The Doha Metro is Qatar's fastest, most affordable, and most reliable way to get around the capital. Since opening on 8 May 2019, the Qatar metro network has grown into a world-class driverless rail system covering 76 kilometres across three lines — Red, Green, and Gold — with 40 stations connecting residential neighbourhoods, business districts, universities, shopping malls, cultural landmarks, and Hamad International Airport. Whether you need Doha Metro fares, station timetables, Metrolink bus routes, travel card options, or the latest operating hours in Qatar, this article covers everything confirmed and updated for 2026.

Last updated: April 2026

In This Article

• About the Doha Metro
• How to Ride the Doha Metro
• Doha Metro Operating Hours
• Lines and Stations — Red, Gold, Green
• Travel Cards and Fares in Qatar
• Metro Passes — Unlimited Travel
• Where to Buy and Top Up Your Travel Card
• Travel Classes
• Children and Family Rules
• Metrolink — Free Feeder Bus Service
• Karwa MetroExpress — Free Taxi Feeder
• Getting to Hamad International Airport by Metro
• Future Expansions
• Station Facilities and Amenities
• Rules and Regulations
• Accessibility
• Qatar Rail Mobile App
• Frequently Asked Questions

About the Doha Metro

The Doha Metro is a fully automated, driverless rapid transit system serving Doha and surrounding areas in Qatar. It was launched on 8 May 2019 and has since become the backbone of public transport in the country. Operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h, it is one of the fastest driverless train systems in the world. The Qatar metro network covers 76 kilometres across three lines with 40 stations, running both underground and overground depending on the route. All stations and trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi — passengers receive 30 minutes of free connectivity per day, with paid premium plans available for high-speed access.

The metro integrates seamlessly with the Lusail Tram, Metrolink feeder buses, and Karwa MetroExpress taxi service, making it possible to reach virtually any part of Doha and its suburbs using public transport. Travel cards are valid across both the Doha Metro and the Lusail Tram, making the two systems a unified network. During the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, held from 1 to 18 December 2025, more than 4.92 million passengers used the Metro and Lusail Tram — a testament to the system's capacity and reliability.

How to Ride the Doha Metro

Using the Doha Metro in Qatar is straightforward. Follow these five steps for a smooth journey every time.

Step 1 — Go to an operating station. All 40 stations are currently in service. Use the Qatar Rail app or Google Maps to find your nearest station and plan your route.

Step 2 — Get a travel card. Purchase a Standard Travel Card (QAR 10) or Gold Club Card (QAR 100) from a vending machine inside any station. Top up with credit before boarding. Paper tickets are no longer available — all passengers must use a travel card.

Step 3 — Tap your card at the gate. Hold your travel card to the reader at the entry gate, wait for the green light, and pass through. Remember to tap out at your destination gate — the correct fare is deducted when you exit.

Step 4 — Board the correct carriage. Check platform markings for Standard Class, Gold Club Class, or Family Class. Board the carriage that matches your ticket category. Family Class is reserved for families and solo female passengers.

Step 5 — Exit at your destination. Follow signage to the correct exit (A, B, C, etc.) for your destination. Tap out at the gate. At interchange stations, transfer between lines without exiting to street level.

Doha Metro Operating Hours

The Doha Metro in Qatar runs seven days a week. Operating hours were extended effective January 1, 2025. The schedule below reflects current confirmed hours as of April 2026. Note that hours may be further extended during major public holidays, Ramadan, and large sporting or cultural events — always check the Qatar Rail app for the latest announcements.

During peak hours (6:00 AM–9:00 AM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM), trains run every 3–5 minutes. Off-peak frequency is every 5–8 minutes. The average journey time between stations is approximately 3 minutes. The last train departs approximately 15 minutes before the station closes — if catching a late service, arrive at the platform by 12:40 AM at the latest.

Doha Metro Lines and Stations in Qatar

The Doha Metro currently operates three lines. Msheireb station is the central interchange hub where all three lines converge, making it the most important transfer point on the network. Al Bidda station serves as an interchange between the Red and Green lines.

Red Line — 18 Stations | 40 km North to South

The Red Line is the longest line on the Qatar metro network, running 40 kilometres from Lusail QNB in the north to Al Wakra in the south. It also serves Hamad International Airport Terminal 1 via a branch at Oqba Ibn Nafie station. Key destinations include West Bay, the Corniche, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar University, The Pearl-Qatar (via Legtaifiya), and Lagoona Mall.

