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Posted On: 9 August 2022 03:00 pm
Updated On: 16 November 2022 10:22 pm

Public transportation guide for the World Cup; including driving your own car

Vrinda Abilash
Vrinda Abilash
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Your guide to public transportation in Qatar how to get around

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ organisers have released key transport information (12 October 2022) for residents and visitors ahead of this year’s tournament, which will be held from 20 November to 18 December.

Table of contents:

  1. Arrivals at Hamad International Airport (HIA)
  2. Arrivals at Doha International Airport (DIA)
  3. Matchday travel
  4. Information about operating hours
  5. Travelling around Central Doha
  6. Shuttle bus services
  7. Car number plate management system
  8. Rules to use roads
  9. Traffic diversions around specific stadiums
  10. Land Border
  11. Accessibility
  12. Travel tips

Here's our detailed guide on how to get to each of the stadiums!

What are the travel tips for each Qatar 2022 stadium?

During tournament time, your Hayya to Qatar 2022 app is your journey planner. Your app will provide you with real-time travel updates, schedules and transport hub locations. It is also your gateway to free travel on public transport.

  • Please plan ahead and set off early
  • Allow enough time to travel from public transport hubs or car parks to stadiums
  • Allow enough time for security checks and queues
  • Stadium gates open 3 hours before kick-off (with the exception of the Opening at Al Bayt Stadium and the Final Match at Lusail Stadium, when the stadium gates will open 4 hours before kick-off)
  • Stadium car parks open 4 hours before kick-off
  • Tournament bus services start 4 hours before match kick-off and end 1.5 hours after the final whistle
  • Tournament bus service operations will be reduced 1 hour before match kick-off
  • Fans should be aware that some local public bus services are likely to be disrupted due to event-related road closures. Please check the Mowasalat website before you travel
  • You can change between the Red and Green lines at Al Bidda Metro Station
  • You can change between the Red, Green and Gold lines at Msheireb Metro Station
  • Hayya Card holders have unlimited free travel from 10 November to 23 December (Standard and Family Class only on the Doha Metro)
  • When approaching ticket gates at metro stations, remember to get your Hayya to Qatar 2022 app ready to show to staff
  • On matchdays, some stadiums will need to be accessed via free shuttle bus from the closest metro station
  • Metro shuttle services will begin operating 4 hours before each match until 1.5 hours after the final whistle
  • The metro will run until 3 AM every day during tournament time

Information about road diversions, closures and restrictions will be available closer to the tournament.

Arrivals at Hamad International Airport (HIA)

  • Metro
    • Passengers arriving at Hamad International Airport can take the Red line directly into central Doha from Hamad Intl Airport T1 Metro Station. Passengers can buy a travel card from any station. From 10 November - 23 December 2022, ticketholders can use their digital Hayya Card and the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app, available for iOS and Android, for free travel on the metro.
    • The metro has elevators, space for wheelchair users and guide dog allowances. Check with Qatar Rail before you travel.
    • Additional information, including hours of operation, ticket prices and details on how to pay for travel, is available on the Qatar Rail website or app, available for iOS and Android.
  • Public buses
    • Smart cards are available from vending machines at the airport and bus drivers upon boarding. We recommend using the free shuttle bus services provided, if your accommodation provides this service.
    • Bus stations have elevators, space for wheelchair users and guide dog allowances. Visit the Mowasalat website or download the iOS or Android app before you travel.
  • Taxi, Uber, Careem
    • Arrivals can access metered Karwa taxis 24/7. Upon exiting the arrivals hall, head left and follow the signs. You can pay by cash, bank card or mobile payment. Karwa taxis have accommodations for people with disabilities and/ or limited mobility.
    • For more information, visit the Mowasalat website or speak to a Karwa airport representative upon arrival.Uber and Careem apps provide on-demand services to/ from the airport through their apps, which are available for iOS and Android. Note: There is no vehicle access at Cruise Ship Hotels, except for shuttle buses, taxis, Uber and Careem.
  • Rent a car
    • There are many car rental agents available at arrivals; however, due to high demand, road closures and diversions, it is recommended that you use public transport for all travel within central Doha.
  • Accommodation Shuttle Buses
    • Fans arriving at Hamad International Airport have access to a direct shuttle bus service to and from the Fan Villages at Barwa Madinatna, Barwa Barahat Al Janoub and the Cruise Ship Hotels at Doha Port.
    • This 24-hour service runs every 30 minutes, from 20 November to 22 December. The Cruise Ship service will run from 11 November.

