Doha, the capital city of Qatar, has a growing and increasingly organized public transportation system. While many people rely on cars, taxis, or ride-hailing apps, buses play an important role—especially for commuters, new residents, and budget-conscious travelers.
However, the bus system in Doha can feel confusing at first, particularly for newcomers. This guide explains how the bus system in Doha, Qatar works in simple terms, including Karwa buses, MetroLink buses, fares, apps, and practical tips.
Overview of Public Buses in Doha
Public buses in Doha are mainly operated by Karwa, which is the official public transport provider in Qatar. These buses are designed to connect neighborhoods, metro stations, and key areas such as parks, markets, and business districts.
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In general, Doha has two main types of buses:
- Karwa City Buses (Paid)
- MetroLink Buses (Free)
Understanding the difference between these two is the key to using the system efficiently.
Karwa City Buses (Paid Service)
Karwa city buses usually operate across longer routes and cover residential and commercial areas that are not directly connected to metro stations.
Key Features:
- Bus numbers usually start with letters like T or regular route numbers
- Fare-based system, typically ranging from 3 to 10 QAR per trip
- Cash is not accepted
- Requires a Karwa Bus Card or a digital ticket via the Karwa Journey Planner app
To get a physical Karwa card, you typically need to visit a Karwa bus station and pay around 30 QAR, which includes card fees and usable balance. The card is valid for a limited period after last use.
These buses are useful if your destination is not near a metro station.
MetroLink Buses (Free Service)
MetroLink buses are one of the best features of Doha’s public transport system, especially for daily commuters.
Key Features:
- Bus numbers start with “M” (for example, M111, M113, M312)
- Free of charge
- Operate only between metro stations and nearby neighborhoods
- You only need a valid Doha Metro Card (tap and go)
MetroLink buses are usually maroon-colored and are designed to act as feeders to the metro network. If you live near a metro station, this option is often the fastest and cheapest.
Relationship Between Buses and the Doha Metro
The Doha Metro is divided into three main lines:
- Red Line
- Gold Line
- Green Line
You can switch lines at major interchange stations such as Msheireb and Al Bidda. Many popular destinations—like Souq Waqif, Qatar National Library, and National Museum of Qatar—are easily accessible by metro, followed by a short walk or a MetroLink bus.
For example:
Living near National Museum Station? You can take the metro to Msheireb, then transfer to a MetroLink bus like M111 to reach areas around Muntazah or C Ring Road.
Using the Karwa Journey Planner App
The Karwa Journey Planner app is essential for anyone using buses in Doha.
What the app can do:
- Show current bus routes and schedules
- Distinguish between free MetroLink buses and paid Karwa buses
- Display live bus tracking (when available)
- Suggest routes combining bus + metro
While Google Maps can help, it may still show old or discontinued routes, such as temporary FIFA World Cup shuttle buses that are no longer in service. The Karwa app is more reliable for up-to-date information.
Important Things to Know Before You Ride
- FIFA World Cup bus routes are no longer active, so don’t rely on them.
- Bus stops and schedules may change, and sometimes updates are delayed in the app.
- Always allow extra travel time, especially if you are new to the system.
- During summer, walking between stops can be challenging due to extreme heat—plan carefully.
Alternatives to Buses in Doha
If buses or metro don’t reach your exact destination, Doha offers other transport options:
- Karwa Taxis (generally cleaner, regulated, sometimes discounted near metro stations)
- Uber and Careem (prices vary; cleanliness can be inconsistent)
Many residents use a combination of metro, bus, and taxi depending on distance and weather.
Is the Bus System in Doha Worth Using?
Yes—especially if:
- You live near a metro station
- You want to save money
- You are commuting during peak hours
- You are visiting major tourist attractions
While it may feel confusing at first, Doha’s bus system becomes much easier once you understand the difference between paid Karwa buses and free MetroLink buses, and once you start using the Karwa Journey Planner app regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are buses in Doha free to use?
Not all buses are free. MetroLink buses, which connect neighborhoods to metro stations, are free of charge as long as you have a valid Doha Metro Card. However, regular Karwa city buses require payment, with fares usually ranging from 3 to 10 QAR per trip.
How can I tell if a bus is free or paid?
You can identify buses by their route numbers:
- Buses starting with “M” (e.g., M111, M312) are MetroLink buses and are free.
- Other Karwa buses (such as city routes or T-series buses) are paid services.
The Karwa Journey Planner app clearly shows whether a route is free or paid.
Do I need a separate card for buses and the metro?
Yes. The Doha Metro Card is used for metro trains and free MetroLink buses.
For paid Karwa buses, you need a Karwa Bus Card or a valid digital ticket (where available). The two cards are not interchangeable.
Can I pay bus fare in cash?
No. Cash payments are not accepted on Karwa buses. You must use a Karwa card or an approved digital payment option. It is recommended to arrange your card before traveling.
Is Google Maps reliable for bus routes in Doha?
Google Maps can be helpful, but it may still display outdated routes, especially temporary ones used during events like the FIFA World Cup. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, the Karwa Journey Planner app is the best option.
Are FIFA World Cup bus routes still operating?
No. FIFA fan festival and World Cup shuttle buses are no longer in service. If you see them on online maps, they are outdated. Always check current routes using the Karwa app.
Do buses in Doha operate late at night?
Bus and metro operating hours can vary. During major events, services may run late, but on normal days, late-night service is limited. If you are traveling after midnight, it’s safer to check the Karwa app or consider taxis or ride-hailing services.
Is it safe to use buses in Doha?
Yes. Public transportation in Doha is generally safe, clean, and well-regulated. Buses are air-conditioned and commonly used by residents, workers, and visitors.
Is it practical to use buses during summer in Qatar?
While buses themselves are air-conditioned, walking to and waiting at bus stops during summer can be very challenging due to extreme heat. Many residents prefer combining metro travel with short taxi rides during hotter months.
What is the best app for navigating public transport in Doha?
The Karwa Journey Planner app is the most recommended app for:
- Checking bus routes and schedules
- Identifying free MetroLink buses
- Live tracking (when available)
- Planning trips that combine bus and metro
What should I do if my destination is not near a bus or metro stop?
In such cases, many people use a combination of public transport and taxis. Karwa taxis, Uber, and Careem are widely available and can be useful for first-mile or last-mile travel.
The bus system in Doha, Qatar is modern, affordable, and well-integrated with the metro network. For new residents and visitors, the learning curve is real—but manageable. With the right app, a metro card, and some planning, buses can be a reliable way to move around the city without relying entirely on taxis or private cars.
