Doha aligns well with the modern world. Once a Bedouin city where traders sold their livestock, it has now become a perfect embodiment of modernity. Nothing demonstrates this better than the metro.
The Doha Metro serves the city better than any other mode of transport, making it appealing to tourists, both business and leisure travellers, who want to get around quickly. For locals, it is a token of pride. Doha really does move with the times. The Doha Metro has almost become a tourist attraction, with visitors vying for a seat inside its air-conditioned compartments.
The metro became the most convenient option during the FIFA World Cup 2022, when more than 17 million people used it. Its popularity was once again evident during the Asian Cup Qatar 2023, when nearly 6 million people relied on it to get around.
If it is your first time in Qatar, you probably do not realise that taxis are expensive, and, on top of the standard fare, there are surcharges. Save some money by opting for the metro instead.
The Doha Metro currently has three lines: Gold, Red and Green. A new Blue Line is underway, which will add 60 more stations and cover more of the city. Passengers can also look forward to the new Purple tram line within the Lusail Tram network, which will run along Lusail Boulevard and cover the stretch from QNB Lusail to Al Sa’ad Plaza. The first phase of this expansion is expected to be completed by 2026.
You know how you can make things even easier for yourself? Stay close to the metro. Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, one of the five-star hotels in Doha, Qatar, is a popular choice.
The Red Line was launched in 2019, making it the first metro line to open in Doha. The line covers 40 km with 18 stations and runs from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north. It also provides a direct link between Hamad International Airport and the city centre. The Red Line has two interchange stations: Al Bidda, where passengers can switch between the Red and Green lines, and Msheireb, which connects all three lines. The line also links with the tram service at Legtaifiya and Lusail stations.
You can use the Green Line to commute between Al Riffa and Al Mansoura – there are 11 stations in total. It was the last line to open in December 2019.
With 11 stops, the Gold Line offers a convenient commute between Ras Bu Aboud in the east and Al Aziziyah in the west.
The Doha Metro operates throughout the week, but the hours vary. From Saturday to Wednesday, it runs from 5:30 AM until midnight. On Thursdays and Fridays, the hours are 6 AM to 1 AM. On Fridays, the metro starts at 2 PM, and on Saturdays, it begins at 6 AM.
The Doha Metro offers two classes: Standard and GoldClub. A trip in the Standard or Family carriage costs QR2, with a daily maximum of QR6, regardless of how many rides you take. GoldClub travel costs QR10 per trip, with a daily cap of QR30.
For a single ride or one-off experience, there is also a limited-use travel pass available for either Standard or GoldClub. Regular riders can choose a weekly pass for QR40 or a monthly MetroPass for QR120.
Children aged five or above require their own travel card, and fares are the same as for adults. Kids aged nine or older can ride alone, while younger children must be accompanied by an adult.
You can pick up a Standard travel card from vending machines at metro stations or from licensed retailers: Carrefour, Al Meera, Family Food Centre, Lulu Hypermarket and Jumbo Electronics. You can even order a Standard travel card and have it delivered straight to your door. The card costs QR10 when first purchased and can be topped up as needed.
If you want a GoldClub card, you will need to visit the GoldClub offices at one of the metro stations. These cards cost QR100 for the first purchase.
You can top up your card at any station vending machine or online. The free Qatar Rail app, available on Google Play and the App Store, also allows you to manage your account, check your journey history and receive the latest service updates.
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