring parking lots are also an alternative. The stadium is close to drop-off and pick-up locations for taxis and shared rides.
Al Thumama Stadium
The stadium located 12 km south of the city center of Doha, right next to the Doha Express Highway. Al Thumama Stadium in Al Wakrah is only a 6-minute walk from the closest metro station. You can use the shuttle services, which operate between the Free Zone metro station and other locations (red line). From here, you may take the stadium express buses, and nearby parking lots are also accessible. The stadium is close to drop-off and pick-up locations for taxis and shared rides.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
20 kilometers west of the center of Doha on the Dukhan Highway, next to the Mall of Qatar, is where you’ll find Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. A 10-minute walk will get you to Al Riffa Metro Station from the stadium. It is the final stop on the recently built Green line. At this stadium, there are accessible parking alternatives. In addition to taxis and shared services, stadium express buses are accessible here.
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