Overview
The Doha Metro (مترو الدوحة, Mitru ad-Dawha) is a rapid transit system serving the Doha Metropolitan Area. It became operational on 8 May 2019 and consists of three lines covering approximately 76 km with 37 stations. The system features fully automated driverless trains capable of reaching 100 km/h, making it one of the fastest driverless metro systems in the world. You pay for your journey by tapping a rechargeable smartcard or single-use travel card at the turnstiles when entering and exiting the system. The Metro integrates with feeder bus services for last-mile connectivity and is operated by RKH Qitarat on behalf of Qatar Rail.
The network
Metro lines
The Doha Metro operates three lines, all radiating from a central interchange at Msheireb station in downtown Doha.
- Red Line (Coastal Line): A north-south line approximately 40 km long with 18 stations, running from Lusail in the north through West Bay, Msheireb, and Hamad International Airport to Al Wakra in the south.
- Green Line (Education Line): An approximately 22 km line with 11 stations running from Al Mansoura through the heart of Doha and connecting to Education City, Umm Salal, and the Industrial Area South.
- Gold Line (Historic Line): An east-west line approximately 14 km long with 11 stations running through central Doha's historical areas, connecting Airport City North via Msheireb with Al Waab Street, Al Rayyan South, and Salwa Road.
Key interchange stations
Msheireb is the primary transfer hub where all three lines meet. Al Bidda station provides an additional interchange between the Red and Green Lines.
Service frequency and operating hours
- Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours (6:00–9:00 am and 3:00–7:00 pm).
- Off-peak service is every 5–8 minutes.
- Monday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday: 5:00 am to 1:00 am.
- Friday: 9:00 am to 1:00 am.
- During Ramadan: all days 5:30 am to 1:30 am; Friday service begins at 9:30 am.
Feeder services
Free "metrolink" feeder buses connect most Metro stations to nearby areas not directly served by the rail network. Additionally, a free "metroexpress" ride-sharing service (with Metro trip) is available at West Bay and DICC stations, though it requires separate registration.
Tickets & fares
Ticket types
- Standard Travel Card: A reusable plastic smartcard that you can top up with credit and use repeatedly.
- Single-trip paper pass: A one-time-use card for visitors; costs 2 QAR for a standard single journey or 10 QAR for Gold Class (premium seating).
- Day pass: After paying for three individual rides within a calendar day, the system automatically grants you unlimited travel for the remainder of that day at no additional cost. A dedicated one-day pass costs 6 QAR (standard) or 30 QAR (Gold Class).
- 7-day pass: 40 QAR for unlimited travel across all three lines.
- 30-day pass: 120 QAR for unlimited monthly travel.
- 365-day annual pass: 990 QAR for year-round unlimited travel.
Fares and pricing
All fares are listed in Qatari Riyal (QAR). Standard single-trip fares are 2 QAR; premium Gold Class (with enhanced seating) is 10 QAR per trip. Children under five years travel free. Prices are subject to change.
Where and how to buy tickets
You can purchase travel cards and passes at any Metro station. Cards are not expensive and are rechargeable. You must tap your card at the entry and exit turnstiles to register your journey.
Carriage classes
The Metro operates three classes of service: Standard Class, Family Class, and Gold Class (premium seating at higher fares).
From the airport
Hamad International Airport (DOH) is served directly by the Red Line, with a dedicated airport station. Simply follow signs to the Metro station within the terminal, purchase or top up a travel card, and tap through the turnstiles. The Red Line connects the airport directly to central Doha stations including Msheireb, and then continues to Al Wakra in the south and Lusail in the north. A single journey costs 2 QAR (10 QAR for Gold Class).
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing: Queue in an orderly fashion at turnstiles and while boarding; do not push ahead.
- Escalators: No specific local convention is documented, but you should stand on one side to allow others to pass on the other.
- Priority and reserved seating: Dedicated sections at the front of Metro cars are reserved for women, families, and people with disabilities. Respect these reserved areas.
- Eating and drinking: Food and drink are generally not permitted on Metro trains; observe no-eating rules.
- Quiet conduct: Keep noise levels low and avoid loud conversations or phone calls.
- Facilities: Every Metro station has restrooms with baby-changing tables and an ablution (wudu) room located immediately after the turnstiles. Women's facilities are marked with a figure in black clothing; men's facilities are marked with a figure in white clothing.
- Rush hour: Expect crowding during peak hours (6:00–9:00 am and 3:00–7:00 pm). Allow extra time for boarding and be prepared for close quarters.
Official links
Survival terms
- مترو (Metro): Metro / subway
- تذكرة (Tadhkira): Ticket
- خط (Khatt): Line
- دخول (Dukhul): Entrance
- خروج (Khuruj): Exit
- تحويل (Tahwil): Transfer
- تذكرة واحدة (Tadhkira wahida): Single fare
- تذاكر يومية (Tadhakir yawmiyya): Day pass
Download the official Doha Metro map and check real-time train schedules on the Qatar Metro website before your journey to plan your route efficiently and avoid unexpected delays.