Getting around Doha

There are many ways to get around Doha.

In this article I mention and comment on the modes of transport friends have recomended and I have personaly used. There are also buses but I have not used them and soon Doha will unveil its intricate metro system.

1) App: Careem

Personally I enjoyed the experience as the cars were nice and the drivers were courteous and friendly

I also liked the fact that I could get Careem credit by using my Emirates skywards miles.
(Which were expiring next month anyway!)
To convert miles to credit was an easy and painless experience.
What I was not so thrilled about was that I was given an approximation of the total cost and was charged qr3 for the driver waiting three minutes before starting the journey as I took some time loading the boot etc. The driver did not call when he arrived.
I was able to share my journey with a friend so that they could track my movements which I liked.

Careem is now integrated into Google Maps, which means you can now open their app straight from Google Maps.

How?

When you’re searching for directions on Google Maps, selecting the ride-hailing icon on the far right will show you an ETA and a fare estimate for Careem to take you to your selected destination.

Just tap Open App and yalla, you’re ready to book a ride!

2) App: Uber

Uber has been easy to use, fast and very efficient.
Events such as the DIFF had promos when using uber so lookout for discounts and take advantage of them when using an Uber.
I was also able to share my journey with a friend so that they could track my movements which I liked.
I also liked knowing the final amount my journey would cost and if a driver is waiting for you or cannot find you he calls immediately and one is not charged extra.

My advice is to download both these apps. When comparing we have found Careems rates to be slightly higher sometimes.
I like having options and a back up plan especially if it is a long distance ride and the rate difference is significant.

3)App: Karwa green taxis

Call, Book on the Karwa app or Hail a Karwa taxi (please note that there is a minimum charge of qr10 per ride and it works on a meter system). Karwa taxis can also be found in the basement of malls such as City Centre (near the Dollar plus store)

Karwa Karwa number: 800 TAXI / 800 8294
10minutes after calling I received a text message confirming my ride

The text/sms message I received:

11/2/2017 2:07:43 PM:
Order No CXXXXCC
Taxi No: KA XXXXX
Driver Name: XXXXXX
Driver No: XXXXXC
ETA: 15 Min.

Please note that if you call and order a Karwa, they ONLY accept CASH.

Karwa Airport transport.

One always ends up with lots of luggage when leaving Qatar that cannot fit in a normal sedan car Taxi. Large Karwa 7 seater Taxis can now be ordered from anywhere in Qatar to the Airport!

Family SUV (7 seater) vehicles are now available and can be ordered by calling 800 8294.

From Home to the Airport:

Call the Karwa taxi number:

800 TAXI / 800 8294.

I called a few hours before.

My car description when ordering, was to request for a Family Taxi 7 seater Large Airport Taxi.

Karwa then sent an SMS confirming my booking 30 minutes before pick up.

9/24/2018 2:30:21 AM: Booking Details:

Taxi No: KA XXXC

Driver Name: XXXX

Driver number: XXXXX

ETA: 9 mins

The driver called when they arrived and I loved that the driver was on time.

I was also sent an sms when my visitors reached the airport:

Thank you for riding with us. Your total fare is QR 43 for Booking ID XXXXX

It is a metred taxi, the price from Marriott Marquis Doha City Centre West Bay to Hamad International Airport , the fare would range from Qar43 (no traffic at 3am) to approximately Qar 70 (if you are in peak hour).

There is also a Karwa Taxi app available on the app store to book a taxi or limo.

Please note that if you call and order a Karwa, they ONLY accept CASH.

Booking and support options:

📱800 8294 (TAXI)

📱800 5466 (LIMO)

At the Airport:

These Karwa taxis (sedans and 7 seaters) are also available from Hamad International Airport to your destination in Qatar. To get a Karwa taxi one needs to follow the Taxi signs on the ground floor in the Arrivals section of HIA. There is no need for prebooking, it is a metred taxi and it is a very organised and controlled system. Ensure one has Qatari Riyal cash notes to pay as they do not accept cards.

The Advantage of these modes of transport is that you are never looking for parking, no insurance or maintenance, no fines and it is stress free!

An important factor to take into consideration when choosing what mode of transport works best for you is to take into account the distance between home and work.

To rent or lease a car costs approximately 1500qr /month upwards.

There is a huge second hand car market in Doha and long term, ownership is most likely to work out cheaper.

But for now Uber and Careem works brilliantly for me!

This article was based on my personal experience and I do not take responsibility for any changes in prices or terms to the above information. Kindly recheck with the service provider before booking.

Did you find these tips helpful?

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