Getting around Qatar without a car is easier than many newcomers expect, particularly when public buses are combined with the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.
Mowasalat, operating under the Karwa brand, runs a nationwide bus network connecting residential districts, Metro stations, major shopping destinations, Hamad International Airport and towns outside Doha.
The official live directory currently lists well over 100 numbered services when regular public buses, regional routes and Metrolink feeders are counted together. The precise number can change as routes are introduced, diverted or temporarily adjusted, so passengers should use the current Karwa Journey Planner rather than depend on a fixed route total.
Regular public buses operate on a cashless system, with the Karwa Smart Card remaining the standard payment method. Metrolink feeder services are free but still require passengers to validate their journey using an accepted card or QR ticket.
This guide covers what you need to know before boarding, including routes, operating times, Smart Cards, free Metrolink services and the official Karwa Journey Planner app.
Public buses in Qatar at a glance
- Operator — Mowasalat, under the Karwa brand
- Network — more than 100 currently listed regular, regional and Metrolink services, with routes subject to change
- Fare — varies according to the journey and is displayed through the Karwa Journey Planner
- Payment — cashless; the Karwa Smart Card is the standard payment method for regular public buses
- Free option — Metrolink feeder buses connecting Doha Metro stations with nearby destinations
- Journey planning — Karwa Journey Planner app and Mowasalat’s online trip planner
Mowasalat’s official app provides route searches, live bus tracking, expected arrival information, nearby stops and Smart Card management.
Who runs the buses? Mowasalat, or Karwa
Mowasalat operates Qatar’s public bus services under the Karwa brand.
Its network includes regular city buses, longer-distance regional services and Metrolink feeder buses serving Doha Metro stations. Mowasalat also operates Karwa taxi and chauffeur services, although these are booked through the separate Karwa Taxi app rather than the Journey Planner used for buses.
Public buses board and drop off passengers at designated stops and stations. Riders should not assume that a bus can be flagged down at any roadside location.
Bus routes across Qatar
Karwa’s network extends beyond central Doha.
Current routes connect areas and destinations including:
- West Bay
- Msheireb
- Al Sadd
- Hamad International Airport
- Lusail
- Al Wakra
- Al Khor
- Al Shamal
- Al Ruwais
- Dukhan
- Mesaieed
- Abu Samra
- Al Thakira
- Doha’s Industrial Area
The official directory also includes services linking major bus stations such as Al Gharrafa, Education City, Al Sudan, Al Wakra, Lusail, West Bay and the Industrial Area.
Routes and individual stops can change because of roadworks, construction and service adjustments. Mowasalat publishes current diversions and stop closures through the Karwa Bus app and its service-announcement page.
Understanding route prefixes
Route codes help distinguish broad service groups, but they should not be treated as formal definitions of journey length or fare.
M-series — Metrolink
These are free feeder services connecting Doha Metro stations with nearby neighbourhoods, workplaces, malls and other destinations.
R-series — regional services
These generally connect major stations with towns and destinations outside central Doha, including Al Khor, Al Shamal, Dukhan, Abu Samra and Al Ruwais.
L-series and T-series — regular public bus services
These cover a mixture of local connections, station links and longer routes between major transport hubs.
The system also includes routes such as 757, serving Hamad International Airport and Al Mansoura, and E801, connecting Lusail Bus Station with Al Ruwais Port. Therefore, not every service falls under the L, T, R and M explanation.
Always check the route’s full starting point, destination and stop list instead of relying only on its prefix.
Operating hours
Mowasalat’s published route guide states that most regular bus services operate daily from approximately 4:00 am until midnight.
Individual routes may have different first-bus, last-bus and frequency schedules, particularly on Fridays, public holidays and during temporary service changes. Check the live schedule before travelling.
Metrolink schedules can differ from standard public bus hours. Mowasalat’s public-transport information lists Metrolink operating periods of 6:00 am to 11:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 2:00 pm to midnight on Friday, but passengers should check the specific route in the app because operating arrangements can change.
24-hour airport routes
Three routes are listed as operating 24 hours a day:
L533 — Hamad International Airport to Al Thumama
T612 — Industrial Area Bus Station to Hamad International Airport
T613 — Hamad International Airport to Amwaj Mesaieed
These services can be useful for airport employees and passengers travelling outside normal Metro and bus operating hours.
Route 757 also connects Hamad International Airport with Al Mansoura, but it is not identified in Mowasalat’s published guide as one of the three 24-hour services.
Bus fares in Qatar in 2026
Karwa bus-service fees vary according to the journey.
The original fixed ranges—QAR 2.50 for a short journey, QAR 3 within Doha and up to QAR 9 for regional services—could not be confirmed through a current official fare table. They should not be presented as guaranteed 2026 prices.
The most accurate way to check the cost is to:
- Open the Karwa Journey Planner app or online trip planner.
- Enter your starting point and destination.
- Select the suggested public bus journey.
- Review the route and displayed fare before travelling.
Mowasalat’s online planner includes a total-fare field for planned journeys, while Hukoomi describes Karwa bus-service fees as variable.
Metrolink feeder services remain free, although passengers must still validate the journey.
Karwa Smart Cards and payment
Regular public buses are cashless, and the Karwa Smart Card is the standard payment method.
Hukoomi’s official public-service page currently lists three card types:
Classic Card
Price — QAR 30
This is a reusable and rechargeable card intended for regular riders.
Hukoomi states that QAR 10 of the card’s price is returned as travel balance after total transactions on the card reach QAR 300.
Limited Card
Price — QAR 10
Valid for two journeys within 24 hours of purchase.