Service

Service Number

Cruise Ship Hotels

A831

Barwa Madinatna

A833

Barwa Barahat Al Janoub

A835

Further details will be provided by accommodation providers closer to tournament time.

  • Shuttle buses
    • Most Fan Villages are served by a complimentary shuttle bus service from the closest metro throughout the tournament.

Service Number

Fan Village

Metro Station

Metro Line

D821

Cruise Ship Hotels – Doha Port

Souq Waqif

Gold

D823

Barwa Madinatna

Ras Bu Fontas

Red

D824

Barwa Barahat Al Janoub

Al Wakra

Red

Arrivals at Doha International Airport (DIA)

  • Metro
    • Passengers arriving at Doha International Airports can take the Gold line directly into central Doha. You can also take a shuttle bus to Souq Waqif Bus Hub - South.
    • On your return journey, take the Red line to Al Matar Al Qadeem Metro Station, which is located close to the airport departures terminal. There will be no shuttle service in operation from Souq Waqif Bus Hub – South.
    • More information on getting to/ from the metro stations will be available closer to the tournament.
    • Passengers can buy a travel card from any station. From 10 November - 23 December 2022, ticketholders can use their digital Hayya Card and the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app, available for iOS, Android and Huawei, for free travel on the metro.
    • The metro has elevators, space for wheelchair users and guide dog allowances. Check with Qatar Rail before you travel. Additional information, including hours of operation, ticket prices and details on how to pay for travel, is available on the Qatar Rail website or app, available for iOS and Android.
  • Taxi, Uber, Careem
    • Arrivals can access metered Karwa taxis 24/7 upon exiting the arrivals hall. You can pay by cash, bank card or mobile payment. Karwa taxis have accommodations for people with disabilities and/ or limited mobility.
    • For more information, visit the Mowasalat website or speak to a Karwa airport representative upon arrival. Uber and Careem provide on-demand services to/ from the airport through their apps, which are available for iOS and Android. The airport has dedicated pick-up/ drop-off areas, which are indicated on the apps.
  • Shuttle buses
    • Passengers arriving at Doha International Airport have the option of taking a shuttle bus from the arrivals terminal to Souq Waqif Bus Hub - South, where they can continue their journey by metro.
    • This 24-hour service runs every 30 minutes, from 20 November to 22 December.

Service

Service Number

Souq Waqif Bus Hub - South

A840

What are the matchday travel tips?

Qatar residents should drive to matches

People who live in Qatar and have access to a car should drive to matches. There is ample free parking within walking distance of all eight stadiums. Local residents are encouraged to drive in order to free up capacity on the Doha Metro and other public transport services for visitors.

The Doha Metro will be much busier than normal

The Doha Metro will be extremely busy for extended periods on match days. Long queues are expected outside metro stations across the country. Fans travelling by metro should allow plenty of time to complete their journey. Fans should also note that all metro stations will close daily at 3 AM throughout the tournament..

Consider using dedicated bus services to reach stadiums

A range of Stadium Express bus services will be available from central Doha bus hubs and key accommodation sites. These are expected to provide the quickest route to and from matches.

Travel light where possible on public transport

As metro and bus services are expected to be busy transporting fans, people with luggage are advised to use taxis or rideshare options. At busy times, you may not be permitted to access the metro with luggage.

