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Hi 👋
If you’re planning to explore Doha, the metro will be your best friend. It’s fast, modern, and most importantly – it takes you to most of the must-see spots. We used it multiple times ourselves and must admit that in terms of comfort and cleanliness, it truly leaves a great impression.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about the metro in Doha – how to buy a ticket, where you can go, and whether it’s really possible to explore the entire city using it. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth using at all – we’ll give you the practical insights. 🚇
History of the Qatari capital’s metro
When we think of modern urban transport systems, Qatar may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, in recent years, the capital of the country, Doha, has undergone an incredible transformation, and one of its key elements has become the metro.
The plans for building the metro in Doha date back to the early 21st century, when the city’s rapid growth and preparations for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup required the creation of a modern public transport system. The ambitious project aimed to build three lines: the Red, Gold, and Green lines, which were designed to connect key areas of the city and its surroundings.
The first section of the Red Line was launched in May 2019, marking a significant step toward modernizing the city’s infrastructure. Then, in November of the same year, the Gold Line was introduced, followed shortly by the Green Line, creating a cohesive transport network. The central transfer hub became the Msheireb station, where all three lines intersect, allowing passengers easy transfers.
Interestingly, the metro in Doha not only serves a transport function but has also become a symbol of the country’s modernity and progress. The stations impress with their contemporary design, and the trains are equipped with the latest technologies, ensuring comfort and safety for passengers.
Today, the metro in Doha is not just a means of transport, but also a testament to how vision and determination can transform a city, adapting it to the needs of both modern residents and tourists.
Metro lines
The Doha Metro consists of three main lines that cover strategic points of the city and its surroundings. Thanks to these lines, you can easily reach both the airport and the most important tourist attractions.
🔴 Red Line – from the airport to Lusail
The most popular and one of the longest lines, running from north to south. It connects Hamad International Airport with the modern city of Lusail, which in recent years has become one of the fastest-growing areas of Qatar. Along the way, it stops at several key locations, including:
- West Bay QIC – Doha’s business center
- Katara – the famous Katara Cultural Village
- DECC – area with convention centers and office buildings
- Msheireb – a major interchange
🟡 Gold Line – tradition and history
It runs from east to west, cutting through the city and connecting historical sites with modern districts. Perfect for tourists, as it reaches places such as:
- Souq Waqif – a traditional Arab bazaar
- Qatar National Museum – a modern museum telling the country’s history
- Khalifa Stadium – one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
🟢 Green Line – western part of the city
It connects the southern and western parts of Doha. It passes through universities and sports facilities, stopping at places such as:
- Education City – academic campus
- Al Rayyan – the stadium used during the FIFA World Cup
- Al Mansoura – western part of the city
Interchange – Msheireb
This is the heart of the metro system in Doha – the only station where all three lines intersect. If you plan on traveling around the city by metro, you’ll eventually find yourself here.
The metro in Doha covers most of the key places for tourists, making it an excellent mode of transport. For more distant locations, you’ll need to take a bus, tram, or car. 🚇
Hours of operation
The metro in Doha runs on the following schedule:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 5:30 am – 11:59 pm
- Thursday: 5:30 am – 1:00 am
- Friday: 2:00 pm – 1:00 am
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 11:59 pm
It’s worth noting that during major events, such as New Year’s Eve or international sporting events, the metro often extends its operating hours to accommodate the increased demand from attendees. For example, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the metro ran longer hours to meet the higher demand.
How to buy a ticket? Options and prices
The metro in Doha has a very simple and transparent ticketing system, but if you’re here for the first time, it’s worth knowing which option to choose to avoid overpaying.
- 🔹 Single Journey Ticket – costs 2 QAR, but to use it, you first need to purchase a plastic Standard Travel Card for 10 QAR. The card is reusable and can be recharged later.
- After three trips (3 x 2 QAR = 6 QAR), the system stops charging for additional journeys on the same day. This allows you to travel without limits, without worrying about extra costs.
- 🔹 Day Pass Ticket – costs 6 QAR for unlimited travel throughout the day. It’s a great option for tourists, as you can buy it as a paper ticket without needing a Travel Card.
- 🔹 Goldclub (premium class) – if you want to travel in more comfortable conditions, you can buy a Gold Travel Card for 100 QAR and pay 10 QAR for a single journey or 30 QAR for a day pass. Goldclub carriages are more spacious and less crowded.
- Similar to the standard card, once you reach the daily fare limit, you can continue traveling without any additional costs.
Where to buy tickets and cards?
💳 Ticket machines – this is the easiest and fastest way to buy a metro ticket in Doha. They are available at every station, are user-friendly, and the entire purchase process takes just a moment.
- 1️⃣ You choose the type of ticket (one-time, daily, Goldclub).
- 2️⃣ You specify the number of pieces.
- 3️⃣ Pay by card or cash.
