Intro
The Doha Metro is a fast and inexpensive way to move around Doha, reach Doha, Lusail and the main malls and business districts. The system is modern, clean and well integrated with Lusail Tram and Karwa buses.
To really use the metro – and not just look at the map in your hotel – you need to understand the different travel cards, day caps and how the lines are organised.
This guide explains how Doha Metro works: where to find accurate maps, what fares and zones exist, how to buy tickets and how to use the system step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Doha Metro has three main lines – Red, Green and Gold – with Msheireb as the central interchange station.
- There is no complicated zone system: a standard ride costs about 2 QAR anywhere on the network, with a daily cap around 6–9 QAR.
- You travel using plastic travel cards: Standard/Family class and premium Goldclub; Limited Use cards act as single or short-term tickets.
- Day and weekly passes are worth it if you make three or more rides per day or commute frequently.
- Cards are sold at ticket machines and counters at metro stations, including Doha, and can be topped up at machines, online and via the app.
- The metro is ideal for trips to the city centre, Souq Waqif, West Bay, Lusail and major malls, often faster and cheaper than taxis.
- For easy navigation and app payments, it is best to set up an eSIM via eSIM Qatar as soon as you arrive.
How the Doha Metro is organised
Lines and key stations
- Red Line – runs from the south (Al Wakra and the airport) through central Doha up to northern districts and Lusail. This is the main line for visitors.
- Green Line – links the centre with Education City and western areas.
- Gold Line – connects the west (Villaggio Mall / Aspire Zone) with the eastern side of the city via downtown.
The main interchange is Msheireb, where all three lines meet. For the old town and market area you can also use Souq Waqif station and walk to Souq Waqif and the Corniche.
Classes of carriage and seating
Each train is divided into three zones:
- Standard / Family Class – the main section used by most travellers.
- Gold Class (Goldclub) – a premium carriage at the front of the train, accessed with a Goldclub card.
- A dedicated Women & Children area in some trains, reserved only for women and children.
Always check the markings on the platform and carriage doors; entering Gold or Women & Children with the wrong card is not allowed.
Links with Lusail Tram and buses
- At Lusail and Legtaifiya stations the red line connects to Lusail Tram, which serves Lusail and The Pearl area.
- Many stations have free Metrolink feeder buses to nearby neighbourhoods and malls.
- City buses run by Karwa complement the metro where there is no station; they use a separate Karwa Smart Card.
Metro maps: where to find them and how to read them
- Network maps are displayed in trains, on platforms and at station entrances.
- Ticket counters and machines often have small printed maps you can take with you.
- The Qatar Rail app and website provide downloadable PDF maps you can save offline.
How to read the map:
- Line colours (red, green, gold) match the colours used on signs in stations and on trains.
- Small circles are regular stations; enlarged symbols mark interchange points such as Msheireb and Al Bidda.
- At Doha the red line station is labelled Hamad International Airport (T1).
Fares and zones: how the price is calculated
- Doha Metro uses a flat fare system – you do not have to count zones or kilometres.
- In Standard/Family class, a single metro ride usually costs about 2 QAR, no matter how far you go.
- There is a daily cap: after several rides in one day, the system stops charging beyond roughly 6–9 QAR in Standard class.
- In Goldclub each trip costs about 10 QAR, with a daily cap around 30 QAR.
- Children under five normally travel free, while kids over five need their own travel card.
You tap your card at entry and exit gates and the system automatically applies the correct fare and daily cap.
Travel cards and ticket types
Main options:
- Standard / Family Travel Card
- Plastic card for Standard/Family class, suitable for almost everyone.
- You buy the card once (typically for 10–30 QAR including a small initial balance).
- It can be topped up at machines, ticket offices, online or via the app.
- Goldclub Travel Card
- Separate card for Gold Class journeys.
- More expensive (around 100 QAR for the card itself), with each trip costing about 10 QAR and a daily cap of roughly 30 QAR.
- Gives access to Gold Class gates and carriages.
- Limited Use Travel Card (single-use ticket)
- Cardboard ticket valid for one or a small number of rides.
- Handy if you only plan one or two journeys and do not need a reusable card.
- Passes
- One-Day Pass – unlimited rides in Standard class for one day, typically 6–10 QAR.
- Weekly / 7-Day Pass – set price around 30–70 QAR, good for intensive use over a week.
- Monthly Pass based on cost-of-living data generally ranges from 90–180 QAR, depending on product type and coverage.
You can buy these products at almost any metro station, including the station at Doha.
Using Doha Metro step by step
- Buy a card or ticket
- Find a ticket machine or counter near the entrance.
- Choose your card type (Standard/Goldclub or Limited Use), select language and pay by cash or bank card.
- Security screening
- Most stations have security gates and x-ray scanners for bags.