What are the different travel options during the tournament?

Driving

We highly recommend that you use public transport when travelling in and around Doha due to tournament transport operations, as well as road closures and diversions.

All motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road. Traffic signs are bilingual, in English and Arabic. Driving without a licence is a criminal offence.

  • Driving with a non-Qatari licence – You can rent a car if you are 25 and above, and have held a valid driving licence for at least 12 months. Please be aware that availability of rent a cars is likely to be low due to demand.
  • Driving with the licence of your home country – Visit or business visa holders can drive for up to 15 days from the date of entry. You need to apply for a temporary Qatar driving licence to extend this.
  • Driving with a GCC licence – GCC residents can drive for up to three months from the date of entry into the State of Qatar.
  • Driving with an international licence – Visit or business visa holders can drive for up to six months from the date of entry into the State of Qatar.

Metro Park & Ride

Parking in central Doha will be limited during tournament time. You can park your vehicle at one of the below metro stations and then take the metro into the city:

Metro Station

Metro Line

Qatar University

Red

Umm Ghuwailina

Red

Al Messila

Green

Al Qassar

Red

Al Wakra

Red

Some stations will experience a high volume of traffic during the tournament, therefore parking will be restricted. Please consider this when planning your journey to the following station:

Metro Station

Metro Line

Lusail

Red

Tram

There are three tram systems:

  • Lusail Tram connects to the metro via Legtaifiya Station (Red Line). From 11 November to 20 December, the Lusail Tram will run extended services throughout the tournament:
    • Saturday to Thursday: 6 AM to 3 AM
    • Friday: 9 AM to 3 AM
  • Education City Tram operates as a Park & Ride for matches hosted by Education City Stadium.
  • Msheireb Tram connects Msheireb Metro Station to landmark locations within Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Public buses

  • Before 10 November 2022, buy a smart card from vending machines at Doha Bus Station, Hamad International Airport, some supermarkets or bus drivers upon boarding.
  • Use your Hayya Card and enjoy free travel from 10 November 2022 to 23 December 2022.
  • Non-ticketholders can buy a smart card from vending machines at Doha Bus Station, Hamad International Airport, some supermarkets or bus drivers upon boarding.
  • Keep track of timetables, routes and your smart card balance on the Karwa Bus app.
  • Timetables and routes are also available on the Mowasalat website.
  • Buses provide ramps and space for wheelchair users and pushchairs, as well as guide dog allowances.

Note: if you are travelling to a match, please be aware that Karwa public bus services do not provide direct services to/from stadiums. For matchday bus transport, please refer to the information on Stadium Express Services.

Taxi, Uber, Careem

  • You can pay by cash, bank card or mobile payment
  • Karwa taxis can be ordered or pre-booked via the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app, the Karwa Taxi app (available on iOS and Android), by phoning (+974) 800 8294 toll-free or hailed from the street
  • Karwa taxis can accommodate people with disabilities and/ or limited mobility. To book, call Mowasalat directly on (+974) 4458 8888, providing as much advance notice as possible

For more information, visit the Mowasalat website:

Uber and Careem and are trusted on-demand service providers. Book using their apps, which are available for iOS and Android.

Note: at stadiums and other key sites, you may be requested to head to dedicated drop-off and pick-up areas.

Information about operating hours, which have been extended for public transport during the tournament

Metro

  • The metro system has three lines (Gold, Green and Red) covering 37 stations.
  • Trains run every 3 minutes and staff are available at every station to assist you during your journey.
  • Use your Hayya Card and enjoy free travel from 10 November 2022 to 23 December 2022.
  • Non-ticketholders can buy a travel card at stations and then save time by topping up online or on the Qatar Rail app (iOS and Android).
  • Change lines at Al Bidda (Red and Green) stations and Msheireb (Red, Green and Gold).
  • All stations have elevators and all train carriages provide space for wheelchair users and pushchairs, as well as guide dog allowances. Check the Qatar Rail website before you travel.
  • Free metrolink buses run useful routes within 2 - 5km of stations.
  • Some stations will have dedicated car parks to reduce traffic during tournament time.
  • Tournament-time operating hours:
    • Saturday to Thursday: 6 AM - 3 AM
    • Friday: 9 AM - 3 AM

metrolink

Free buses serve fixed routes within 2 - 5km of metro stations and useful locations. Find out more about the metrolink routes and bus frequency on the Qatar Rail website.