At every station near the ticket machines, there is always staff available, so if you have any doubts, someone will be there to help. If for any reason the ticket machines are not working, no worries – each station has a customer service point where you can purchase tickets directly from an employee.
Which option is best for tourists?
If you plan to take more than two trips in a day, the day pass for 6 QAR is the best option – it allows unlimited travel without the need to buy an additional card.
If you plan to take the metro only once and don’t have a Travel Card, it’s more cost-effective to buy a day pass for 6 QAR instead of purchasing a 10 QAR card for just one ride. This way, you avoid the additional cost and can use the metro again later in the day if needed.
And if you enjoy collecting souvenirs from your travels, the plastic Travel Card could be a nice addition to your collection. Otherwise, the day pass will be more than enough and help you avoid additional costs. 🚇
What does the trip look like? Comfort and rules
The metro in Doha is a fully autonomous system – the trains have no drivers, and everything is centrally controlled. This ensures smooth and punctual operations, with the ride itself being very quiet and comfortable. If you have the chance, it’s worth sitting at the front of the train – the view of the tunnel is impressive, especially on the above-ground sections of the route.
The trains are modern, spacious, and of course, air-conditioned, which is an absolute must-have in Qatar’s climate. The interiors are clean, well-designed, and the seating is divided into three zones:
- 🔹 Standard – available to all passengers.
- 🔹 Family – designed for women and children.
- 🔹 Goldclub – premium class with more comfortable seats and fewer passengers.
Access for people with disabilities
The metro in Doha is well-equipped for people with disabilities – wide doors, designated spaces for wheelchairs, Braille signs, and elevators at each station make it look very accessible in theory. However, in practice, getting to the stations themselves can be a challenge.
Although the metro infrastructure is modern, the city as a whole is not yet fully adapted for people with limited mobility. High curbs, sometimes poorly planned pedestrian crossings, and sidewalks – which resemble more undulating dunes than a flat surface – can make getting around Doha in a wheelchair or on crutches a significant challenge.
Additionally, although the metro stations have elevators, the access to them is not always the most convenient. Sometimes, you have to walk quite a distance to find the only ramp or stair-free passage, which can be frustrating for people with limited mobility.
So while the metro itself is very well adapted, getting to it can be a problem – something to keep in mind if you’re traveling around Doha with the intention of easy movement in a wheelchair or with crutches.
Ticket inspections
There are no traditional fare inspectors getting on the train and catching fare dodgers in the act. In Doha, ticket control is much more civilized.
- 🔹 The inspectors wear reflective vests and discreetly check passengers. If someone looks suspicious or happens to be selected for a routine check, they will be asked to show their card.
- 🔹 Entering the station without a ticket? Rather impossible. The gates only open after scanning the Travel Card or day pass, so the chance of “slipping through” is minimal.
- 🔹 There is security at the stations, so trying to cheat the system is not an option. If someone thinks they can avoid the fare, they might be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Exactly – let’s be realistic, the metro in Doha is incredibly cheap. 2 QAR for a ride or 6 QAR for an entire day is a laughably low amount, so there’s no point in trying to cheat the system. If we can afford to travel, we can certainly afford a metro ticket too. 😉
Practical tips – what is worth knowing?
Traveling by metro in Doha is intuitive, but it’s helpful to know a few rules that will make using this mode of transport easier. We used day passes – a great option if you plan to explore the city without stressing about additional fees.
- 🔹 Don’t force your way into the train – seriously, the metro runs frequently, so if the doors are about to close, there’s no need to try and squeeze in. Just wait a few minutes, and the next train will arrive soon.
- 🔹 Let people exit calmly – it may seem obvious, but not everyone follows this. Wait for passengers to exit the train before you board – this is standard practice in Qatar, and it’s good to stick to it.
- 🔹 The metro is quiet and peaceful – no one is shouting on the phone or having loud conversations. It’s worth keeping this in mind and adapting to the local culture, because unlike in some countries, taking the metro here is truly a pleasant experience.
- 🔹 Pay attention to the train car divisions – if you’re traveling in the Family zone and you’re not a woman or don’t have a child with you, you may be asked to move to a different car.
- 🔹 There is staff at every station – so if you’re unsure how something works, just ask. People are helpful and will gladly explain how to buy a ticket or which line to take.
- 🔹 Remember the daily fare limit on the Travel Card – if you have a regular card, the system automatically stops charging after 6 QAR per day. You don’t need to buy additional tickets.
In summary – the metro in Doha is one of the most convenient forms of transport, but it’s good to know a few rules that will make traveling on it even easier. 🚇
Take a look at our other posts
If you’re interested in more information about Qatar, be sure to check out our other articles! We cover not only the metro in Doha, but also the most interesting places to visit, our impressions from the trip, and practical tips for travelers.
Take a look, you may find something that will help you in your travel planning! ✈️
