Qatar is very quickly becoming a popular tourist destination for travelers, but before you book your flight and reserve your hotel, there are some things you need to know. For the purposes of this piece, we are going to be talking about getting around in Doha, Qatar, which is not as easy as you might imagine if you are planning on driving. Still, with a littler bit of preparation, you will be able to take in all the sights without ever getting lost, so let’s jump right in and look at your transportation options in the city of Doha.
Rental Car
When you arrive at Doha Airport, you are essentially just a 5-minute drive away from being in the city center. If you are planning on doing a lot of traveling and sightseeing during your visit, a rental car may seem like a good idea. All the major rental companies have car for hire at the airport, but there are some things you need to be aware of. Driving in Doha may not be like driving where you come from, as there are a lot of roundabouts, or traffic circles, to navigate. These can prove to be tricky if you are not used to them. It’s also worth noting that there are no street numbers in Doha, which could also prove problematic. If you have time to figure out the lay of the land, a rental car may prove to be a good option.
Public Transportation
If you don’t want to rent a car, there are still plenty of ways to easily get around Doha. You can start out by choosing a hotel that includes a shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. If that is not available, then simply hop in a Karwa taxi at the airport. These taxis should be plentiful when you arrive, but lines can get a little longer if you land in Doha during rush hour. The taxi rates tend to be cheaper in the early afternoon and pricier when rush hour hits, so keep that in mind.
There is also a bus service that runs through Doha, but it is somewhat limited and may not get you where you need to go. If you look into the bus service and find that it suits your transportation needs, consider opting for the Karwa Smart Card, as a one-time payment allows you to ride without constantly having to hand over cash for as long as your card is funded.
If you have some extra money to spare, you might want to consider renting a limousine for some of your trips. This is something that can be arranged at your hotel, as they will know exactly which services are the best and most affordable for your specific needs.
There are several different options for getting around in Doha, Qatar, so choose the one that appeals to you and have fun exploring this wonderful city.
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