Getting Around Doha

Buses
Buses are modern and air-conditioned, and now cover 35 routes. They are used mostly by (male) immigrant workers, as most Qataris and ex-pat professionals have cars - and do not like to wait in the hot sun. (Air conditioned bus shelters are planned for the future.) Buses are very reasonably priced, but be aware that there has been some theft on them.

Cycling
There are a few lunatics who take their life into their own hands by cycling on Doha's roads, although even they tend to drop off in number as summer approaches. Doha is currently not conducive to cycling, although this may change - there are plans for a futuristic cooled cycling path to be built in the future.

Driving
Cars drive on the right in Qatar. Visitors can drive for one week using driving licenses from their country. Hire cars are easily available. Be careful when driving - driving in Qatar has been compared to participating in an extreme sport by the US Government. The Qatar government has been trying to reduce the number of accidents, and traffic laws are now very strict - although not always enforced.

Walking
Again, apart from the Corniche, Doha is not really set up for walking. Qataris generally don't walk to get places, although you will see them on the Corniche. More pedestrian crossings are in place than there used to be, and with traffic lights gradually replacing roundabouts crossing the road has become easier - but be aware that red lights are not always respected. In the summer, when the heat can rise to 50 degrees Centigrade, walking becomes unbearable.

Taxis
There are modern and cheap (and honest) taxis (Tel: 458 8888). Until recently it was extremely difficult to get a taxi; this has now changed, and you can usually hail a cab in a few minutes. Another alternative is to use 'limousine' services. These are effectively un-metered upmarket cabs. They cannot normally be hailed from the street. If you are desperate, you will also find that there are unlicensed cabs who are willing to take you places - however, insurance could be problematic if you are involved in a crash.