Planning a visit to Doha, Qatar? Before you go, you should ask yourself whether car rental in Doha is the right option for you or not. Doha is a modern metropolis in many ways, but getting around the city is one of the biggest problems in Doha due to unreliable public transportation and frantic driving.
Public transport vs. Car rental in Doha
Before you go, ask yourself three crucial and still simple questions:
1. Are you limited by time?
Not everyone has all the time in this world to travel as freely as a bird. Calculate the net time you will spend in Doha, add the famous places you want to see and the distance between Doha and other cities in Qatar that you plan to visit. For example: Al Wakrah Museum is 20 km from Doha, Al Shahaneya and Dukhan are almost 100 km from the capital. If you sum up that you can’t afford to rely on public transport schedules, chances are there is a good chance that Doha car rental will suit your needs.
2. Do you like crowds and delays?
The mentality and lifestyle in the Arab world is very different from the Western way of life. The sense of time in Doha is not carried out in haste or plans. Get used to the “take it easy” philosophy. Impatience will only ruin your vacation. The quiet mode also applies to public transport. Local minibuses are often crowded and often carry more passengers than legally allowed. Frequent delays are part of the schedules. In fact, many shared minibuses or taxis will leave when all seats are sold out. The wait in this case can take up to several hours.
3. Are you a qualified driver?
Driving in Qatar is on the right hand side of the road. If it is used to drive in the left lane, think twice if you are ready for such a change. In case you do not feel safe driving on the right side, it is better, for your safety and that of others, do not drive. The busiest traffic situations occur in the city center of Doha at rush hour.
By now, you probably already have an idea of what to expect in terms of commuting in Doha. However, car rental is widely available and generally considered quite cheap with the low price of gasoline and almost no parking fees anywhere. The choice is yours.