Doha Metro: A Complete Guide to Qatar's Rapid Transportation System

The Doha Metro is a very fast train that doesn’t need a driver and it started operating in May 2019. You can catch the train often and it’s easy to figure out where to go. It stops at important places for tourists in Qatar, such as the Corniche, Qatar National Museum, Katara Cultural Centre, and Shopping Malls, and the stations are really modern and special just for the train.

About Doha Metro

Qatar Rail introduced a preview service of the Doha Metro on May 8, 2019. This service included 13 stations on the Red Line, which goes from Al Qassar station in the north to Al Wakra station in the south. It was a trial service before the official launch. Later on, in September 2020, all three metro lines of the Doha Metro network became fully operational for the public to use.

The Doha Metro has 110 trains, with each train having 3 cars that are checked, fixed, and watched over while they’re being used. By October 2022, the number of carriages for trains on the Red Line was raised from three to six. A maintenance plan is followed to make sure that the trains work as well as possible.

[UPDATE] As of January 16, 2020, Thursdays and Fridays timings are reached at 12 PM!

Yet, every station has its own particular timings for the first and last train. If you need to ensure that you will be on schedule for the train and your goal, scroll down to see the Doha Metro train timetable and Metrolink transport timing.

Snap HERE to realize which are the places you can visit in Qatar using Doha Metro!

Doha Metro Network

The Doha Metro has three lines called Red, Green, and Gold. It has 37 stations, which includes 2 interchange stations where you can change from one line to another.

Doha Metro train timings

First train timings below are for Saturday to Thursday(6 am) and Friday (2 pm)

Trains run exactly every 5 minutes.

The last suggested interchange at Msheireb station is at 22:25 (Sat – Wed) and 23:25 (Thu – Fri)

Working Hours:

Saturday to Wednesday: 6 am to 11 pm
Thursday: 6 am to 12 mn
Friday: 2 pm to 12 mn

Red Line – Lusail QNB to Al Wakra (and Hamad International Airport)

The Red Line is a rapid transit line of the Doha Metro in Qatar, which runs for 40 kilometers from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north. The line serves 18 stations, including Hamad International Airport at Terminal 1, and provides an important connection between the airport and the city center.

The Red Line is one of three lines of the Doha Metro, along with the Green Line and the Gold Line. The system was opened to the public in 2019 and provides a reliable and efficient means of transportation for residents and visitors to Doha.

the Red Line has two interchange stations where passengers can transfer to other metro lines. The first interchange station is Al Bidda station, which connects the Red Line with the Green Line. The second interchange station is Msheireb station, which connects the Red Line with both the Green Line and the Gold Line. These interchange stations provide convenient connections for passengers traveling throughout Doha on the metro system.

Gold Line – Al Aziziyah to Ras Bu Aboud

The Gold Line is another rapid transit line of the Doha Metro in Qatar, which runs from Ras Bu Abboud in the east to Al Aziziyah in the west. The line has 11 stations, including stops at the Qatar National Museum, Souq Waqif, Sport City (for Khalifa International Stadium), and Al Aziziyah (for Villaggio Mall).

The Gold Line is one of three lines of the Doha Metro, along with the Red Line and the Green Line. The system provides a modern and convenient means of transportation for residents and visitors to Doha, connecting major destinations and facilitating mobility across the city.

Green Line – Al Riffa to Al Mansoura

The Green Line has 11 stations all at present working and enlarged upto 22 kilometers from East to West. The Green Line of the Doha Metro runs from Al Mansoura in the east to Al Riffa in the west, and it has eleven stations along the line. Some of the notable stops on the Green Line include Education City, Hamad Hospital, Al Shaqab, and Qatar National Library.

The Green Line provides a reliable and efficient means of transportation for residents and visitors to Doha. The line connects major destinations across the city, and its stations are equipped with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Exchange: Al Bidda/Msheireb

Travel times (estimated)

Doha Metro Map

RED LINE

The travel time from Lusail QNB station to Al Wakra station is 39 minutes while Lusail to HIA is 38 minutes.