- Allow a few extra minutes during peak hours.
- Tap your card at the gate
- Hold the travel card to the reader, wait for the green light and pass through the gate.
- Remember to tap again when exiting so the fare is calculated correctly.
- Find your line and direction
- Match the line colour and final station name with the map.
- Follow the coloured signs to the right platform.
- Board the correct carriage
- Check markings on the platform: Standard / Goldclub / Women & Children.
- Enter the carriage that matches your card.
- Make transfers
- At interchange stations follow signs to your new line; transfers are inside the paid area without exiting to street level.
- Exit the metro
- At your destination tap the card at the exit gate and check that the display shows the correct remaining balance.
From Doha to Doha by metro
- The Hamad International Airport T1 station on the red line is directly connected to the terminal.
- To the city centre and Souq Waqif:
- Take the train towards Lusail.
- Get off at Souq Waqif or change at Msheireb depending on your hotel.
- To West Bay and Lusail:
- Red line to Msheireb.
- Continue north on the red line to the required station (West Bay, DECC, Lusail, etc.).
The ride from Doha to central Doha usually takes 25–35 minutes, with trains every 5–10 minutes during the day.
Prices (Updated: November 2025)
These are average price ranges in Qatari riyals, based on current cost-of-living data and official public transport fares.
Metro and tram:
- Single Standard/Family ride: about 2–5 QAR.
- Single Goldclub ride: around 10 QAR.
- Standard One-Day Pass / daily cap: roughly 6–10 QAR.
- Goldclub daily cap: about 30 QAR.
- 7-day pass: typically 30–70 QAR.
- Monthly pass (from cost-of-living statistics): around 90–180 QAR.
- Standard travel card purchase: about 10–30 QAR.
- Goldclub travel card purchase: about 100 QAR.
Karwa buses (for connections):
- Inner-city ride: about 2–3 QAR, with longer routes up to 9 QAR.
- Karwa Smart Card usually costs around 30 QAR, with some credit included.
Taxi as a metro alternative:
- Starting fee: about 7–15 QAR.
- 1 km in the city: roughly 5–15 QAR.
Quick food and coffee:
- Simple lunch in an inexpensive restaurant: about 15–65 QAR.
- Regular cappuccino: roughly 6–30 QAR.
Tips
- If possible, stay near the red line – it makes trips to the airport, West Bay and Lusail much easier; for area and hotel ideas, see Best Budget Hotels in Doha – Comfort Without Overpaying or Apartments and Villas in Doha – A Great Alternative to Hotels.
- Set up an eSIM via eSIM Qatar on arrival to use maps and metro apps without roaming issues.
- If you plan three or more rides in a day, buy a One-Day Pass instead of single tickets.
- During rush hours allow extra time for security and gates, especially at Msheireb and stations near major malls.
- In hot weather use underground and indoor connections – many stations link directly to air-conditioned malls.
- Keep your Qatar Rail card and Karwa Smart Card in different pockets to avoid tapping two cards at once on the reader.
FAQ
Do I need to calculate zones or distance for the fare?
No. The Doha Metro uses a flat-fare system: a Standard/Family trip costs the same anywhere on the network.
Can I pay directly at the gates with a bank card or cash?
Generally no. You pay cash or by card only when buying or topping up a travel card or ticket; gates accept only metro cards and tickets.
Does the metro run at night?
It usually operates until around midnight, with exact hours varying by day and during holidays. Always check the latest schedule in the app or at the station.
Do children travel free? From what age do they need a card?
Children under five normally travel free with an adult. From age five, each child needs their own travel card.
Are there separate carriages for women? Can men enter them?
Yes, there is a Women & Children area. Men are not allowed there and should use regular Standard/Family carriages.
Can I take luggage on the metro from the airport?
Yes. Trains are designed for passengers with luggage, but keep large bags near the doors or in designated luggage areas without blocking the aisle.
Recommended Services
- eSIM & mobile data: Airalo, Ubigi, Yesim, Esim4travel, Holafly, GoMoWorld, iRoamly, Saily, Voye
- VPN for secure public Wi-Fi and avoiding restrictions: NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark
- Tours and activities in Doha and surroundings: Get Your Guide, Viator
- Taxis & private transfers (for late-night journeys beyond metro hours): Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups
- Car rental for trips outside Doha: Localrent, Economybookings
Summary
Doha Metro is a straightforward, fast and low-cost way to move between Doha, central Doha, West Bay and Lusail, especially once you understand how travel cards and daily caps work.
For most visitors, a Standard travel card and day pass are all that is needed, while Goldclub is a nice extra if you value extra comfort.
By combining the metro with Lusail Tram, buses and occasional taxis, you can explore Doha and nearby areas comfortably while keeping your daily transport budget to just a few dozen riyals.