Qatar is a country located in the Middle East, known for its modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. When it comes to transportation, there are various modes of transportation in the country that cater to the needs of its residents and visitors.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of transportation options available in Qatar.
DOHA METRO
The Doha Metro has several benefits for tourists and visitors to Qatar. Firstly, it offers a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city of Doha as it is connected to Hamad International Airport. With three lines covering a combined length of around 85 kilometers and over 30 stations across the city, it provides easy access to major tourist destinations such as Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, and Katara Cultural Village.
Related Article: The best Places to visit in Qatar.
Secondly, the Doha Metro is fully automated and driverless, making it a safe and reliable mode of transportation. The trains run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, making it easy for tourists to plan their day accordingly.
Thirdly, the Doha Metro also offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. The stations are designed with beautiful Islamic architectural features and incorporate local elements of culture, providing an immersive experience for tourists.
Finally, the Doha Metro is also eco-friendly, which can be particularly appealing to environmentally conscious tourists. The fully automated operation reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption, making it a more sustainable mode of transportation. In summary, the Doha Metro offers a safe, convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly way for tourists and visitors to travel around the city of Doha while also providing a unique cultural experience.
Doha metro network consists of three lines – Red, Green and Gold, with 37 stations.
DOHA METRO NETWORK
The Red Line
The Red Line runs for 40 kilometres from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north. This line also connects Hamad International Airport at Terminal 1 to the centre of the city. It has 18 currently active stations , notably West Bay Qatar Energy, Katara and Qatar University. The Red Line has two interchange stations for the metro lines – Al Bidda for interchanges between Red and Green and Msheireb for interchanges between all three lines. It also provides interchange stations between the Metro and Tram with Legtaifiya and Lusail QNB.
The Green Line
The Green Line runs east from Al Mansoura to Al Riffa Mall Of Qatar in the west. There are eleven stations along the line with notable stops being 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. Eleven stations run along the Gold Line, with stops at the Qatar National Museum, Souq Waqif, Sport City (for Khalifa International Stadium) and Al Aziziyah (for Villaggio Mall).
Doha Metro cards can be purchased from ticket vending machines located in any of the metro stations. The ticket vending machines accept both cash and credit/debit card payments. The metro card can be reloaded and reused for multiple trips, making it a more cost-effective option for regular users of the Doha Metro.
The minimum fare when using the Doha Metro is currently 2 Qatari Riyals (QAR), which is equivalent to approximately 0.55 US dollars or 0.45 euros. This minimum fare allows passengers to travel up to 3 kilometres on any of the metro lines.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.qr.com.qa.
TAXIS
Taxis are a popular mode of transportation among tourists and visitors in Qatar. You can easily find taxis in the airport, major cities and towns, including Doha, through hailing them on the street or booking them online or over the phone. Taxi fares in Qatar are regulated by the government and are relatively affordable compared to other countries in the region. Taxis operate 24/7 throughout the year, making them a convenient option for those who are in Qatar for business or leisure.
The minimum fare for taxis in Qatar is generally around 10 Qatari Riyals (QAR), which is equivalent to approximately 2.75 US dollars or 2.25 euros. Please note that some taxi companies may charge a slightly different minimum fare, so it’s always best to check.
When taking a taxi in Qatar, it is important to make sure that the driver uses the taxi meter and that it is set to the correct fare. If you are traveling to or from Hamad International Airport, there is a fixed fare for taxi rides that is displayed in the arrivals area.
LOCAL BUSES
Local Buses are one of the most affordable and convenient modes of transportation for visitors and tourists in Qatar. Here are some benefits of using buses in Qatar:
1. Cost-effective: Buses are an affordable way to get around Qatar. Fares are reasonably priced, and you can even purchase a rechargeable smart card that offers discounted rates for frequent travelers.
2. Accessibility: Buses in Qatar operate on various routes, making it easy for tourists to visit different attractions in the city. The bus network covers most areas of the city, including tourist destinations like Souq Waqif, The Pearl-Qatar, and Katara Cultural Village.
3. Comfort: Most buses in Qatar are air-conditioned, making for a comfortable ride, especially during the hot summer months. Some buses even have free Wi-Fi, which is a bonus for tourists who want to stay connected while exploring the city.
4. Safety: Qatar’s bus system is safe and reliable, with well-trained drivers and a strict adherence to safety standards. Additionally, many buses have cameras installed for added security and passenger safety.
5. Environmentally friendly: Using buses to get around Qatar is an eco-friendly option compared to using personal cars or taxis, as it reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion on the roads. In summary, buses are an affordable, accessible, and safe mode of transportation in Qatar, making them a great option for tourists and visitors.
RIDE SHARING APPS
There are several ride-sharing apps available in Qatar that you can download to your phone from Google Play or App Store . Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Uber is a popular ride-hailing app that also operates in Qatar. It offers several types of ride options, including UberX, UberSELECT, and UberXL, depending on the number of passengers and the level of comfort they prefer.
2. Karwa is a taxi service operated by the government-owned company Mowasalat. Passengers can book a ride through the Karwa app, which offers several features such as real-time tracking, estimated fare, and driver information.
***Careem was discontinued its operation in Qatar last February 28, 2023.
