How much is a taxi from Doha airport to the city centre?
The cost of a taxi ride from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to central Doha typically ranges from QAR 40 to QAR 60, which is approximately $11 to $17 USD, depending on the exact location, time of day, traffic conditions, and vehicle type.
Official airport taxis: Karwa Taxi
Under Mowasalat's regulation Karwa operates the official taxi service from Hamad International Airport while serving as the national transport company of Qatar. Passengers can locate Karwa taxis any time of day at the transportation area outside the arrivals terminal. Fare breakdown:
- Starting fare (from the airport): QAR 25 (flat rate)
- Per kilometer (day rate): QAR 1.20
- Per kilometer (night rate from 9 PM to 5 AM): QAR 1.80
- Waiting time charges: QAR 8 per 15 minutes
- Larger vehicles (e.g., minivans or 6-seaters): May incur an additional surcharge
Rides between the airport and West Bay destinations and Corniche and The Pearl locations will range between QAR 40 and QAR 60. Costs remain largely stable except for increased rates during peak traffic hours or late-night periods. Allow extra time during peak traffic hours, typically from 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM, especially when heading to busy districts such as West Bay or The Pearl, where congestion is more common.
Payment options:
- Cash (Qatari Riyals)
- Credit/Debit cards
- Karwa Taxi mobile app
- Karwa taxis are air-conditioned, metered, and safe—ideal for first-time visitors and families.
App-Based Ride-Hailing Alternatives: Uber & Careem
Besides Karwa, travelers can also use international ride-hailing apps such as:
- Uber
- Careem
These services are readily available in Doha, including airport pickups. Prices are comparable to Karwa but may fluctuate based on real-time demand, vehicle type (e.g., UberX vs. Uber Comfort), and surge pricing. Ride-hailing pickups are available at designated areas near the arrivals terminal—passengers should follow airport signage or look for Uber/Careem app pickup signs. These areas are separate from traditional taxi lanes used by Karwa taxis.
For example, a typical UberX ride from the airport to central Doha:
- Daytime fare: QAR 35–55
- Peak hours or surge pricing: Can go up to QAR 70+
These rides offer additional convenience such as:
- Cashless transactions
- In-app fare estimates
- Driver tracking and ratings
Private airport transfers and hotel shuttles
For travelers preferring pre-arranged comfort, several hotels and travel agencies offer:
- Chauffeured airport pickups
- Private transfers with meet-and-greet services
- Luxury sedans or SUVs for VIP guests
Prices for private transfers range from QAR 100 to 250, depending on vehicle type and destination.
Customarily priced Karwa taxis transport passengers between Hamad International Airport and Doha City Center for QAR 40–60 ($11–17). Users widely embrace both Uber and Careem ride-sharing services because they present pricing options that compete against traditional transportation choices. Private transfers and hotel pickups provide convenience and comfort through services that charge a higher and immovable sum to passengers.
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