Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
BUS
The public bus system operates from the central Al Ghanim Bus Station (
Click here
)
with
air-conditioned bus services to Al-Khor, Al-Wakara and Masaieed among other destina-
tions. Prices cost from QR3 to QR9.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
If you're driving around Doha, you'll discover that roundabouts are very common, treated
like camel-race tracks and often redundant in practice. Finding the right way out of Doha
can also be difficult: if you're heading south towards Al-Wakrah or Mesaieed, take the air-
port road (Al-Matar St); the main road to all points north is 22 February St (north from
Al-Rayyan Rd); and to the west, continue along Al-Rayyan Rd. Some other notes:
Driving in Qatar is on the right-hand side.
Numerous petrol stations are located around Doha but there are few along the highways.
Authorities are strict with anyone caught speeding, not wearing a seat belt or not carrying
a driving licence: heavy on-the-spot fines are handed out freely.
Don't even think about drink driving.
Hire
A visitor can rent a car with a driving licence from home - but only within seven days of
arriving in Qatar (although expats resident in other GCC countries can drive for up to
three months).
After seven days, a temporary driving licence must be obtained, issued by the Traffic Li-
cence Office. It lasts for the duration of your visa and rental agencies can arrange this for
you.
The minimum rental period for all car-hire agencies is 24 hours and drivers must be at
least 21 years old.
Major agencies charge about QR140/750 per day/week for the smallest car.
The cost of a 4WD can be very high (around QR500/2800 per day/week); an ordinary car
is perfectly suitable for reaching all the places mentioned by Lonely Planet with the ex-
ception of Khor al-Adaid.
A 4WD is essential, however, for those wanting to explore the interior in greater depth or
wishing to camp on a remote beach.
Al-Muftah Rent-A-Car
( 44 634 433;
www.rentacardoha.com
; Doha International Airport; 24hr)
With
over 40 years of experience in Doha, this is a reliable and cheaper local alternative to the
major car hire companies.
Avis
(
44 667 744;
www.avisqatar.com
)
