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Getting around Doha

The Doha Metro, taxis and converting your driving licence.

Qatar5 min readLast updated 24 Oct 2026Fact-checked 24 Oct 2026

In short

Doha Metro has three lines covering most expat areas. Karwa taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps, and many families still drive.

Metro
Red, Green, Gold lines
Card
Travel card / Karwa app
Taxis
Karwa, Uber, Careem
Fines
Check in Metrash

Step by step

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  1. At any metro station.

    Day 1

Documents checklist

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Do’s and don’ts

Do

  • Use Gold Club for quieter carriages

Don’t

  • Don’t eat on the metro

Cost estimator

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Common questions

Is driving necessary?

Not if you live and work near metro lines.

Background and more detail

Doha Metro

Three lines (Red, Green and Gold) connect the airport, West Bay, Msheireb, Education City and Lusail. Buy a Travel Card. Gold Club carriages cost more.

Taxis and apps

Karwa taxis, Uber and Careem are available across the city.

Driving licence

Holders of licences from a list of approved countries can convert them at the Traffic Department after getting the QID, usually with an eye test and sometimes a short assessment. Other drivers must attend a licensed driving school.

Costs

Petrol prices are set monthly. Vehicle registration (Istimara) must be renewed every year and requires valid insurance and, for older cars, a technical inspection.

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