Hamad International Airport to Al Wakra takes around 13 to 15 minutes.

From Msheireb station, it takes 17 minutes to go Al Wakra while 16 minutes to get to HIA.

GOLD LINE

Al Aziziyah to Ras Bu Abboud takes 20 minutes. Msheireb to Al Aziziyah takes 13 minutes while 7 minutes to Ras Bu Abboud.

GREEN LINE

From Al Riffa to Al Mansoura takes 26 minutes. Msheireb to Al Mansoura is just 3 minutes while it takes 23 minutes to arrive at Al Riffa.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Between Metro Stations?

Walking can be a fast and convenient way to travel between Metro stations, especially when it’s busy. This map indicates the amount of time it takes to walk between certain stations.

Different Types of Travel Cards Available for the Doha Metro

When using the Doha Metro, a travel card is required for travel. The system offers two types of travel cards for passengers to choose from

The Standard Travel Card, which costs QR 10 for the card, can be used in both Standard and Family classes.
The Gold Club Travel Card, which costs QR 100 for the card, is intended for Gold class travel.

Standard Card:

Class of Travel: Standard & Family
Single Journey Cost: QR 2
Maximum Charge Per Day: QR 6
Travel Card Cost: QR 10
Reusable: Yes

The Standard Travel Card for the Doha Metro is a rechargeable card that can be used for travel in both Standard and Family classes. The card itself costs QR 10, and passengers need to add funds to the card to pay for their journeys.

When traveling in Standard and Family classes, a single journey costs QR 2, and the maximum daily charge is QR 6. This means that once a passenger has spent QR 6 on their card in a single day, they can continue to travel on the Doha Metro at no additional charge for the rest of that day.

Gold Club Card:

Class of Travel: Gold Class
Single Journey Cost: QR 10
Maximum Charge Per Day: QR 30
Travel Card Cost: QR 100
Reusable: Yes”

The Gold Club Travel Card for the Doha Metro is a rechargeable card that can be used for travel in the Gold Class, which offers a more luxurious experience than the Standard and Family classes. The Gold Club Travel Card costs QR 100, and passengers need to add funds to the card to pay for their journeys.

When traveling in Gold Class, a single journey costs QR 10, and the maximum daily charge is QR 30. This means that once a passenger has spent QR 30 on their card in a single day, they can continue to travel on the Doha Metro at no additional charge for the rest of that day.

Where to Purchase Doha Metro Travel Cards

Standard travel cards for the Doha Metro can be purchased from ticket vending machines located at all metro stations. In addition to this, they can also be purchased at licensed retailers such as Al Meera, Lulu, Carrefour, Family Food Center, and Jumbo.

Gold Club travel cards for the Doha Metro can be purchased from Gold Club offices located at all metro stations. It is important to note that Gold Club cards are valid for travel on both the Doha Metro and the Lusail Tram. However, the Lusail Tram does not have a Gold Class option.

How to Recharge Your Doha Metro Travel Card

To recharge your Standard or Gold Club Doha Metro travel card, there are several options available. You can recharge your card at the travel card vending machines located at metro stations. Additionally, you can use the Qatar Rail website or the mobile app to top up your card.

If you purchase a Standard Card from licensed retailers such as Al Meera, Lulu, Carrefour, Family Food Center, and Jumbo, the price of the card will be QR 30, and it will come with a travel credit of QR 20. It’s important to note that retailers will not be able to top up your card for you. You can recharge the card yourself at vending machines located at metro stations, or via the Qatar Rail website or mobile app.

The rechargeable travel cards for Doha Metro can be used repeatedly and are valid for up to five years from the date of purchase. Therefore, these cards are more suitable for frequent users who use the metro frequently, rather than occasional users.

The Fare per Journey

The fare per journey on the Doha Metro using a rechargeable card is QR 2 for Standard or Family Class and QR 10 for Gold Class.

The fare per journey is fixed and does not depend on the distance traveled. When using the Travel Card, it will be scanned or punched twice during the journey, once when entering the platform and once when exiting.

