Qatar Taxi Tips and Fares

Wiki

The taxi service in Qatar is monitored by Mowasalat, the national transport company that operates the buses, taxis and limousine service, under the Karwa banner.

The distinctive green fleet Mowasalat vehicles are all new modern air-conditioned vehicles, fitted with latest communication and navigation equipments, with high technology monitoring system. Karwa taxis are considered the most convenient mode of transport, to and from the Doha International Airport. These taxis are clean, safe, comfortable, brand new, and spacious sedans.

Currently, Mowasalat, under the brand-name Karwa, operates more than 3000 new and well-maintained taxi sedans, including the recently acquired airport taxis with spacious cabins, more than 120 public buses, school buses and private-hire coaches. Further, its Doha Limousine Service has both standard limousines (without Karwa logo), and the Jaguar XJ VIP units, that are placed at the Doha International Airport and at major hotels.

However, due to limited taxis, and increased population, people without own transportation, still face difficulties at times to move around.
Meanwhile, the taxi service in Qatar is likely to undergo a major change early next year, as Mowasalat, the sole transport solutions provider by the government has awarded taxi franchise to three other private firms – Al Million Services Trading & Contracting Company, Petro Qatar, and Al Ijara Holding.

These companies have been awarded five-year contract for their operations, during which, they need to deploy 500 cars each for taxi operations. Each of the cars operated will have to bear the same turquoise colour of Mowasalat taxis. But, each company will have three separate colours on the roof of their vehicles.

Types of Taxi Services

Mowasalat offers two types of taxis - the normal taxi and the airport service.

Normal Taxis

The normal taxis, the new sedan fancy cars, can take on board up to four passengers, at the taxi ranks at different locations, such as commercial centres, clubs, hotels, while special bookings can be made through the centre by dialling 4588888. To keep up with the increasing demand by customers, Mowasalat continues to add new taxis.

Airport Service

The Airport Service fleet consists of static wagon cars that can tolerate nearly six passengers made to fit trips from and to Doha International Airport. The airport taxis are based at Doha Airport 24/7 and all 365 days a year.

Limousine

As for Mowasalat’s limousine service, it is made to suit the needs of clients, but, has variety of choice. The clients get to choose between a VIP and Standard class vehicles. The VIP Limousine fleet comprises “A” class vehicles, mostly for the business people, or people looking for luxury.

The VIP Limousine vehicles can be hired through the Taxi and Limo Department. The VIP Limousine service is available at Doha International Airport, and at five-star hotels.

The Standard Limousine

Is made particularly for the middle class clients, seeking privacy and aiming for customized service. These medium-sized cars will give feeling of privacy, and can be used for single and multiple journeys, and for long and short lease.

Al Million Karwa taxis

The Al Million Karwa Taxis are the latest addition to public transport sector in Qatar, which also marks the entry of private sector into the public transport sector of the country. To begin with nearly 40 cars, painted in turquoise and maroon, were flagged off last month. The Al Million is hoped to immensely contribute to round-the-clock availability of vehicles for both visitors and residents in Qatar.

Booking a Taxi

A taxi or a cab can be hailed from across a street, but, this can get difficult during peak hours. Cabs are also available for pick-ups at hotels and malls, and often, this is the best way to secure a ride.

For pick-ups and booking a taxi, call 4458 8888.

For airport to hotel bookings, contact Mowasalat counter at Arrivals Terminals on +974 44626858.

For enquiries on VIP Limousines, fax to 4588692.

Al Million Taxis, toll free number is 80055000.

These taxis will also be available across the streets, and also at designated points across the Doha.

Contact address for Mowasalat:

The Transport Company Mowasalat
P.O. Box 1186 Doha Qatar
Abu Hamour Road – Industrial Area
Tel: +97444588588 Fax: +9744

Qatar Taxi Fares

All cabs in Qatar are metered. An initial charge of QR4, and then an additional QR1.20 per kilometre is charged during the day, and an additional QR1.80 per Km is charged. The latter rate is also charged for long-distance journeys. The fares are not constant and are likely to change from time to time.

The special six-seater taxis operated by Mowasalat have a flat rate of QR18. Further, there are Karwa limousine services with higher rates. The base rate for standard limousine is QR20, with an additional QR2 per kilometre (day and night).

The minimum standard taxi tariff is QR10 (5.5km). The rate/km inside Doha during the day is QR1.2, and rate/km outside Doha during day time is QR1.8. The rate/km at night time is QR1.8. The airport pick up rate is QR25.

As for Standard Limousine, the flag fall/ call center rate is QR15. The airport pick up tariff is QR20, and call centre hourly booking may cost QR50.For limousines, there is no difference in day and night tariffs.

In Qatar, tipping is optional (QR5 minimum).

Major Taxi companies in Qatar

Here are the contact details of some major taxi companies in Doha, Qatar.

Karwa, Doha Taxi Tel: 4588888

Fox Transport Tel: 4622777

Doha Limousine Tel: 4839999

Qatar Taxi Tel: 77440531

Al Watan Limousine Tel: 44477999

Chauffeur Car Rental Tel: 44445456

City Limousine Tel: 44442111

Directions Company LLC Tel: 44607227

Al Afdhal Transport Company Tel: 44880177