Important note for HIA travellers: If travelling from Al Wakra or any station south of Oqba Ibn Nafie, you must change trains at Oqba Ibn Nafie and board the train heading towards HIA. When travelling from HIA back towards Al Wakra, change trains again at Oqba Ibn Nafie.

⇄ = Line interchange station. ⇌ = Lusail Tram interchange. Times shown are Sat–Wed / Fri (6:xx = Sat–Wed first train, 14:xx = Friday first train). Last train times apply to all days. Times are subject to change — always verify with the Qatar Rail app.

Red Line travel times: Lusail QNB to Al Wakra — 39 minutes. Lusail to HIA — 38 minutes. HIA to Al Wakra — 13 to 15 minutes. Msheireb to Al Wakra — 17 minutes. Msheireb to HIA — 16 minutes.

Gold Line — 11 Stations | 14 km East to West

The Gold Line runs 14 kilometres from Ras Bu Abboud in the east to Al Aziziyah in the west. It passes through key cultural and leisure destinations including the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Al Sadd, and Sport City (Aspire Zone). All 11 stations are currently operational.

Gold Line travel times: Al Aziziyah to Ras Bu Abboud — 20 minutes. Msheireb to Al Aziziyah — 13 minutes. Msheireb to Ras Bu Abboud — 7 minutes.

Green Line — 11 Stations | 22 km East to West

The Green Line runs 22 kilometres from Al Mansoura in the east to Al Riffa in the west, passing through Education City, Qatar National Library, Hamad Hospital, and key residential areas including Al Messila and Al Rayyan. All 11 stations are currently operational.

Green Line travel times: Al Riffa to Al Mansoura — 26 minutes (and vice versa). Msheireb to Al Mansoura — 3 minutes. Msheireb to Al Riffa — 23 minutes.

Doha Metro Travel Cards and Fares in Qatar

All passengers must use a travel card to ride the Doha Metro. Paper tickets have been permanently suspended. There are two types of reusable travel cards and one limited-use option. All cards are valid on both the Doha Metro and the Lusail Tram. Cards are valid for 5 years from the date of purchase.

Child and adult fares are identical. Children aged 4 and below travel free and do not need a card. The daily cap means that once you have paid for 3 Standard journeys (QAR 6) in a single day, all subsequent journeys that day are free.

Metro Passes — Unlimited Travel

The 30-Day Metropass was introduced on 3 September 2024 and is the most cost-effective option for daily commuters in Qatar. At QAR 120 per month for unlimited rides, it represents significant savings compared to paying per journey. For a full comparison of monthly transport costs and how they fit into your budget in Qatar, see our article on the cost of living in Qatar.

Where to Buy and Top Up Your Travel Card

Standard Travel Cards are available at vending machines inside every metro station, and from the following licensed retailers across Qatar: Al Meera (all stores), Lulu Hypermarket (selected stores), Carrefour (selected stores), Family Food Centre, and Jumbo Electronics (selected stores). You can also order a Standard Travel Card for home delivery through Talabat Mart — search for "Metro Standard Travel Card", add to basket, and receive your card within 30 minutes. The Talabat card costs QAR 30 inclusive of QAR 20 ready-to-use credit.

Gold Club Cards are available exclusively from Gold Club offices inside metro stations. Cards can be topped up at station vending machines, through the Qatar Rail mobile app, or online at qr.com.qa/top-up. Karwa Taxi passengers can also use the promo code RAIL for a 20% discount on Karwa rides when combining with a metro journey — see our Karwa Taxi complete guide in Qatar for details.

Travel Classes

The Doha Metro offers three travel classes on every train.

Standard Class is available to all passengers holding a Standard Travel Card. Carriages are modern, air-conditioned, and clean, with ample seating. This is the most popular and affordable option for daily commuters and visitors alike.

Gold Club Class offers a premium experience with more spacious, luxury seating, quieter carriages, and exclusive Gold Club lounges at selected stations. Access requires a Gold Club Card (QAR 100 to purchase, QAR 10 per journey). Gold Club cards can also be used in Standard and Family Class.

Family Class carriages are reserved exclusively for families travelling together and for solo female passengers. They are accessible using a Standard Travel Card at the standard fare of QAR 2 per journey. No additional ticket is required — passengers simply board the designated Family Class carriage.

Children and Family Rules

Children aged 4 and below travel completely free and do not need a travel card. They must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Children aged 5 and above require their own travel card and pay the same fare as adults — there are no child concession fares on the Doha Metro. Children aged 9 and above are permitted to travel alone on the network. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by someone who is at least 16 years old.