What is the Maximum Charge Per Day for Doha Metro Travel Cards?

Standard and Gold Club travel cards have a daily maximum charge limit if you travel multiple times in a day. The maximum charge is three times the normal journey rate, and any additional rides beyond the third ride will be free of charge.

Once you have reached the maximum charge per day, any additional journeys on the same day will be free of charge for both the Standard Card and the Gold Club Card. The maximum charge per day for the Standard Card is QR 6, and for the Gold Club Card, it is QR 30.

Note : Tapping out and in is not required when changing stations on the Doha Metro. However, it is important to keep in mind that there is a 90-minute time limit on travel throughout the network. If you exceed this limit, you will be charged an additional fare. This time limit is designed to allow passengers to travel any possible route on the network, including changing trains at intersections, within 90 minutes without incurring additional charges.

Frequency of Trains on the Doha Metro Network

The Doha Metro network has a train frequency of every 3 minutes, ensuring that passengers do not have to wait for more than 3 minutes for the next train.

Doha Metro Timings

New timings:

Sunday to Wednesday: 05:30 AM to 11:59 PM
Thursday: 05:30 AM to 01:00 AM
Fridays: 02:00 PM to 01:00 AM
Saturday: 06:00 AM to 11:59 PM

Guidelines for Travelling with Children on Doha Metro

To ride on Doha Metro, individuals aged five and over must obtain a Travel Card.
Accompanied by a paying adult, children aged four and under are exempted from the Travel Card requirement.
Regardless of class, fares for adults and children are equal.
For unaccompanied travel on the network, children must be at least nine years old.
Children under nine years old must be accompanied by a person who is at least 16 years old.

Metrolink timing

Mowasalat, Qatar’s public transport company, offers MetroLink feeder buses to serve as first and last-mile connectivity options for passengers using the Doha Metro within a 2 to 5 km radius of the stations.
Over a period of three years, the MetroLink network has significantly expanded from 13 routes to 43 routes, connecting areas around 23 metro stations.

Mowasalat’s MetroLink feeder buses are offered free of charge to Doha Metro riders, providing first and last-mile connectivity within a 2 to 5 km radius of the metro stations.
The MetroLink feeder buses operate at scheduled times,
- from 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturday to Wednesday,
- from 06:00 AM to 11:59 PM on Thursday, and
- from 02:00 PM to 11:59 PM on Friday.

Time position: Sat-Wed/Thu-Fri

Lusail QNB station
M145 to Doha Festival City – 23:10/00:10
Qatar University station
M147 to Lusail Marina – 23:04/00:04
Al Qassar station
M103 to Onaiza – 23:06/00:08
M135 to Legtaifiya – 23:04/00:04
M141 to Legtaifiya – 23:05/00:05
M142 to Onaiza – 23:05/00:05
DECC station
M105 to Al Dafna – 23:02/00:02
Corniche station
M143 to Al Jazeera Media Network, Al Ahli Hospital, and Civil Defense – 22:57/23:57
Msheireb – Red, Gold, and Green Lines
M138 to Souq Waqif/Bank Street – 22:51/23:51
Al Doha Al Jadeeda station
M112 to Al Doha Al Jadeda – 23:06/23:54
M113 to Old Al Ghanim – 22:53/23:51
M114 to Umm Ghuwailina – 22:55/23:55
M115 to Najma and Fereej Bin Dirham – 22:53/23:53
Umm Ghuwailina station
M116 to Umm Ghuwailina – 22:54/23:54
M117 to Al Mansoura and Najma – 22:51/23:51
M118 to Al Mansoura and Najma – 22:54/23:54
M139 to Al Hilal and Nuaija – 22:54/23:54
Al Matar Qadeem
M120 to Al Hilal (South) and Nuaija – 22:55/23:55
M121 to Old Airport Area through Q-Charity – 23:00/00:00
M122 to Old Airport Area through Health Center – 23:03/00:03
Oqba Ibn Nafie station
M123 to Old Airport and Nuaija – 23:06/00:03
M124 to Old Airport – 23:01/00:01
M125 to Al Thumama (East) – 23:03/00:03
Free Zone station – transports run every 20 minutes
M140 to Barwa City and Religious Complex – 23:01/00:01

Peak (06:00-08:00 and 14:00-21:00) Freq : each 12 mins.

