How to Get Karwa Bus Card in Qatar: Types, Prices (Update)
If you plan to ride public buses in Doha, you need a Karwa bus card. This guide shows how to get a Karwa bus card, where to buy it, and typical products. You will also learn simple rules, trip planning tips, and what to do when things go wrong.
Karwa Bus Smart Card types and prices
As of November 1, 2025.
Classic Karwa Smart Card
- Price – QR 30
- The Classic Karwa bus card is reusable and supports pay per ride. You can keep the plastic and add balance whenever you need. It is the best choice if you commute or expect several rides across a week.
Typical use cases include work commutes, school trips, and errands. You can add only what you need and top up or recharge again later.
Limited Karwa Bus Card (24 hours)
- Price – QR 10
- The Limited smart card is valid for 24 hours from the first tap and includes a small ride allowance. Valid for two single trips within 24 hours of purchase.
Business travelers sometimes use this option between meetings. Families also pick it for a light sightseeing day. Good for short stays.
Unlimited Karwa Smart Card (24 hours)
- Price – QR 20
- The Unlimited bus card is valid for 24 hours from first tap and includes unlimited bus rides. It is ideal when you plan many stops in one day.
Tourists often choose this to visit markets, museums, and beaches without tracking remaining rides.
Quick comparison
Type | Price | Validity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Classic Karwa Card | QR 30 | Rechargeable, no daily expiry | Regular commuters |
Limited Karwa Card | QR 10 | 2 trips in 24 hours | Occasional users, tourists, Transit Visa Travelers |
Unlimited Karwa Card | QR 20 | Unlimited in 24 hours | Full-day sightseeing or errands |
Tip: Availability and packaging can vary by outlet. Check on-screen details before you pay.
Where to buy a Karwa bus card
Ticket vending machines and stations
Look for vending machines at main bus or Doha metro hubs. Machines issue new cards and allow reloads. Many machines support both cash and cards.
Staffed counters can also issue and reload. If you are new, counters help you choose the right product.
Airports, malls and retailers
Hamad International Airport sells cards at selected transport desks and kiosks. This is the fastest place for new arrivals.
Large supermarkets and hypermarkets in Doha often carry cards at customer service desks. If you cannot find one, ask a staff member near the service counter.
Telco and self service kiosks
Some telecom stores and kiosks support reloads or sales. You may also find self service machines at popular interchanges.
If you travel late at night or on a Transit Visa, check a 24 hour store inside a mall or near the airport hotels. Machines at major hubs tend to stay available during long hours.
Using the Karwa Bus card on buses and connections
Tap in and tap out basics
Board from the front door unless directed otherwise. Tap your card on the reader near the driver. When you exit, tap again to close the trip.
If you miss the exit tap, the system may charge a default maximum. To avoid this, keep the card in hand as the bus nears your stop.
If the reader fails to detect the card on the first try, hold it flat and steady for a second. Do not cover the chip with metal items.
Finding routes and timings
Use the journey planner to search routes by stop, landmark, or map. Check operating hours and last trips to avoid being stranded.
During peak times, allow extra time for traffic and boarding queues. If you plan a tight airport connection or you are on a Transit visa, ride one bus earlier than you think you need.
Rules, validity and discounts
Card validity window
Day products last for 24 hours from the first tap. The clock starts when the reader confirms the first ride. Reusable cards usually last longer, subject to official policy updates.
If you have not used the plastic for a long time, verify that it still reads at a machine. Replace worn cards before a long trip.
Student and personal cards
Students and some rider categories may receive special options set by policy. These often need a valid ID and proof of status.
If your school issues guidance, follow those instructions. Bring backup ID when you first ride to avoid delays.
Fines and common mistakes
Common mistakes include boarding without balance, skipping the exit tap, or using a damaged card. Avoid folding the plastic or punching holes in it.
If a driver advises you to re tap, follow the instruction. The goal is to record a clean entry and exit.
Accessibility and luggage tips
Priority seats are for people who need them. Offer your seat if required. Keep luggage out of the aisle and away from the door.
If you travel with a stroller, ask the driver where to park it safely. Secure wheels during the ride.
Quick start: buy the Karwa card and ride in 5 minutes
1) Buy
Pick the best product for your stay. New arrivals can buy at the airport, a main station, or a large supermarket.
If lines are long, try a vending machine. Staffed counters can explain options if you are unsure.
2) Top up (Recharge Karwa Bus Card)
Use the app, the website, or a machine. Start with enough balance for two to three rides. See the Four methods to recharge your Karwa Bus Smart card.
Save your receipt. If a reload does not show, the reference helps support find it.
3) Board and tap
Get on at the front. Tap in. When you exit, tap again to close the trip.
Keep the card in a separate wallet slot so it does not clash with bank cards at the reader.
Troubleshooting and support
If your tap fails on board
Hold the plastic flat on the reader for a longer second. Remove metal objects near the card. Try the reader again.
If it still fails, show the driver the card face and request help. Move aside so others can board while you retry.
If your balance does not update after reload
Wait a minute and try a second reader or a vending machine. Some systems write the balance on first contact after online payment.
If the amount still does not appear, keep the receipt and the payment reference. Contact support using the app or the website form.
Lost or damaged card
Report a lost or damaged card through the official channel if the system supports linking. Some balances cannot be recovered if the plastic is anonymous.
Replace damaged cards before a long ride. A bent or cracked card can fail mid trip.
Safety and etiquette
Queue at the bus stop line and let riders exit first. Ask before taking large seats with luggage.
At night, wait in a well lit area. Keep the card and small change ready to reduce time at the door.
Conclusion
Getting a Karwa bus card is simple if you know the steps. Buy the right Karwa bus card for your stay, add credit with the app, website, or a machine, and follow the tap in and tap out rules. With a Karwa bus card, you can ride Doha buses with confidence and focus on your trip.