Fans can enjoy longer-running services from 11 November 2022 to 20 December 2022.

Tournament-time operating hours:

  • Saturday to Thursday: 6 AM - 3 AM
  • Friday: 9 AM - 3 AM

Tram

There are three tram systems:

  • Lusail Tram connects to the metro via Legtaifiya Station (Red Line). The Lusail Tram will run extended services throughout the tournament from 17 November to 20 December:
    • Saturday to Thursday: 6 AM – 3 AM
    • Friday: 9 AM – 3 AM
  • Education City Tram operates as a Park & Ride for matches hosted by Education City Stadium.
  • Msheireb Tram connects Msheireb Metro Station to landmark locations within Msheireb Downtown Doha.

How to get to Central Doha?

From 1 November, Corniche Street will be pedestrianised as it prepares to host a variety of activities for fans during the tournament. Fans are encouraged to use public transport to visit either the Corniche Activation or FIFA Fan Festival, located in Al Bidda Park. Shuttle bus services will be operated so fans can travel between entertainment areas.

Details about nearby Doha Metro stations, bus routes and taxi drop-off areas

Metro

Metro Station

Metro Line(s)

Access events

Exit events

West Bay-Qatar Energy

Red

Yes

Yes

Corniche

Red

Yes

No

Al Bidda

Red and Green

Yes

Yes

The FIFA Fan Festival™ location at Al Bidda Park is directly serviced by the Red and Green Lines.

  • Corniche Metro Station (Red line) is the closest metro station to the FIFA Fan Festival™
  • NOTE: From 11 November, the Corniche Station will operate exclusively as an exit station.
  • When exiting the FIFA Fan Festival™, fans will be directed north to the West Bay-Qatar Energy Metro Station (Red line), or south to Al Bidda Metro Station (Red and Green line)

Fans can enjoy longer running services during the tournament from 11 November to 20 December.

Tournament-time operating hours:

  • Saturday to Thursday: 6 AM - 3 AM
  • Friday: 9 AM - 3 AM

Metro Park & Ride

Metro Station

Metro Line

Capacity

Lusail QNB

Red

-

Qatar University

Red

-

Umm Ghuwailina

Red

-

Al Messila

Green

-

Al Qassar

Red

416

Al Wakra

Red

303

Please note: Parking at these stations may be limited, particularly on matchday. Access to Lusail QNB Metro Station car parks may be restricted for stadium operations on matchdays.

Taxi, Uber, Careem

Convenient drop-off/ pick-up areas for central Doha will be located at:

Please note these locations may change.

The Corniche spans Doha’s iconic 6km waterfront from Sheraton Hotel Park to MIA Park and is accessible from all drop-off/ pick-up areas. The FIFA Fan Festival™ is a minimum of a 15-minute walk to the Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex drop off/ pick up.

Stadium Express Bus

This free service will shuttle fans between stadiums and the FIFA Fan Festival™. Buses start running 4 hours before match kick-off. Operations will be reduced 1 hour before kick-off so set off early.

From the drop-off location, it is a minimum of a 20-minute walk to the FIFA Fan Festival™. You can find the Stadium Express Bus Hub locations on the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app.

Stadium

Bus Service Number

Journey Time (approx.)