Off-Peak Freq: each 20 mins

Ras Abu Fontas station

M126 to Barwa Village – 23:06/00:06

Al Wakra station

M127 to Souq Al Wakra – 23:19/00:07
M128 to Al Wakra South – 23:19/00:07
M130 to Ezdan 4 to 7 – 23:19/00:07
M131 to Ezdan 3 and 8 to 11 – 23:19/00:07
M132 to Al Janoub Stadium and Al Wukair South – 23:10/00:10
M134 to Al Wakra South and Wakra Hospital – 23:19/00:07

Mowasalat’s MetroLink service is set to make adjustments starting September 4, 2022.

Route M132 will be extended to provide service to Ezdan-34 in Al Wukair, and its routing will also be modified accordingly.

The M132 Metrolink route caters to the Al Wukair South area and typically operates to and from Al Wakra Metro Station.

Red Line Metrolink routes

Doha Metro passengers can easily travel to their final destination within a 2 to 5 km radius of the metro station with Mowasalat’s Metrolink service. The Red Line feeder buses provide complimentary shuttle service to 13 metro stations across Doha, connecting various areas and attractions. Here’s a breakdown of the Metrolink Red Line routes and their destinations:

M141: Lusail Metro Station to Lusail Marina District
M142: Lusail Metro Station to Energy City Qatar
M143: Lusail Metro Station to Lusail North
M144: Lusail Metro Station to Fox Hills
M145: Lusail Metro Station to Al Khor Coastal Road
M146: Lusail Metro Station to Umm Salal Ali
M147: Al Qassar Metro Station to The Pearl Qatar
M148: Al Qassar Metro Station to West Bay
M149: Al Qassar Metro Station to Al Dafna
M150: Al Qassar Metro Station to Lusail North
M151: Al Qassar Metro Station to Al Khor Coastal Road
M152: Al Qassar Metro Station to Umm Salal Ali
M153: Al Qassar Metro Station to Al Khartiyat

The Red Line feeder buses operate from Saturday to Thursday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and on Fridays from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with possible schedule changes during public holidays.

Green Line Metrolink route

Here are the Metrolink Green Line routes and their destinations:

M111: Al Riffa Metro Station to Al Mansoura
M112: Al Riffa Metro Station to New Al Rayyan – South
M113: Al Riffa Metro Station to Al Messila
M114: Al Riffa Metro Station to Al Gharafa
M115: Al Mansoura Metro Station to Al Markhiya
M116: Al Mansoura Metro Station to Al Doha Al Jadeeda
M117: Al Markhiya Metro Station to Al Dafna – North
M118: Al Doha Al Jadeeda Metro Station to Rawdat Al Khail
M119: Al Ghanim Metro Station to Najma
M120: Al Ghanim Metro Station to Al Hilal – East
M131: Al Wakra Metro Station to Al Mashaf
M132: Al Wakra Metro Station to Ezdan-34 in Al Wukair

The Green Line routes operate from Saturday to Thursday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and on Fridays from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, subject to change during public holidays

Gold Line Metrolink route

Here’s a breakdown of the Metrolink Gold Line routes and their destinations:

M121: Ras Bu Fontas Metro Station to Al Wakrah
M122: Ras Bu Fontas Metro Station to Al Wukair
M123: Ras Bu Fontas Metro Station to Al Mashaf
M124: Ras Bu Fontas Metro Station to Barwa Village
M125: Al Wakrah Metro Station to Al Wukair
M126: Al Wakrah Metro Station to Barwa City
M127: Al Wakrah Metro Station to Al Mashaf
M128: Al Wakra Metro Station to Barwa Village
M129: Al Wakra Metro Station to Al Wukair
M130: Al Wakra Metro Station to Barwa City
M131: Al Wakra Metro Station to Al Mashaf

The Gold Line routes operate from Saturday to Thursday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and on Fridays from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, subject to change during public holidays

MetroExpress: Your Guide to a Convenient Ride-Sharing Service

Doha Metro’s MetroExpress service is a convenient ride-sharing service that operates with a fleet of branded Mercedes Vito vans, seating seven people per vehicle. The service is currently available at eight metro stations, including DECC, West Bay – QE, Al Qassar, Katara, Legtaifiya, Qatar University, Al Waab QLM, and Sports City. Additionally, it covers six stations on the Orange Line of Lusail Tram.

