How to get around Doha might feel a little confusing at first glance, especially if it’s your first time in Qatar, but I promise it’s much easier than it looks. After living in Doha for the last eight years, I’ve tried every possible way of moving around the city: the metro on hot summer days, Karwa taxis for quick rides, Uber for late evenings, buses when I felt adventurous (but really just a few times), and even renting a car for weekend explorations.

Because of that, I know exactly which option works best in different situations, and which ones to avoid if you want a smooth trip. In this guide, I’ll break everything down simply and honestly: the fastest routes, the cheapest choices, and the most convenient ways to get from one part of Doha to another. Whether you’re here for a long layover or a full holiday, this post will help you understand how to navigate the city with confidence (and without melting in the sun).

How to Get Around Doha: Complete Guide to Metro, Taxis, Uber & Renting a Car

Now, I own a car in Doha and use it whenever necessary. However, on busy evenings, when the traffic is crazy or parking options scarce, I often use other means of transportation. Doha really is an easy city to move around using public transport, but it is very likely that you’ll need to budget in some taxi or uber rides, especially if you plan to see a lot of attractions in Doha and beyond.

How to Get Around Doha (Overview)

Now, I own a car in Doha and use it whenever necessary. However, on busy evenings, when the traffic is crazy or parkin scarce, I often use other means of transportation

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can explore Doha smoothly and without stress, whether you have just a layover or a full holiday.

Doha Metro Guide: Tickets, Prices & How It Works

When I first moved to Qatar, the metro wasn’t fully running yet, so I relied heavily on taxis and ubers at first, then driving once I got my Qatari driving license (the rules change a lot, a few months later I wouldn’t need to change my driving license).

Now, with the Doha Metro, getting around the city is just so much easier, although with limitations. The stations are spotless, air-conditioned, and you’ll find English signage everywhere, a real lifesaver during the hot summer months. The red, green, and gold lines connect key areas like Msheireb, Katara, The Pearl, and Education City. I love hopping on the metro when I need to avoid traffic or want a cheap, reliable way to move across town, especially on weekends when the traffic can become quite hectic in the evenings.

My personal tip: get the metro card for unlimited convenience; it makes boarding so much smoother than buying single tickets every time.

Doha’s metro system is incredibly easy to use, and what makes it even better are the two free services that help you reach the stations if you’re not within walking distance.

Metrolink buses run on set routes around each station, usually within a 2–5 km radius. They cover places like The Pearl, Lusail Marina, and Doha Festival City, with buses arriving every 6–20 minutes. The ride is free, but you’ll need to tap your Doha Metro card, Karwa Smart Card, or the Karwa app QR code when you board.

If you’re outside a Metrolink route, there’s Metroexpress — an on-demand ride-sharing service you can book through the Karwa app. These branded vans seat up to seven people, and the service links you directly to selected metro and tram stations. It’s only for metro or tram users, so you’ll need to have a valid trip planned.

And here’s a nice perk: if you’re taking a regular Karwa taxi to the metro, you can use the promo code RAIL in the app for 20% off your ride.

Most useful metro stops for tourists

Souq Waqif Station – for the Souq and Corniche
Msheireb Station – central hub connecting all metro lines
Katara Station – for Katara Cultural Village
DECC / Al Qassar – for West Bay skyscrapers
Legtaifiya Station – connection to the Lusail Tram
Hamad Airport T1 Station – direct airport connection

Metro Tickets & Prices

Single journey: 2 QAR
Day pass: 6 QAR
You can buy a paper ticket or a card at the machines.

Limitations

Does not reach every part of the city.
Some attractions (Pearl Island, Souq Al Wakra, Katara Beach) still require a short taxi/Uber.
On Fridays, metro only starts operating at 2pm.

Using Uber in Doha: Costs, Tips & Safety

Ah, ride-hailing apps – honestly, they changed life in Doha for me. Uber is widely available, and the convenience is unbeatable. You just open the app, select your car type (sometimes I go for the budget option, sometimes the premium for a nicer ride), and wait a few minutes for pickup. I usually use these apps when I want predictable fares or when I’m meeting friends at a less central location. My favorite part? The driver tracks the fastest route via GPS, which is a lifesaver during traffic.