Al Janoub

S923

40 minutes

Education City

S933

30 minutes

Khalifa International

S943

30 minutes

Al Bayt

S953

55 minutes

Ahmad Bin Ali

S963

35 minutes

974

S973

35 minutes

Al Thumama

S983

35 minutes

Lusail

S993

30 minutes

Shuttle Bus Loop

Free dedicated shuttle bus services will operate from 1 November - 18 December 2022, running a loop around central Doha, for easy access to events, activities and the FIFA Fan Festival™.

Service Name

Service Number

Service Type/ Frequency

Times

Corniche Shuttle

C806

Off-peak (every 15 minutes)

9 AM - 5 PM

Peak (every 7.5 minutes)

5 PM - 3 AM

B Ring Shuttle

C804

Off-peak (every 15 minutes)

9 AM - 5 PM

Peak (every 7.5 minutes)

5 PM - 3 AM

C Ring Shuttle

C805

Off-peak (every 15 minutes)

9 AM - 5 PM

Peak (every 7.5 minutes)

5 PM - 3 AM

Another shuttle bus service runs a loop from the Cruise Ship Hotels at Doha Port to Souq Waqif Bus Hub - South, available from 1 November to 19 December 2022. This is a 24-hour service, running every 30 minutes.

Service Name

Service Number

Service Type/ Frequency

Times

Cruise Ship Hotels to Souq Waqif Bus Hub - South

D821

Peak* (every 5 minutes)

8AM - 11 AM

4 PM - 7 PM

10 PM - 3 AM

Off-peak (every 15 minutes)

11 AM - 4 PM

7 PM - 10 PM

Overnight (every 30 minutes)

3AM - 8 AM

*Peak service available from 10 November

Park & Ride

Parking will be limited in central Doha during the tournament, so fans can park or be dropped off at a convenient location and then take a free shuttle bus to the FIFA Fan Festival™. From the drop-off location, it is a minimum of a 20-minute walk to the FIFA Fan Festival™. This service runs from 14 November to 18 December.

Location

Metro / Bus

Free Parking Spaces

Notes

Qatar University

Metro Red Line

6,000

Also, for Katara overflow car parking

Al Messila

Metro Green Line

5,000

Also, for NED hotel guests

Umm Ghuwailina

Metro Red Line

3,000

Also, for Banana Island guests & Marine vessel owners

Jelaiah Car Park

Shuttle Bus

2,000

From 14 November to 18 December:
9 AM – 5 PM: every 15 minutes
5 PM – 3 AM: every 7.5 minutes

A drop-off/pick-up area for private cars is provided at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque (across Al Istiqlal Street). From here, it is a 15-minute walk to the FIFA Fan Festival™ or a 20-minute walk to the Corniche.

What are the free shuttle bus services?

Free shuttle bus services will operate between Souq Waqif metro station and Al Bidda Park, connecting fans to various locations across the B-Ring and C-Ring Roads, and connecting accommodation sites to activations. Timetables and routes are available on the Mowasalat website.

What is the car number plate management system?

A vehicle plate management system will be implemented in central Doha from 1 November. The area covered spans from Al Khafji Street in the north to C-Ring Road from the west and south, and Corniche Street from the east.

Under the plan, which is being tested every Friday from 3 PM to 10 PM until 28 October, vehicles with general transport plates and black private transport plates are diverted away from central Doha. During the tournament, this will be operational daily.

People who own only one vehicle, as well as public transport vehicles and emergency services, are exempted from the plan. Local authorities will issue fines for vehicles that access central Doha without meeting the exemption criteria.

Rules to follow

A-Ring Road

A-Ring Road now has a dedicated bus and taxi lane. Drivers not authorised to use the bus and taxi lane will be fined. The lane will be open to all road users from 2 am to 8 am only until the tournament. The lane will be used exclusively by buses and taxis 24 hours a day during the tournament.

Vehicles not allowed on A–Ring and B- Ring Roads

Vehicles that are not allowed on A–Ring and B- Ring Roads and roads and intersections leading to them during the World Cup:

  • All kinds of trucks.
  • All kinds of pickups (except refrigerated vehicles).
  • Buses (more than 15-seater).
  • Vehicles with black transport plates registered in the name of a private company.

