2.3
Getting around Doha:
Due to country’s size, well maintained roads and a vastly improved public transport system getting around Qatar is relatively easy. Here we are listing transport options available to visitors.
i. Taxi: ‘Karwa’ taxi is a state-run transport company having the biggest fleet of cars and is the only taxi brand licensed to operate at ‘HIA’. The taxi pavilion is located to the left of arrivals hall. All their taxis are metered and the minimum flag down at airport currently starts at QAR 25 (subject to change) and passengers are required to make payment in cash. Inside the city taxis can be hailed roadside and at all shopping malls and hotels with a minimum flag down currently starts at QAR 10 (subject to change). During nigh-time taxi rides cost more. Visitors can also avail other taxi services like Uber and Careem by making bookings on their respective Mobile app.
ii. Bus Service: is state run and the bus network connects ‘HIA’ to various destinations across Doha and is the cheapest way to travel to and around the city. Bus routes link Doha to other municipalities like ‘Umm Salal, Al Khor to the north, Dukhan city to the west, Abu Samra and Mesaieed city’ to the south.
To avail bus service passenger needs to buy ‘Karwa Smartcard’ available from conveniently located ticket vending machines at HIA at the bus pavilion to the right of arrivals hall, Doha bus station, the Pearl Qatar and at many merchant outlets. There are three kinds of smartcards – ‘Limited Card is a non-reusable card and can be used for two journeys within 24 hour of its purchase, Classic Card is a good option if a visitor plans to avail bus services in Doha during their stay and it can be recharged, Unlimited Card as the name denotes grants unlimited bus journeys to its buyer within a 24- hour period. More information can be obtained on bus routes and participating ‘Karwa’ card merchants from ‘Mowasalat’ website www.mowasalat.com
iii. Limousines: for those visitors who wish to arrive and move around in style can choose from a wide variety of chauffeur driven luxury sedans, SUV’s, limos and super stretch limos for airport transfers, sightseeing, half and full day limo rentals and transportation for corporate events as well. These services can be availed through ‘Karwa, Doha limousine, British-Doha Qatar Limousine Service, Al Hajri Limousine, Castle Limousine to name a few.