Routes:

The MetroExpress service covers the following routes:

Route 1: Al Qassar to Qatar University
Route 2: Al Qassar to Sports City
Route 3: DECC to Al Qassar
Route 4: West Bay – QE to Katara

Timings:

The MetroExpress service operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Fares:

The MetroExpress service is free of charge, and passengers can book their ride through the MetroExpress mobile application, available for iOS and Android.

Benefits:

The MetroExpress service offers several benefits to passengers, such as:

Convenient and comfortable ride-sharing service
Free of charge
Environmentally friendly transportation option
Easy booking through the MetroExpress mobile application

Tips for Using MetroExpress:

Download the MetroExpress mobile application to book your ride easily.
Arrive at the pickup point on time to avoid delays.
Be respectful to other passengers and follow the service rules and regulations.

Overall, the MetroExpress service is a convenient and free ride-sharing option for commuters in Doha. With its comfortable vehicles, easy booking process, and environmentally friendly approach, it offers a hassle-free transportation option for daily commuters.

Doha Metro Park & Ride Facility

Doha Metro’s Park & Ride facility is a convenient option for those who need to commute to the metro stations from a farther distance. The facility offers a secure parking area for personal vehicles, making it easier for commuters to access the metro stations.

Location:

The Park & Ride facility is available at the following metro stations:

DECC
Al Qassar
Qatar University
Lusail Marina

Facility Details:

The Park & Ride facility provides the following services:

Dedicated parking spaces for personal vehicles
24-hour security surveillance
Accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities
Convenient access to metro stations

Fares:

The parking fee at the Park & Ride facility is QR 10 per day, payable through the Karwa Smartcard.

Benefits:

The Park & Ride facility offers several benefits to commuters, such as:

Convenient and secure parking space for personal vehicles
Easy access to metro stations
Time-saving solution for commuters who live far from metro stations
Affordable parking fees

Call 105 to discuss with Doha Metro’s client service. You can follow the following accounts in social networking for real-time updates: @metrotram_qa and @qrc_official.

Frequently Asked Questions about Doha Metro

What is the Doha Metro?

The Doha Metro is a rapid transit system in Doha, Qatar, operated by Qatar Rail. It consists of three lines: the Red Line, Green Line, and Gold Line.

When did the Doha Metro open?

The Doha Metro officially opened on May 8, 2019.

How many stations are there on the Doha Metro?

There are a total of 37 stations on the Doha Metro, with 18 stations on the Red Line, 11 on the Green Line, and 8 on the Gold Line.

What is the fare for the Doha Metro?

The fare for the Doha Metro varies depending on the distance traveled, with a minimum fare of QR 2 and a maximum fare of QR 6.

Is there a mobile app for the Doha Metro?

Yes, there is a mobile app for the Doha Metro called Qatar Rail, which allows users to plan their journeys, buy tickets, and access real-time information about the metro.

What is the frequency of trains on the Doha Metro?

Trains on the Doha Metro run at a frequency of every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours.

Is the Doha Metro accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the Doha Metro is accessible for people with disabilities, with features such as wheelchair ramps, Braille signage, and audio announcements.

What are the operating hours for the Doha Metro?

The operating hours for the Doha Metro are from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm on Sundays to Wednesdays, from 6:00 am to 11:59 pm on Thursdays, from 2:00 pm to 11:59 pm on Fridays, and from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm on Saturdays.

Can I bring my bike on the Doha Metro?

