Doha City Guide - Getting Around

Until 2004 there was no public transport in Doha, but now Mowasalat (tel: 458 8888; website: www.mowasalat.com) run a bus network in and around the city. Intercity buses (which serve the city centre only) are numbered with double digits while ‘Inter Urban' buses (for the suburbs and other cities in the emirate) have three digits. Bus fares are cheap with a selection of day, week and monthly passes available for those with extended stays in the city. Most foreigners and more affluent Qataris avoid the bus network, preferring to take taxis.

Hailing a taxi or limousine (the latter are not as grand as they sound, tending to be just larger cars charging at least double the fare) in the street is the easiest way to secure a ride, but can lead to overcharging so either book at a hotel or call ahead with companies such as Doha Limousine (tel: 483 9999) and Mustafawi Limousine (tel: 476 1007). Newer taxis are frequently green in colour, while older models tend to be orange or white.

Driving in Doha can be both challenging and dangerous due to poor local driving standards and a tendency to speed. A number of international car hire companies have offices in Doha including Avis, Doha International Airport (tel: 462 2180; website: www.avis.com) and Hertz, Airport Road (tel: 04 677 829; website: www.hertz.com).

Cycling on Doha's busy streets is not recommended and there are no official cycle rental companies in the city.