This can suit an occasional passenger making a return journey.
Unlimited Card
Price — QAR 20
Valid for unlimited journeys within 24 hours of purchase.
This may be useful for a visitor or resident making several bus journeys in one day.
These prices remain displayed on Hukoomi, but the service information was originally published in 2021. Confirm the card’s current price, availability and conditions through the Karwa app or an official sales point before purchasing.
Where to buy and top up a Karwa Smart Card
Hukoomi lists Smart Card ticket-vending machines and sales points at locations including:
- Hamad International Airport
- Major Karwa bus stations
- The Pearl
- Mall of Qatar
- Participating partner merchants
The Karwa Journey Planner app can also be used to manage registered Smart Cards.
Do not assume that Karwa Smart Cards are sold at every Doha Metro station. Check the nearest official sales point in the app or contact Mowasalat before travelling specifically to purchase one.
How to tap in and out
Karwa’s fare system requires Smart Card users to validate the journey when boarding and leaving the bus.
- Tap the card on the reader when boarding.
- Wait for the reader to confirm the tap.
- Tap again when leaving the bus.
Hukoomi instructs passengers to tap in when boarding and tap out when leaving.
Forgetting to tap out may prevent the system from calculating the journey correctly and may result in an incorrect or maximum applicable charge.
On Metrolink, validation is mandatory even though the journey is free. Passengers can use an accepted Karwa Smart Card or the QR ticket available through the Karwa Journey Planner. Doha Metro and Lusail Tram travel cards are also accepted on Metrolink.
The Karwa Journey Planner app
The official app is called Karwa Journey Planner, although Mowasalat also refers to it as the Karwa Bus App on parts of its website.
It is available on Android and iPhone and is operated by Mowasalat. The Android listing was last updated on January 30, 2026.
The app allows passengers to:
- Plan journeys across the Karwa bus network
- Search by destination, stop or route
- View the bus network
- Find nearby stops
- Track buses in real time
- See expected arrival times
- Receive real-time arrival alerts
- Check service announcements
- Manage Karwa Smart Cards
The online Karwa Journey Planner provides similar route-planning functions if you do not want to use the mobile app.
For live service assistance, contact Mowasalat Customer Service by phone or WhatsApp on +974 4458 8888.
Free Metrolink feeder buses
Metrolink buses connect Doha Metro stations with surrounding neighbourhoods, offices, shopping destinations and residential areas.
The service is free, but riders must still tap in and out or scan an accepted QR ticket.
Metrolink routes are identified by an M followed by a route number, such as:
- M105 from DECC Station around West Bay
- M109 and M110 from Legtaifiya to The Pearl
- M145 from Lusail Station to Doha Festival City
- M210 from Hamad Hospital Station to Al Sadd Metro Station
- M312 from Al Aziziyah Station to Al Murrah
Because temporary diversions are common, check the live route map before depending on a particular stop.
Tips for riding the bus in Doha
Arrange your payment method before travelling
Regular buses do not accept cash. Buy and load a Karwa Smart Card before reaching the stop.
Use the app rather than an old route map
Roadworks and stop changes can affect services. Check the route and arrival time on the day of travel.
Tap in and out
Validate the card when boarding and leaving, including on free Metrolink journeys.
Allow time for the first and last part of the journey
The bus may not stop directly outside your building or final destination. Check the walking distance before leaving.
Plan carefully during summer
Some stations and shelters have shaded or air-conditioned waiting areas, but not every roadside stop is enclosed or cooled. Use live tracking to reduce outdoor waiting time and carry water during hot weather.
Combine buses with the Metro
Regular buses and free Metrolink services can help connect areas that are not directly beside a Metro station. The most practical route depends on the destination, waiting time and available connections.
FAQs
How much does a bus cost in Qatar?
Karwa bus fees vary according to the selected journey.
The original QAR 2.50, QAR 3 and QAR 9 fare bands could not be verified through a current official fare table. Check the exact journey in the Karwa Journey Planner, which includes a total-fare field.
Can I pay cash on Karwa buses?
Regular public buses operate on a cashless system.
The Karwa Smart Card is the standard payment method. Depending on the service, an accepted QR or digital ticket may also be available through the Karwa Journey Planner.
Are any buses in Qatar free?
Yes. Metrolink feeder buses serving Doha Metro stations are free.
Passengers must still validate the journey using an accepted Smart Card, Metro travel card or Karwa Journey Planner QR ticket.
Which buses run 24 hours?
Mowasalat’s official route guide identifies three 24-hour services:
- L533
- T612
- T613
Where can I buy a Karwa Smart Card?
Official guidance lists designated vending machines and sales points at Hamad International Airport, major bus stations, The Pearl, Mall of Qatar and participating merchants.
Do not assume cards are sold at every Metro station.
Which Karwa Smart Card should I buy?
Hukoomi currently lists:
- Classic Card — QAR 30 and rechargeable
- Limited Card — QAR 10 for two journeys within 24 hours
- Unlimited Card — QAR 20 for unlimited journeys within 24 hours
Confirm current prices and conditions before purchase because the underlying Hukoomi service information was first published in 2021.
How do I plan a bus route in Qatar?
Download the Karwa Journey Planner app or use Mowasalat’s online planner.
Enter your starting point and destination to see suggested routes, stops, estimated arrival information and the total fare. For current assistance, contact Mowasalat on +974 4458 8888.
Getting your commute sorted is the first step to settling in. Once you know your routes, find a place near your favourite bus line in our Qatar properties listings, or browse the latest jobs in Qatar on Qatar Living.
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