Doha Travel – Getting In & Around

Filed under YaDig for You

Hello readers! We realize that we’ve lately been focusing on worth-a-visit hot places in Doha so much that we sort of overlooked an equally important matter – how to get in and around Doha. As we’re all aware, Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a modern and rapidly developing city. Given the money being poured into construction, Doha is poised to become one of the most important cities in the Gulf within a few years. Since such an important world city Doha is, let’s have a cursory look at the ways you can get in and around the city.

GETTING IN

By Plane

Doha International Airport, the largest in the country, is becoming increasingly important in the Persian Gulf Region. Local carrier Qatar Airways is building a global network from there and already connects the city with places in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Indian Sub-continent and North and South America.

The cheapest way to fly to Doha is with Air Arabia or with FlyDubai if you’re already in or around the Persian Gulf region; however, you will almost certainly have to break your journey in Sharjah or Dubai, the airlines’ hub in the United Arab Emirates.

GETTING AROUND

By Bus

As the city’s first mode of public transport, a public bus service, with two different routes, was introduced in late 2005. There were six routes running by 2006, and these days there is a wide network of bus routes encompassing the whole city as well as other cities. Buses as well as some bus stands are fully air-conditioned.

By Taxi

Taxi, besides your own vehicle, is another effective mode of transportation in Doha. Mowasalat transport company, known as ‘Karwa’ taxis, operate the air-conditioned green taxis. ‘Limousine’ taxis may well be your only choice when staying at an international hotel. More expensive than the Karwas, they may not feature a meter and you may negotiate the price up front.

There’s a huge demand of taxis and sometimes demand exceeds the supply, creating untold misery for the passengers. You can get a taxi during morning business hours at 24 hours’ notice. In other situations, it may take 90 minutes or more to get an on-call taxi, and stopping one is very difficult in many places. The only places where you can definitely find a taxi (normal or limousine) are at major malls, the airport and international hotels.

A local driver will offer you a ride if they see you on the side of the road—but only occasionally. It is normal to offer some money at the end; however sometimes they refuse to take it.

Car Hire

There are many car-rental agencies located at the Doha International Airport where tourists can hire a car. It is appropriate if you get a vehicle reserved before touching down at the airport, otherwise it will be difficult for the tourists to get the best price and/or encounter endless waits while vehicles are brought into the temporary parking area from outside lots. Some rental agencies will require you to have an international drivers’ license as well.