Metrolink — Free Feeder Bus Service

Metrolink is a free feeder bus network operated by Qatar Rail that connects Doha Metro stations to surrounding residential and commercial areas within 2 to 5 kilometres of each station. The network has 60 routes across the Red, Gold, and Green lines and is completely free of charge for all passengers.

To board Metrolink, tap your Metro Travel Card (Standard or Gold Club), your Karwa Smart Card, or a QR code from the Karwa Journey Planner App on the reader when boarding the bus. Since January 2024, Metro travel cards are accepted directly on Metrolink services — passengers simply tap in as they board. Children aged 5 and above must also tap in.

Two recent Metrolink service updates to note. From 16 November 2025, route M144 (serving Madinat Khalifa North, Dahl Al Hamam, and Umm Lekhba) now operates from Exit 2 of Corniche Metro Station instead of Exit 3, with a new stop added at Tawar Mall. From 18 February 2026, route M120 at Al Matar Al Qadeem Station has been modified to provide a more direct connection for residents in the Al Hilal area — check the Qatar Rail app for the updated route map.

Red Line Metrolink Routes and Last Bus Times

Gold Line Metrolink Routes and Last Bus Times

Green Line Metrolink Routes and Last Bus Times

For the complete and most up-to-date Metrolink route maps, visit the official Qatar Rail website or download the Qatar Rail app.

Karwa MetroExpress — Free Taxi Feeder

In addition to Metrolink buses, the Karwa MetroExpress service provides free shared taxi rides connecting passengers to and from Doha Metro and Lusail Tram stations. The service covers 10 metro stations — 6 on the Red Line, 2 on the Gold Line, and 2 on the Green Line — plus 7 Lusail Tram stations. Book via the Karwa app, select MetroExpress, and request a shared ride to your nearest station at no charge. Vehicles are branded vans seating up to 7 passengers. This is particularly useful in areas not served by Metrolink bus routes or during Qatar's summer months when walking to a station is not practical. For full details on booking and vehicle types, read our Karwa Taxi complete guide in Qatar.

Getting to Hamad International Airport by Metro

The Red Line provides a direct connection to Hamad International Airport Terminal 1. The HIA station is served via a branch line at Oqba Ibn Nafie. Trains between Msheireb and HIA run approximately every 5–10 minutes during the day. The journey from Msheireb to HIA takes 16 minutes. From Lusail QNB the journey takes approximately 38 minutes.

If you are travelling from Al Wakra or any station south of Oqba Ibn Nafie, you must change trains at Oqba Ibn Nafie — board the train heading towards HIA from there. When travelling from HIA to Al Wakra, change again at Oqba Ibn Nafie. Follow the clear signage at the station for the correct platform.

Large luggage is permitted on the metro at no extra charge, though passengers must ensure baggage does not obstruct walkways or emergency exits. For airport taxi alternatives or onward connections from HIA, see our article on taxi services available in Qatar.

Future Expansions

The Doha Metro is currently in Phase 2 of its expansion. The most significant upcoming addition is the Blue Line, a 17.5 km semi-circular route that will link Hamad International Airport Terminal 2 to West Bay along the C-Ring Road. Key planned stations include the Hotel Garden, Doha Exhibition Centre (interchange with Red Line), West Bay, Qatar Club, Wadi Al Sail, Hamad Medical City (interchange with Green Line), and Al Sadd (interchange with Gold Line). The Blue Line is expected to open in phases between 2026 and 2027. The full Phase 2 plan includes 60 additional stations across new and existing lines.

A new Purple Tram line is also planned as an extension of the Lusail Tram network, running from QNB Lusail to Al Sa'ad Plaza via Lusail Boulevard. The first phase of this extension is expected to be completed in 2026. Additional future lines shown on the metro map include Pink and Orange lines in longer-term planning phases. These reflect Qatar's National Vision 2030 commitment to expanding sustainable public transport across the country.

Station Facilities and Amenities

All Doha Metro stations are equipped with a consistent set of facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience. Every station has air-conditioned waiting areas, prayer rooms for both men and women, clean restrooms, customer information centres staffed by Qatar Rail representatives, and retail shops and cafés at major stations. Gold Club lounges with premium seating, refreshments, and exclusive access are available at all stations for Gold Club cardholders. Emergency call points and CCTV surveillance operate throughout the network at all times.

Free Wi-Fi is available at all stations and on all trains. Passengers receive 30 minutes of free connectivity per day on limited bandwidth. To access high-speed internet for longer sessions, passengers can purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly subscription plan directly on the Metro Wi-Fi screens. A one-time registration using your mobile number is required before first use.