Plus, if you’re an expat like me, it’s comforting to know that the ride will be safe, with no surprises. Qatar is one of the places, where you don’t need to worry about your safety, especially if you are a woman. I’ve heard of some unpleasant situations, but it seems to be extremally rare. In over 8 years, I never faced any dangerous situations and the only unpleasant fares were smelly cars.

Why choose Uber:

Cars arrive fast (2–5 minutes usually), but at times I had to wait longer or faces cancellations
Ideal for door-to-door rides
Perfect at night or in areas without a metro stop

Average Uber Prices (approx)

Airport → West Bay: 35–50 QAR
Airport → The Pearl: 50–70 QAR
Souq Waqif → Katara: 20–30 QAR

Downside: Prices surge during peak hours or big events.

Karwa Taxis in Doha: When to Use Them & How Much They Cost

Taxis are a mainstay in Doha, and the Karwa taxis are reliable, metered, and regulated by the government. I’ve used them countless times when the metro isn’t convenient, especially late at night or when traveling with luggage. The drivers are usually helpful, and most speak basic English, which makes communicating simple. One thing to note is that during peak hours traffic can be a headache, but it’s still far more relaxed than driving yourself if you’re not used to the city. For me, taxis feel like a comfortable safety net when I need to get somewhere quickly without worrying about parking or routes.

Karwa is the government-run taxi company. They’re reliable and usually cheaper than Uber and you can be sure that you won’t be cheated on.

Pros:

Cheapest on longer distances
Available at the airport and malls
You can pay by card in most cars now
For me, it is more comfortable than Uber (and usually cleaner and the drivers are more professional)

Cons:

Sometimes hard to find during peak hours

Public Buses in Doha: Are They Useful for Tourists?

Well, I’m not really an expert to talk about buses as I only used them few times years ago. For me, it was never a convenient option. Nowadays, the routes are more developed and the bus stops started existing; you even have air conditioned stops. But still, I don’t really find them useful for what I need.

If you’re on a tight budget, Doha’s public bus system is extremely cheap and surprisingly clean. I’ve taken buses on a few occasions, and while the cost is unbeatable, it does require more planning. Routes are not as straightforward as the metro, and you may need to walk or transfer to reach some destinations. That said, buses can be a fun way to see a slice of local life (although you will never see Qataris on buses), especially if you’re patient and enjoy slower travel. My advice? Keep a Karwa Smart Card handy and plan your routes ahead of time with Google Maps or local apps.

Pros:

Very cheap (2–4 QAR per ride)
Clean and air-conditioned

Cons:

Slow, due to multiple stops
Not always direct routes
Not ideal during hot months

This is a good option only if you truly enjoy using public transport, but really, it’s not transport I would recommend in Doha.

Renting a Car in Doha: Pros, Cons & Driving Rules

Renting a car is something I recommend only if you plan to explore areas outside Doha or if you enjoy driving yourself. The roads are in great condition, and driving in Qatar is mostly easy, though locals can be aggressive and parking in the city center can be tricky. But for a short city trip, it is better to skip it, between metro, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, there’s rarely a need for your own vehicle. Still, if you want complete freedom to chase sunset views or visit more remote spots, a rental can be worth it.

I’d say that if you are staying in Doha for one, two or three days (at the most), most likely you’ll want to see everything in the city, for which you don’t need a car at all (check out my 1-day and 3-days itineraries for Doha). However, you might find it useful if you want to explore beyond. Organized tours will take you to some amazing places, like Sealine, Zubara Fort, the desert, Inland See or the Ghost Village. But they won’t take you everywhere. If you’d like to drive yourself over the dunes or reaching to the beautiful Hilton Salwa resort, renting a car is a great option.

If you plan to visit:

Zekreet
Inland Sea
Al Zubarah Fort
Purple Island (although there are tours to Purple Island)

…then renting a car makes your life much easier.

Why rent a car in Qatar

Petrol is extremely cheap (cheaper than water…literally)
Roads are modern and easy to drive (you’ll see 5 lanes almost entirely empty)
Parking is widely available…well, usually
Perfect for independent travel

Downsides

Traffic in Doha can be stressful
A GPS is essential
Avoid rush hours

Walking in Doha: Is the City Pedestrian-Friendly?

