The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Karwa Bus Routes and Timings in Qatar

Have you ever felt lost trying to figure out Qatar’s public transport? I certainly have! The Karwa bus network, operated by Mowasalat, is a crucial part of life here, providing a cost-effective way to get around the country. With over 80 routes, it’s an extensive system, but finding the right information can be a challenge. T

his guide cuts through the confusion, providing clear, practical, and up-to-date information on Karwa bus routes and timings, payment methods, and the essential tools you’ll need for a seamless journey. So, let’s start!

The Karwa Bus Routes and Timings

The Mowasalat public bus network is extensive and well-structured, with a system of prefixes that designate the purpose and service area of each route. Understanding these categories is the first step to mastering the system.

Four Types of Karwa Routes

• Local Routes (L): These routes serve high-traffic areas primarily within Doha and its suburbs. They are the most frequent, with typical service intervals of 15-20 minutes.
• Trunk Routes (T): Trunk routes are major corridors that connect key bus stations and transport hubs, offering a higher-capacity service between main points.
• Regional Routes (R): These are long-distance routes that connect Doha to other major cities and towns across the country, such as Al Khor, Al Shamal, Dukhan, and Mesaieed. Their frequency is lower than local routes, typically every 30-60 minutes.
• MetroLink Routes (M): These are free feeder buses that operate in a circular fashion, connecting Doha Metro stations to surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods. MetroLink buses are timed to align with Metro services, offering a seamless last-mile solution.

Here’s the complete Karwa bus routes and timings guide:

Karwa Bus Operating Hours and Key Exceptions

The general operating hours for the main public bus service are from 4:00 AM to midnight, seven days a week. It’s important to note, however, that the first and last bus timings can vary by route, and some services have specific schedules.

• MetroLink Bus Services: These buses have their own schedule, operating from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and from 2:00 PM to midnight (Friday).
• 24/7 Routes: For late-night or early-morning travel, a few dedicated routes operate around the clock. The L533, T612, and T613 routes provide continuous service, particularly for critical locations such as Hamad International Airport.

You can use “Qatar Metro Map” for more details.

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Karwa Bus Fares and the Cashless Smart Card System

The “Karwa bus system” is a cost-effective and exclusively cashless mode of transport. Fare collection is handled entirely through the Karwa Smart Card.

Understanding the Karwa Bus Fare Structure

Fares are determined by the distance of the journey. A standard short trip within Doha typically costs QAR 2.50, while the maximum fare for a long-distance, inter-city trip is QAR 9.00. It’s worth noting that a large number of routes within Doha fall into a slightly higher fare bracket of QAR 3 to QAR 4.

Choosing Your Karwa Smart Card

There are three types of Karwa Smart Cards available, each tailored to different travel habits.

The Karwa Journey Planner & Real-World Challenges

The foundation of a smooth Karwa journey is the Karwa Journey Planner app, developed by Mowasalat. It’s intended to be the central hub for all bus-related information.

The App’s Promises and Features

On paper, the Karwa Journey Planner app is an all-in-one solution. It promises live bus tracking, real-time arrival alerts, and up-to-the-minute timings to reduce waiting time at stops. You can also use it to manage your Karwa Smart Card, check your balance, and top up your credit digitally.

User-Reported Challenges

In practice, the app’s performance can be a source of frustration for many users. A review of feedback reveals a recurring pattern of technical issues, including random app crashes, login failures, and a system prone to “unexpected errors.” Users have also reported that real-time tracking is often inaccurate. Some have found it more reliable to consult Google Maps for route planning.

Your Pragmatic Approach

For a dependable travel experience, it’s highly recommended to download the official Karwa Journey Planner app for its official route data and schedules. However, use it in conjunction with Google Maps for more reliable navigation and live tracking. This dual-app strategy provides the best of both worlds: access to official route data with the enhanced reliability of a widely-used navigation platform.

Pro Tip: Always cross-reference the estimated timings on the Karwa app with Google Maps. This simple habit can save you from a long wait and ensure you’re at the right stop at the right time.

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Where to Buy and Recharge Your Karwa Smart Card?

Purchasing and topping up a Karwa Smart Card is straightforward, with multiple options available.

• Ticket Vending Machines: These machines are located at major transport hubs, including Hamad International Airport (HIA), Doha Bus Station, the Mall of Qatar, and The Pearl-Qatar.
• Authorized Merchants: Cards can be purchased from major supermarkets and retailers that display the Karwa logo, such as Lulu, Carrefour, and Al Meera.
• Digital Top-Up: Recharging is possible through the Karwa Journey Planner app. Additionally, Ooredoo Money provides a convenient and secure method for topping up. You can add between QAR 5 and QAR 500 to your card using either the Ooredoo Money app or the USSD menu (*140#), requiring only the first 10 digits of the card number.

Seamless Travel: Understanding the Sila Ecosystem

Qatar’s public transport system is a complex but increasingly integrated network. The Sila platform, launched by the Ministry of Transport, serves as the overarching framework that connects all public transport modes. The Sila app is a dedicated journey planner that allows users to find the best route by combining different transport types, including buses, the Metro, trams, taxis, and walking.

It is important for travelers to understand the distinction between the different companies and their respective payment systems. Mowasalat operates the Karwa buses, which use the Karwa Smart Card. Qatar Rail operates the Doha Metro and Lusail Trams, which utilize a separate Metro Card.

While these are distinct systems, they are seamlessly interconnected for travel planning via the Sila app. For example, a journey that starts on a bus and ends on the metro can be planned and visualized through the Sila app, but a passenger will require both a Karwa Smart Card and a Metro Card to pay for the respective legs of the trip. The Metro Card, however, does provide free access to the MetroLink buses, which further links the two systems.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Plan Ahead: Always use a journey planner app to map your route and verify timings before you travel. Given the documented issues with the Karwa app, it is a prudent practice to cross-reference with Google Maps.
• Be Early: Arriving at the bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled time is highly recommended to ensure you do not miss the bus.
• Have Your Card Ready: The system is cashless. Have your Karwa Smart Card in hand and be prepared to tap it on the reader as you board the bus.
• Signal Your Stop: As you approach your destination, press the red “stop” button located on the poles inside the bus to signal to the driver that you wish to alight.
• Respect Etiquette: The front section of the bus is reserved for families and ladies, a common practice that should be respected for the comfort of all passengers.

Final Comments

I hope this guide has given you the confidence to navigate Qatar’s public transport system like a pro! We’ve covered everything from the different Karwa bus routes and timings to the crucial details about fares and the cashless system. Remember, the key to a stress-free journey is to plan ahead and understand the tools at your disposal. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make your travels across Doha and beyond affordable and effortless

Frequently Asked Questions