Getting around Qatar is relatively easy, thanks to the country's size and well-maintained roads. Travelling by car is the main way to get around but Qatar’s public transport has seen a vast improvement in recent years, largely due to the expansion of its bus and metro services.
Most roads throughout Qatar lead to and from the capital city of Doha, where travellers will land at Hamad International Airport. Getting from one end of the country to another takes only a few hours by car. The roads can get hectic, so do take care when driving. Many travellers opt for a taxi or chauffeured limousine as it's a very convenient (but expensive) way to get around Qatar. Check out our guide to public transportation in and around Doha to see which option suits your budget.
What are the best ways to get around Qatar?
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Taxi
Both locals and tourists like using taxis. They're easy to find, and they don't cost much. You can hire a taxi for short distances and trips beyond the city (for a surcharge). The bright blue Karwa taxis are operated by the state-run Mowasalat transportation company. Besides having the biggest fleet of cars, it’s the only taxi brand licenced to operate at Hamad International Airport. Other available service is the app-based Uber.
Doha taxi fares are metered with a minimum tariff, followed by 1.6 riyals per kilometer (0.6 miles) during the day or 1.9 riyals per kilometer for trips at night. You can find taxis at roadside taxi ranks and almost every hotel and shopping mall. If you're not using a taxi app, call Karwa toll-free at +974 4458 8888.
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Limousine hire
Chauffeured limousine service in Qatar is more expensive than taxis but ideal for travellers who prefer the convenience of having a driver during their vacation. Prices vary depending on the needs of the passenger, whether they want a standard limo service, a larger vehicle for groups, a VIP or a luxury ride. Limousines can be booked by the hour or by the day.
Several limousine operators are available for hire in Qatar, including the government-run Mowasalat transportation service. Mowasalat offers luxury vehicles and well-trained chauffeurs, which you can book by calling +974 4458 8888. Limousines can also be booked using the Karwa taxi application.
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Car hire
Car hire is a relatively affordable transport option in Qatar. Several operators can be found at the international airport in Doha, or you could arrange for a car by calling ahead or making an online reservation. Car rental service is available from international brands like Hertz, Budget, Europcar and AVIS, as well as local rental operators.
The minimum age for renting a car in Qatar is 21 years. Foreign drivers need to show their passport and carry either an international driver's licence or a licence issued from a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) country.
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Bus
The Mowasalat transporta service runs a modern and air-conditioned public bus around Doha and across Qatar, including several routes from Hamad International Airport.
Bus routes link Doha to the municipalities of Al Shamal, Umm Salal and Al Khor to the north, Dukhan city to the west, and Bu Samra and Mesaieed city to the south. Fares start from 3 riyals for trips within Doha and from 4 riyals for trips outside the capital.
Passengers must first buy a Karwa smartcard, which is available at airport vending machines, Doha Bus Station, the Pearl Qatar and dozens of merchant outlets. Visit the Mowasalat website for more details on bus routes and participating Karwa card merchants.
Bus smartcard options include a refillable Classic Card (30 riyals), a Limited Card for up to 2 journeys within 24 hours of purchase (10 riyals), and an Unlimited Card for unlimited trips within 24 hours of purchase (20 riyals). Those who board without bringing their smartcard will be charged 10 riyals.
A popular route for travelers in Qatar is the West Bay shuttle service in Doha. It links West Bay with many places of interest, including the city center, Corniche and Al Bidda Street. Shuttle buses run daily every 12 minutes from 6 am to 9 pm.
Foto de Khalid Albaih (CC BY 2.0) modificada
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Metro
Doha Metro is one of the newest forms of public transport available in Qatar. The Metro’s plan comprises 4 lines (Red, Green and Gold) covering 37 stations.
There are two classes of travel on the Doha Metro: standard and goldclub. Commuters using the standard or family carriages will be charged 2 riyals per journey, with a maximum daily cost of 6 riyals, no matter how many times you use it in a single day. The goldclub card is priced at 10 riyals per journey, with a daily cap of 30 riyals.
The Red Line
The Red Line runs for 25 miles (40 km) from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north. It also connects Hamad International Airport at Terminal 1 to the city centre. Amongst its 18 active stations are West Bay Qatar Energy, Katara and Qatar University. It also connects to the tram network at Legtaifiya and Lusail.
The Green Line
The Green Line runs east from Al Mansoura to Al Riffa Mall of Qatar in the west. There are 11 stations along the line. The most notable stops are Education City, Hamad Hospital, Al Shaqab and Qatar National Library.
The Gold Line
The east to west Gold Line extends from Ras Bu Aboud to Al Aziziyah with eleven stations run along the line. There are stops at the Qatar National Museum, Souq Waqif, Sport City (for Khalifa International Stadium) and Al Aziziyah (for Villaggio Mall).
The Blue Line
A fourth line, the Blue Line, is expected to open in 2026.
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Tram
There are three Doha trams to look out for:
- Lusail Tram: Connects to the metro through Lusail and Legtaifiya stations, with four lines and 25 stations. You can ride using your metro travel card.
- Msheireb Tram: Interconnects all of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) and it runs a closed loop circuit with a 1.2 miles (2 km) track. You can ride for free.
- Education City Tram (EC): Has three lines: Yellow, Blue and Green. The tram has free wi-fi. You can ride for free.