Karwa Bus Timings, Routes and Fares in Qatar (2026 Guide)
Karwa buses are the cheapest way to move around Qatar, run by Mowasalat across Doha and beyond. This 2026 guide to karwa bus timings, routes, and fares covers service hours, the 24-hour airport routes, fares, the Karwa card, and how to check live timings. Last verified: October 2026.
QUICK REFERENCE: Karwa Bus
- Operator: Mowasalat. Regular routes run 4:00 AM to midnight, Sunday to Saturday.
- Fares: distance-based, from about QAR 3 to QAR 9 intercity.
- Payment: Karwa Smart Card only, tap in and out. Cash not accepted.
- 24-hour routes: L533, T612, T613 (airport routes).
- Metrolink: 65 free feeder routes to metro stations.
- Live timings: Karwa Journey Planner app or Sila app.
This karwa bus timings guide gives you the current schedules, so you can plan without guessing.
Service Hours and Operator
Karwa buses are operated by Mowasalat. Regular routes run Sunday to Saturday, 4:00 AM to midnight. Three airport routes run 24 hours, 7 days: L533, T612, and T613. These karwa bus timings hold year-round, with minor changes on public holidays.
Karwa Bus from Hamad Airport
Several routes connect the airport to Doha around the clock.
Where to Catch the Bus at the Airport
Buses leave from the Bus Pavilion to the right of the Arrivals Hall at Hamad International Airport. Smart Card vending machines sit in the pavilion, so you can buy a card on arrival. For the full airport picture, see our Hamad International Airport guide.
Karwa Bus Timings From Hamad Airport: Routes and Frequencies
| Route | From / To | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| T612 | Industrial Area Bus Station to Hamad Airport | Every 30 minutes, 24 hours |
| T613 | Hamad Airport to Mesaieed | Every 30 minutes, 24 hours |
| L533 | Airport circular via Al Matar Al Qadeem | Every 15 min peak, 30 min off-peak, 24 hours |
| M316 | Ras Bu Abboud Metro Station link | Check live timings in the app |
Popular Routes Reference
These are the routes riders use most.
Key Routes Across Qatar
| Route | Coverage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R701 | Doha to Al Khor | Intercity, up to QAR 9 |
| R704 | Doha to Al Shamal | Intercity, up to QAR 9 |
| L533 | Airport circular | 24 hours |
| T612 / T613 | Airport links | 24 hours |
| M-series | Metrolink feeders | Free, 65 routes |
Check Live Timings Before You Travel
Schedules shift, so check live timings in the Karwa Journey Planner app or the Sila app before you travel. The Sila app shows Karwa routes and live buses as an alternative.
Fares in 2026
Fares are distance-based and start low.
Fare Bands in 2026
| Trip type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Short trips | From about QAR 3 (older sources list QAR 2.50) |
| Intercity | Up to QAR 9 |
| Metrolink feeders | Free (tap card in and out) |
Tap In and Out: How Distance Fares Work
Fares are distance-based. You must tap your Karwa Smart Card in AND out on every ride so the correct distance fare is charged. Cash is not accepted on buses.
Get and Recharge Your Karwa Smart Card
You need a Karwa Smart Card to ride. See how to get a Karwa Smart Card for types and prices, and how to recharge your Karwa Smart Card when your balance runs low.
Karwa Card vs Doha Metro Card
The Karwa Smart Card does NOT work on the Doha Metro. The metro needs a separate Qatar Rail Travel Card. Tourists mix these up constantly, so check which card your trip needs. See our Doha Metro map and timings for the rail side.
Metrolink Feeder Buses
Metrolink runs 65 free feeder routes serving areas within 2 to 5 km of metro stations. They are free, but you must tap a Karwa Smart Card, Metro travel card, or app QR code in and out. Hours follow Doha Metro service; as of October 2026, the official Mowasalat page lists Sun to Thu 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and Friday 2:00 PM to midnight. Verify live hours in the Karwa Journey Planner app.
MetroExpress and Other Options
MetroExpress offers on-demand shared vans to and from metro stations, booked through the Karwa taxi app, with a 20% discount code RAIL on rides to any metro station. For trams, see the Lusail Tram timings and stations and the Education City Tram guide.
Onboard Rules and Tips
A few habits make every ride smoother.
Tap In and Out on Every Ride
- Tap in and out on every ride. This is how your distance fare is calculated.
Free WiFi and Beating the Peak Queues
- Many buses offer free WiFi; look for onboard signage.
- Travel outside peak hours when you can. Long queues form at busy stops during commuter peaks.
Station Changes and Lost Property
- The old Al Ghanim Bus Station closed permanently in June 2022 and was replaced by 8 modern bus stations.
- Lost property: contact Mowasalat on +974 4458 8888 or use the lost-and-found feature in the Karwa app.
FAQs
Conclusion
Karwa bus timings are easy once you know the system: regular routes 4 AM to midnight, three airport routes around the clock, and live timings in the Karwa Journey Planner app. The full karwa bus schedule is also posted at major stations. Get the right card, tap in and out, and Qatar’s cheapest transport is yours.
