Getting Around Qatar
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use Doha Metro for efficient city travel. Rural: Rent a car for desert and coastal exploration. Coast: Buses and taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Doha to your destination.
Train Travel
Doha Metro Network
Modern metro system connecting Doha key areas with air-conditioned trains and frequent services.
Cost: Doha to Lusail 2-10 QAR, journeys under 30 minutes between most stations.
Tickets: Buy via Qatar Rail app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Travel Card offers unlimited rides on metro and light rail for 1 day (10 QAR) or 3 days (25 QAR).
Best For: Multiple station visits over several days, significant savings for 5+ trips.
Where to Buy: Metro stations, Qatar Rail website, or official app with instant activation.
Light Rail Options
Lusail Light Rail connects Doha to Lusail City, with expansions to Al Wakrah and airport links.
Booking: No reservations needed, but download app for real-time schedules and fares.
Main Stations: Msheireb and Al Qahira, with connections to Doha Metro lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring deserts and outskirts. Compare rental prices from 100-200 QAR/day at Hamad Airport and Doha.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Salik toll gates on major roads, use electronic tag or pay online (5 QAR per pass).
Priority: Roundabouts common, yield to traffic already in circle, no left turns at signals.
Parking: Free in many areas, metered in Doha 5-10 QAR/hour, use apps for spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 2-2.20 QAR/liter for petrol, 1.80-2 QAR for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Doha during rush hours and around Souq Waqif.
Urban Transport
Doha Metro
Expanding network covering Doha, single ticket 2 QAR, day pass 10 QAR, 10-journey card 20 QAR.
Validation: Tap card or phone at gates, inspections occasional but fines apply.
Apps: Qatar Rail app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Q-bike sharing in Doha parks and corniches, 10-20 QAR/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated paths along Doha Corniche and Aspire Park.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in Doha, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Mowasalat (Karwa) operates comprehensive bus networks across Qatar.
Tickets: 2-5 QAR per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Routes: Connect Doha to Al Wakrah and Dukhan, frequent services every 15-30 min.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in Doha for easy access, West Bay or Souq Waqif for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for winter (Nov-Mar) and major events like FIFA.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for event-driven travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in Doha, 4G throughout Qatar including rural and desert areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 10 QAR for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar offer prepaid SIMs from 20-50 QAR with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 50 QAR, 10GB for 100 QAR, unlimited for 150 QAR/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, malls, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major metro stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-200 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Hamad International Airport 10km from Doha center, metro to center 2 QAR (20 min), taxi 25-40 QAR, or book private transfer for 100-150 QAR.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport and malls (20-50 QAR/day) and dedicated services in Doha.
- Accessibility: Metro and modern buses accessible, many souqs have ramps but some areas limited.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in taxis (extra fee), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on metro off-peak for 5 QAR, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Qatar
Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Hamad International (DOH): Primary international gateway, 10km from Doha center with metro connections.
Doha International (DOH Old): Limited operations, mainly domestic and cargo.
Regional Airports: Small fields in Al Khor for charters, convenient for northern Qatar.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Nov-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Bahrain or UAE and driving to Qatar for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Qatar Airways low-cost options, Flydubai, and Air Arabia serve DOH with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 5-10 QAR, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express common in hotels and malls.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for souqs, small taxis, and rural areas, keep 100-200 QAR in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated, add 10% for excellent service in restaurants.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.