This restriction will be applied only on A-Ring and B-Ring roads within a 2 KM radius of the stadiums from 1 November 2022 to 19 December 2022 from 12 noon to 2 am.

Vehicles allowed on A–Ring and B- Ring Roads

Vehicles allowed on A–Ring and B- Ring Roads and roads and intersections leading to them during the World Cup.

  • Vehicles with white private transport plates.
  • Buses with 15-seater or less.
  • Refrigerated transportation vehicles.
  • Light vehicles with black transport plates registered personally.

This restriction will be applied only on A-Ring and B-Ring roads within a 2 KM radius of the stadiums from 1 November 2022 to 19 December 2022 from 12 noon to 2 am.

Reaching to Marine Vessels Parking in Corniche for authorized persons

  • Reach the port through the 'Park and Ride' parking facility at Umm Ghuwailina.
  • Reach the Dhow Harbour from Grand Hamad Street.

Reaching Banana Island through North Souq Waqif parking

To reach Banana Island during the World Cup:

  • Use the shuttle bus services from the 'Park and Ride' parking facility in Umm Guwailina to Souq Waqif North Parking.
  • Those arriving at Hamad International Airport can use shuttle bus services from there.

Unavailable Parking Areas

  • Souq Waqif
  • Al-Shuyookh Mosque
  • Al-Bidda Opposite to Rayyan Street
  • Al-Bidda Opposite to Al-Istiqal Street
  • Qatar Post Parking
  • All parking inside the diversion area

Corniche, Parks specified on the map and pedestrian-crowded areas

  • Scooters, Motorbikes and bicycles are not allowed in Corniche Street, parks specified on the map and pedestrian-crowded areas during the World Cup.
  • Boats and marine vessels are allowed to operate, provided they should be away from the secured area.

Corniche road to be pedestrianised

As part of transport regulations during the World Cup, Corniche Street will be made pedestrian-only starting from 1 November until 19 December 2022.

Vehicles will be diverted away from Corniche Street from 1 November until 19 December 2022 through the following intersections.

  • Ras Bu Abboud Intersection - Sheraton Intersection - Port Intersection - Swords Intersection - Diwan Intersection - Al Marmar Intersection - Oryx Intersection-Barzan Intersection

Restricted areas for e-scooters & e-bikes

E-scooters or e-bikes will not be allowed in Corniche, which is pedestrianised, and within stadium areas during the World Cup - effective from 1 November until 25 December 2022.

Companies that operate or rent e-scooters or e-bikes need to apply for a no-objection letter from the Technical Affairs Department of the Ministry of Transport. This will be a requirement ahead of starting operations to identify geographical boundaries and keep in line with safety requirements.

    Traffic diversions around stadiums

    To organise vehicle entry and exit, traffic will be restricted around Al Thumama, Khalifa International, Lusail and Al Janoub stadiums. Residents of the areas surrounding these venues are encouraged to use alternative routes.

    Land border

    Details on entry via the Abu Samra land border will be announced by the relevant authorities in due course.

    Accessibility

    Accessible Qatar details accessibility information for different types of disability, covering a wide range of locations and facilities. 

    1. Karwa taxis: These taxis accommodate passengers with disabilities and/ or limited mobility. Book on the iOS or Android app or on +974 800 8294 (toll-free). These taxis have a dedicated drop-off point close to stadium entrances. 
    2. Metro and public buses: These buses have elevators, space for wheelchair users and guide dog allowances. Check with Qatar Rail and Mowasalat before you travel. 
    3. Tournament bus services: Dedicated Stadium Express or shuttle buses, with accessibility features, operate on matchdays. Inform a staff member of your requirements at your tournament bus hubs. 

    Please refer to your ticketing emails and FIFA’s FAQ for more information.

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      Source and cover image credit: Press Release