Arrival and Getting into the City

Doha Metro

The Doha Metro currently operates the Red Line, Green Line, and Gold Line, covering the airport, downtown, Katara, Education City, and Lusail. The carriages are clean and spacious. You can buy single-ride tickets, day passes, or rechargeable transit cards. Fares are distance-based and very affordable. Extensions such as the Blue Line are under ongoing construction. Shuttle buses often connect metro stations with key attractions.

Buses and Taxis

• Karwa Buses: The state-run bus network covers the entire city with low fares, though the frequency and connections are not as convenient as the metro.
• Karwa Taxis: These have blue roofs, operate on meters, and can be found at both the airport and shopping malls.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and Careem have good coverage, with transparent pricing, making them the most hassle-free option for travelers.
• Car Rental: Ideal for visiting places like Zubarah and Al Khor in the suburbs, but an international driver’s license is required and local traffic laws must be followed.

Suburbs and Day Trips

• Desert dune bashing and inland sea: Must join licensed 4x4 tours; self-driving into the dunes is not recommended.
• Zubarah and Al Khor: Accessible by private car hire or by joining half-day or full-day tours.
• Lusail New Town: Directly reachable via the Red Line of the metro, ideal for independent travelers.

Tips

• The metro runs on a delayed schedule on Friday mornings due to prayers; check the timetable before traveling.
• Taxis are readily available in the city center, but fewer are available for return trips from the suburbs — it's best to book in advance or join a tour.
• Use crosswalks when crossing streets. Air conditioning in cars can be extremely cold in summer, so bring a light jacket.