No, bicycles are not allowed on the Doha Metro.

Is there a dress code for using the Doha Metro?

There is no specific dress code for using the Doha Metro, but passengers are expected to dress modestly and respectfully.

Uniqueness of Doha Metro :

There are several things that make the Doha Metro special:

Modern technology: The Doha Metro is a state-of-the-art system that features advanced technology such as driverless trains, automatic platform doors, and a smart card ticketing system.
Sustainability: The Doha Metro is designed with sustainability in mind, with features such as energy-efficient trains, solar panels at stations, and a recycling program.
Accessibility: The Doha Metro is accessible for people with disabilities, with features such as wheelchair ramps, Braille signage, and audio announcements.
Art and design: The Doha Metro features beautiful architecture and artwork, including unique designs for each station inspired by Qatar’s culture and heritage.
Integration with other transport modes: The Doha Metro is integrated with other modes of transport such as buses and taxis, making it easier for passengers to get around the city.

The Doha Metro uses several advanced technologies, including:

Driverless trains: The trains on the Doha Metro are fully automated and operate without a driver, controlled by a sophisticated signaling system.
Automatic Train Control (ATC) System: The ATC system controls the speed and movement of trains, ensuring that they are safely and efficiently operated.
Platform Screen Doors: The Doha Metro features platform screen doors that are synchronized with the train doors, providing an added layer of safety and security for passengers.
Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC): The CBTC system is a wireless communication system that is used to track the location of trains and provide real-time data to the control center.
Smart Card Ticketing System: The Doha Metro uses a smart card ticketing system that allows passengers to purchase and load credit onto their card, making it easy to access the metro and other public transportation in Doha.

What material used in Built of Doha Metro Trains?

The Doha Metro trains are manufactured by the Japanese company, Kinki Sharyo Co. Ltd. and they are made of lightweight aluminum. The aluminum body of the train is designed to be strong and durable while also being lightweight, which helps to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency. Additionally, the train cars are designed with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and other amenities to provide passengers with a pleasant and enjoyable ride. The use of lightweight materials in the construction of the Doha Metro trains is just one of the many ways that the system has been designed to be sustainable and energy-efficient.

The Doha Metro Platform Facilities

The Doha Metro platform facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers. Here are some of the facilities that are available on the Doha Metro platforms:

Platform screen doors: The Doha Metro features platform screen doors that are synchronized with the train doors to provide an added layer of safety and security for passengers.
Seating and benches: The platforms have seating and benches available for passengers to use while waiting for the train.
Digital screens: There are digital screens on the platforms that provide real-time information about train arrivals and departures, as well as other important updates.
Public address system: The platforms are equipped with a public address system that provides announcements about train arrivals, departures, and other important information.
Wi-Fi and charging points: Some of the Doha Metro platforms have free Wi-Fi and USB charging points available for passengers to use.
Accessibility features: The platforms are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, with features such as wheelchair ramps, tactile paving, and Braille signage.

Art and Design of the Doha Metro Stations

here are some additional details about the art and design of the Doha Metro stations:

Islamic architecture: The Islamic architecture at the Doha Metro stations is inspired by the rich history of Islamic art and architecture. The geometric patterns and tilework are commonly found in Islamic art and are a tribute to Qatar’s Islamic heritage.
Public art installations: The Doha Metro features a variety of public art installations that are integrated into the design of the stations. These artworks were created by local Qatari artists and showcase the country’s rich artistic traditions.
Natural elements: The “Oasis” station is one of the most unique stations on the Doha Metro, as it features a large garden and a water feature. The station was designed to be a tranquil and peaceful space in the midst of the bustling city.
Lighting and colors: The Doha Metro stations are designed with colorful lighting schemes that change throughout the day, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. The lighting is also designed to be energy-efficient, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the system.
Unique station themes: Each of the Doha Metro stations has its own unique theme, which is reflected in the design of the station. For example, the “Al Wakra” station features a nautical theme, with blue and white tilework that resembles waves, and a large sculpture of a fish.

Source: Qatar Rail and Doha Metro