Qatar Transport 2026 — Doha Metro, Taxis & Driving

Qatar's transport infrastructure has been transformed in the past decade, with the opening of the Doha Metro in 2019 marking a pivotal shift from a car-dependent country to one with modern public transit. The metro system, combined with Karwa bus services, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, gives expats multiple options for getting around. However, private car ownership remains the dominant mode of transport, particularly for families and those living outside central Doha.

The Doha Metro is operated by Qatar Rail and consists of three lines: the Red Line (running north-south from Lusail to Al Wakra via West Bay and Msheireb), the Green Line (running east-west from Al Riffa to Al Mansoura via Education City and Msheireb), and the Gold Line (connecting Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziyah via Msheireb and the National Museum). Msheireb station serves as the central interchange where all three lines converge. Fares are affordable, starting at QAR 2 (~€0.50) for a standard single journey and QAR 10 (~€2.50) for a day pass. A rechargeable travel card is available for regular commuters.

For those who prefer driving, Qatar has well-maintained roads and highways. Fuel is inexpensive by global standards, with petrol priced at approximately QAR 1.75-2.10 (~€0.44-0.53) per litre. The country drives on the right-hand side, and expats can convert their home-country driving licence to a Qatari licence relatively easily if their country is on the approved list. Car insurance is mandatory, and annual vehicle registration (istimara) is handled by the Ministry of Interior.

Doha

Doha's transport network centres around the metro system, which has made a significant impact on daily commuting since its launch. The Red Line is the most heavily used route, connecting Lusail in the north to Al Wakra in the south, passing through West Bay (the business district), Msheireb (the main interchange), and Hamad International Airport. The Green Line serves Education City, Al Gharrafa, and the western suburbs, while the Gold Line provides access to the National Museum of Qatar and the southern industrial and residential areas. Trains run every 3-6 minutes during peak hours and 6-12 minutes off-peak, with operating hours from around 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM (extended to 1:00 AM on Fridays).

The Lusail Tram is a separate light rail network serving the new Lusail City development north of Doha. It connects residential areas, commercial districts, and the Lusail Stadium with four lines and over 25 stations. The tram integrates with the Doha Metro at Lusail and Legtaifiya stations, making it convenient for residents of Lusail to commute into central Doha.

Karwa, operated by Mowasalat, is Qatar's official bus and taxi service. The bus network covers most of greater Doha with over 80 routes, and fares start at QAR 3 (~€0.75) per ride. Karwa taxis are recognisable by their turquoise colour and charge a starting fare of QAR 10 (~€2.50) plus QAR 1.60 (~€0.40) per kilometre. All taxis are metered. For ride-hailing, Uber and Careem both operate in Doha, and Karwa also has its own app for booking taxis. Ride-hailing tends to be slightly more expensive than street hailing but offers cashless payment and trip tracking.

Parking in Doha can be challenging, particularly in West Bay and the Souq Waqif area. Street parking is metered in many central locations (QAR 2-3 / ~€0.50-0.75 per hour), and parking violations are actively enforced. Most shopping malls and residential buildings provide free or subsidised parking. The Ministry of Interior has implemented a traffic points system; accumulating 14 points within a year results in licence suspension.

Car ownership is straightforward in Qatar. New and used vehicles are available from dealerships across the city. Popular choices among expats include Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, and various Japanese and Korean sedans. Annual registration renewal costs around QAR 100-300 (~€25-75) depending on the vehicle type, and comprehensive insurance typically costs QAR 1,500-4,000 (~€375-1,000) per year. Petrol prices remain among the lowest in the world, with a full tank costing around QAR 80-150 (~€20-38) for a standard sedan.

To convert a foreign driving licence, expats must visit the Traffic Department with their QID, current valid licence, an eye test certificate, and passport-size photos. Citizens of around 50 countries can convert directly without a driving test. Others must take a short road test. International driving permits are valid for short-term visitors but not for residents. Driving in Qatar is generally safe, though speed and tailgating on highways remain common concerns for newcomers.