Many stations also feature significant architectural design and cultural displays. Each station was designed to reflect Qatar's heritage — platforms are inspired by traditional Bedouin tent structures, and artwork and cultural installations are present throughout the network. Qatar Rail has also launched hop-on hop-off Doha Metro heritage tours, allowing passengers to explore Doha's cultural gems using the metro as a touring vehicle — tickets are available through the Qatar Rail app.

Rules and Regulations

Pets are not permitted on the Doha Metro. The only exceptions are guide dogs accompanying blind passengers and hearing dogs accompanying deaf passengers — both are permitted with their owners. Luggage is allowed at no extra charge but must not obstruct walkways, emergency exits, or other passengers. Commercial photography is not permitted inside stations or on trains without prior authorisation from Qatar Rail. Eating and drinking are not permitted on the metro or in station paid areas. Noise levels should be kept to a minimum, particularly in Gold Club carriages. Always stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to pass.

Accessibility

The Doha Metro is designed to be accessible to all passengers. Every station is equipped with elevators providing step-free access from street level to all platforms. Tactile guide paths are present throughout all stations for visually impaired passengers. Wheelchair-accessible carriages are available on every train and all gates are wide enough to accommodate mobility aids and strollers. Priority seating is clearly marked in all carriages for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities. Accessible restrooms are available at every station. Passengers with special mobility needs requiring the Accessible Van service from Karwa can also book via 44588888.

Qatar Rail Mobile App

The Qatar Rail app is the official companion for Doha Metro travel in Qatar. It provides real-time service status updates, a journey planner for all three lines including interchange guidance, travel card balance checking and top-up, Metrolink route maps and schedules, announcements for service changes during events and holidays, and access to hop-on hop-off tour booking. The app is free and available on iOS and Android.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Doha Metro cost?
A Standard Class single journey costs QAR 2 with a daily cap of QAR 6. Gold Club is QAR 10 per journey with a QAR 30 daily cap. The Standard Card costs QAR 10 to purchase. The 30-day unlimited pass costs QAR 120, weekly pass QAR 40, and annual pass QAR 990.

What are the Doha Metro operating hours?
Saturday to Wednesday: 5:30 AM–midnight. Thursday: 5:30 AM–1:00 AM. Friday: 2:00 PM–1:00 AM. Ramadan hours: Saturday to Thursday 5:30 AM–1:30 AM, Friday 9:30 AM–1:30 AM. Confirmed April 2026 — always check the Qatar Rail app for event-day changes.

How many lines and stations does the Doha Metro have?
Three active lines — Red (18 stations), Green (11 stations), Gold (11 stations) — covering 76 km with 40 stations total. A fourth Blue Line is under construction and expected to open in phases from 2026 to 2027.

How do I get to Hamad International Airport by metro?
Take the Red Line to HIA Terminal 1 station. If coming from Al Wakra or stations south of Oqba Ibn Nafie, change trains at Oqba Ibn Nafie. Journey from Msheireb to HIA takes 16 minutes.

Can children travel free on the Doha Metro?
Children aged 4 and below travel free. Ages 5 and above need a travel card at the same fare as adults. Ages 9 and above can travel alone. Under 9 must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old.

Where can I buy a Doha Metro travel card in Qatar?
At vending machines in all stations, at Al Meera, Lulu, Carrefour, Family Food Centre, and Jumbo Electronics, or via Talabat Mart for home delivery. Gold Club Cards only from Gold Club offices inside stations.

What is Metrolink and is it free?
Metrolink is Qatar Rail's free feeder bus network with 60 routes connecting metro stations to surrounding areas within 2–5 km. Board using your Metro Travel Card, Karwa Smart Card, or QR code from the Karwa Journey Planner App.

What is the difference between Standard, Gold Club, and Family Class?
Standard is open to all at QAR 2 per journey. Gold Club is premium seating at QAR 10 per journey. Family Class carriages are reserved for families and solo female passengers, accessible with a Standard Card at the standard fare.

Are paper tickets still available on the Doha Metro?
No. Paper tickets have been permanently suspended. All passengers must use a reusable travel card or Limited Use Travel Card.

When will the Blue Line open?
The Blue Line connecting HIA Terminal 2 to West Bay is expected to open in phases between 2026 and 2027. The full Phase 2 expansion includes 60 additional stations.

Does the Doha Metro have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available at all stations and on all trains. Passengers receive 30 minutes of free connectivity per day on limited bandwidth. Daily, weekly, and monthly premium subscription plans are available for high-speed access via the Metro Wi-Fi screens.