I’d say yes and no. In the past, there were works everywhere and no many pavements for pedestrians. Now, there are many places where you can walk, but you can’t walk between some neighbourhoods. It’s too far and there are no pavements sometimes. On top of that, it is so hot for most of the year that walking is not really possible.

But there are a few great walking areas:

Corniche – best promenade in Doha with WestBay views
Katara Cultural Village – beautiful and walkable
Souq Waqif – perfect for exploring on foot
Msheireb Downtown – modern and pedestrian-friendly
The Pearl– many cute areas, cafes and waterfronts
Lusails- great promenade and Al Maha island

Do not rely on walking as your main way to get around.

Water Taxis – A Fun (But Limited) Way to Move Around Doha

This is one of those transport options that most tourists don’t even know exists — but it’s actually a really fun way to get around certain parts of the city. Doha has small water taxis and dhow shuttles that operate around The Pearl and sometimes along the Corniche during special events. They’re not the most practical everyday option, but if you want something scenic and different, this is such a cool experience.

Where you can take water taxis

The Pearl – Porto Arabia & Qanat Quartier
Small boats sometimes run between marinas, especially in the cooler months.
Katara to The Pearl
Seasonal routes operated by traditional dhows.
Corniche area
During festivals (like National Day or major events), dhows sometimes offer short point-to-point rides.

Why try it

It’s a fun, scenic way to see Doha from the water.
Really nice during sunset.
Great alternative if you’re already exploring The Pearl.

What to know

Water taxis are not a full transport network, think of them more as a unique extra.
Schedules are seasonal and not always updated online.
Prices vary depending on the operator (usually affordable).

But honestly, if you’re staying near The Pearl or Katara and want something a bit different from a taxi or Uber, this is such a charming way to get around. I wish it was offered more regularly, because the views of the skyline from the water are stunning.

See also:

Getting From Doha Airport to the City: Best Options

Hamad International Airport is one of the easiest airports to navigate, and getting into the city is surprisingly simple — even if it’s your first time in Doha. After living here for years, I’ve tried every option (sometimes with suitcases, sometimes after late-night flights, sometimes in a rush), so here’s the breakdown of what actually works best.

Doha Metro (Red Line) — The Easiest & Cheapest

If you’re arriving during metro operating hours, this is honestly the smoothest option. The station is just a short walk from arrivals, and the Red Line takes you straight into the city — West Bay, Msheireb, Lusail, all without traffic. It’s clean, cheap, and fully air-conditioned, which you’ll appreciate the moment you step outside.

Best for: solo travellers, budget travellers, anyone who likes fast and stress-free transport
Tip: Buy a Standard Karwa Smart Card at the station so you can reuse it throughout your trip.

Uber — Quick, Comfortable, and Available 24/7

If you’re arriving late at night or with a lot of luggage, ride-hailing apps are the easiest no-thinking-required option. The pickup area is well signposted, cars arrive fast, and the price is usually cheaper than taxis (depending on surge).

I don’t use Uber when I land because Karwa taxis are just there with great staff helping to put the suitcase in. The airport taxis are always impeccable, but are a bit more expensive because of the starting fee is higher that when you take a taxi in the city.

Karwa Taxis — Reliable & Regulated

Karwa taxis are lined up outside the terminal, and you can hop into one without booking anything. The fares are regulated, the cars are clean, and most drivers know all the major hotels. It’s not as cheap as the metro, but still very reasonable for airport travel. This is my favourite option, especially when I land tired.

Tip: Airport journeys have a fixed starting fee, so the meter will begin higher than a city ride.

How to Choose the Best Transport in Doha (Quick Guide)

Situation	Best Option
Short trip, want convenience	Uber
Tight budget	Metro + Karwa
Full city sightseeing	Metro + tours
Staying in West Bay / Lusail	Metro + Tram +Uber
Desert or beach trip	Rent a car + tours
Airport transfer	Metro or Uber

Doha might seem spread out at first, but once you understand how each transport option works, moving around is incredibly easy. After eight years of living here, I can confidently say that combining the metro with Uber gives you the smoothest, most stress-free experience, and renting a car is perfect for day trips beyond the city.

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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How to Get Around Doha: Complete Guide to Metro, Taxis, Uber & Renting a Car (with insider tips from an expat living in Qatar)

How to Get Around Doha: Complete Guide to Metro, Taxis, Uber & Renting a Car

How to Get Around Doha (Overview)