Getting around Doha
Mowasalat (tel: 4458 8888; www.mowasalat.com) runs a bus network in and around the city. Intercity buses (which serve the city centre only) are numbered with double digits, while 'Inter Urban' buses (for the suburbs and other cities in the emirate) have three digits. Bus fares are cheap with a selection of day, week and monthly passes available for those with extended stays in the city. Most foreigners and more affluent Qataris avoid the bus network, preferring to take taxis.
A metro system is under construction in Doha. Four lines are planned, with the first expected to be running by 2019.
Hailing a taxi or limousine (the latter are not as grand as they sound, tending to be just larger cars charging at least double the fare) in the street is the easiest way to secure a ride in Doha, but can lead to overcharging, so either book at a hotel or call ahead with companies such as Twenty Twenty Limousine Services (tel: 4467 1007) and Mustafawi Limousine (tel: 3340 2984). Newer taxis are frequently green in colour, while older models tend to be orange or white.
There are no tolls/fees for driving in Doha, but traffic is heavy and challenging so be prepared for jams and some aggressive driving techniques. Most malls have pay-for parking, as does Souq Waqif. Most international hotels offer valet parking.
Drivers must be 21 or over to hire a car in Doha. A number of international car hire companies have offices in Doha, including Budget (tel: 4431 0411; www.budgetqatar.com), Sixt (tel: 4428 1739; www.sixt.com) and Avis (tel: 4466 7744; www.avis.com).
Cycling on Doha's busy, hot streets is not recommended. If you do decide to give it a go, Carbon Wheels Bike Shop in the Al Maha Center (tel: 4441 9048; www.facebook.com/CarbonWheelsQTR) rents out bikes. You can also hire bikes in Aspire Park (tel: 4413 8188; www.aspirezone.qa) and try out the 5km (3-mile) bike track.
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