Doha Taxis
Doha Taxi: The Ultimate Guide for Travellers
Are you planning to visit Doha, the capital of Qatar? Do you want to know how to get around the city by taxi? If so, you are in the right place. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Doha Taxis, including:
- The different types of taxis in Doha
- How to get a taxi from the airport
- How to use ride-hailing apps in Doha
- What are the taxi fares and tips in Doha
- How to avoid common taxi scams in Doha
By the end of this guide, you will be able to travel in Doha by taxi with confidence and ease. Let's get started!
The Different Types of Taxis in Doha
There are two main types of taxis in Doha: Karwa taxis and limousine taxis.
Karwa Taxis
Karwa taxis are the official taxis of Doha, operated by the government-owned Mowasalat company. They are easily recognizable by their bright turquoise color, with different roofs depending on the taxi operating company.
Karwa taxis are metered, clean, reliable, and air-conditioned. They can be found outside major hotels, city landmarks, and at the designated taxi ranks at the airport. You can also book them through the Karwa Taxi app, which is available on both the App Store and Google Play.
The starting price for Karwa taxis in Doha is QR4, and you will be charged QR1.6 per kilometer during daytime hours, and QR1.9 per kilometer at night. As of June 24, 2023, the minimum fare for Karwa taxis is now QR7, and you can pay with your card, or add credit to your account on the app.
If you are using a taxi to get to or from a metro station, you can use the code RAIL to get a 20% discount on your journey.
Limousine Taxis
Limousine taxis are private taxis that offer a more luxurious and comfortable ride. They are usually black or white, and have a yellow license plate with the letter L.
Limousine taxis are not metered, and you have to negotiate the fare with the driver before you get in. They are usually more expensive than Karwa taxis, but they can be more convenient if you want to travel to remote areas or have a lot of luggage.
You can find limousine taxis outside hotels, malls, and tourist attractions. You can also book them through apps like Uber, Careem, or Qatar Taxi.
How to Get a Taxi from the Airport
If you are arriving at Hamad International Airport, the easiest way to get a taxi is to head to the Taxi Pavilion, located at the left end of the Arrivals Hall. There, you will find plenty of Karwa taxis waiting to take you to your destination.
The starting price from the airport for Karwa taxis is QR25, and you will be charged QR1.2 per kilometer between 5am and 9pm, and QR1.8 per kilometer between 9pm and 5am. A journey from the airport to the city center costs around QR40-50, depending on the traffic and the time of the day.
If you prefer to use a limousine taxi, you can book one through the Mowasalat Limousine Service, located at the Arrivals Hall. The fares are fixed, and range from QR75 to QR250, depending on the destination and the type of vehicle.
Alternatively, you can use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem to get a taxi from the airport. The fares are similar to Karwa taxis, but they may vary depending on the demand and the surge pricing.
How to Use Ride-Hailing Apps in Doha
Ride-hailing apps are a popular and convenient way to get a taxi in Doha. You can use apps like Uber, Careem, or Qatar Taxi to book a taxi from your smartphone, and pay with your card or cash.
Ride-hailing apps offer different types of vehicles, such as economy, comfort, or premium. You can also choose between Karwa taxis or limousine taxis, depending on the app and the availability.
The fares for ride-hailing apps are usually similar to Karwa taxis, but they may vary depending on the distance, the traffic, and the surge pricing. The app will provide a fare estimate before you book, so you can compare the prices and choose the best option for you.
Ride-hailing apps are especially useful if you want to get a taxi in areas where there are no taxi ranks or Karwa taxis available. You can also use them to schedule a ride in advance, or to share a ride with other passengers.
What are the Taxi Fares and Tips in Doha
The taxi fares in Doha depend on the type of taxi, the distance, the time of the day, and the traffic. Here are some average fares for common destinations in Doha:
- Airport to City Center: QR40-50
- City Center to Souq Waqif: QR10-15
- City Center to The Pearl: QR20-25
- City Center to Katara Cultural Village: QR25-30
- City Center to Museum of Islamic Art: QR15-20
- City Center to Doha Corniche: QR10-15
These fares are for Karwa taxis, and they may change depending on the traffic and the time of the day. For limousine taxis, the fares are usually higher, and you have to negotiate them with the driver before you get in.
As for the tips, they are not mandatory, but they are appreciated. You can tip the driver 10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest QR5 or QR10. You can also tip the driver with a smile and a thank you.
How to Avoid Common Taxi Scams in Doha
Taxis in Doha are generally safe and reliable, but there are some common scams that you should be aware of and avoid. Here are some tips to help you avoid taxi scams in Doha:
- Make sure the taxi is licensed and has a meter. Karwa taxis have a turquoise color and a yellow license plate with the letter T. Limousine taxis have a yellow license plate with the letter L. Avoid unlicensed taxis that have a white license plate, as they may overcharge you or take you to the wrong destination.
- Check the meter before you get in. Karwa taxis have a digital meter that shows the fare and the distance. Limousine taxis do not have a meter, and you have to agree on the fare with the driver before you get in. If the driver refuses to use the meter or asks for a fixed fare, do not get in and find another taxi.
- Know the approximate fare and distance to your destination. You can use apps like Google Maps or Uber to get an estimate of the fare and the distance to your destination. This way, you can avoid being overcharged or taken on a longer route by the driver.
- Have enough cash in local currency. Most taxis in Doha accept only cash
