Mowasalat-operated Karwa bus is an integral service of Qatar’s public transport system. It provides an easy, affordable, and fast mode of transportation across Doha and even beyond it. This is a step-by-step guide to understanding and using the Karwa bus card.

What is the Karwa Bus System

Karwa bus service is important for daily commuters, residents and visitors in Qatar. With the growing population and increased tourism, public transportation plays a key role in managing traffic and reducing pollution. 

The Karwa buses operate within Doha on intra-city routes and inter-city routes connecting the city with the neighbouring towns and regions, including the airport.

A smart card payment system for Karwa buses made it easy for people living in Qatar or visitors to travel without cash. Whether you are a daily commuter or coming to Doha for the first time, you must have the Karwa bus card for comfortable travel.

Types of Karwa Smart Cards

Karwa offers three types of smart cards tailored to various travel needs:

Classic Card 

• Cost: QAR 30 (includes QAR 20 preloaded credit).
• Characteristics: Long duration, rechargeable and ideal for regular travellers. 

Limited Card

• Cost: QAR 10 
• Characteristics: Valid only for two single trips within the time of 24 hours from issuing, useful for an infrequent traveller.  

Unlimited Card

• Cost: QAR 20 
• Characteristics: Allows unlimited travelling throughout the 24 hours, best for people who plan to travel within the day.

Advantages of Karwa Smart Card

Using the Karwa Smart Card offers numerous benefits, which include the following:

• There is no use of cash and allows hassle-free boarding and commuting.
• It is relatively cheap compared to using cash.
• The entire process is swift, saving more time, especially waiting time.
• Refillable and applicable to the whole Karwa bus system.

How to Get a Karwa Bus Card

Karwa Smart Cards can be purchased from various locations to make it convenient for anyone, including:

• Doha Bus Station: It is one of the major transport centres in the centre of Doha.
• Karwa Bus Stations: Karwa bus stations are available all around Doha. The smart cards are readily available there.
• Ticket Vending Machines: Located at major bus stops and transport centres, ticket vending machines help passengers buy tickets or recharge their smart cards rapidly.
• Authorised Merchants: All Mowasalat authorised local shops and outlets to issue and charge Karwa bus cards.
• Ooredoo Self-Serving Machines: These are available at various locations, and customers can buy or recharge their cards.
• Hamad International Airport: Visitors coming into the airport can conveniently buy a Karwa card for transportation purposes during their visit.

For the latest purchase locations and operational updates, you can always check the Mowasalat website or use the Karwa Bus App for real-time information.

How to Buy a Karwa Bus Card

Women waiting for the bus at the bus station

1. Visit any authorised outlet or ticket vending machine.
2. Select your preferred card type: Classic, Limited or Unlimited.
3. Pay the required amount, which can be between QAR 10 to QAR 30.
4. Collect your card, which is mostly preloaded with initial credit.

TIP: Bring your Qatar ID or passport while buying a Classic Card as some shops may demand identification.

How to Buy a Karwa Bus Card Online

1. Download the Karwa Journey Planner App from your mobile device.
2. Open the app and enable notifications.
3. Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) followed by Login.
4. All you will be required is your mobile number to complete the registration.
5. Fill in the reference code provided by Mowasalat and set a password.
6. Give your Qatar address and download an e-ticket
7. You’ll see an option labelled Rechargeable QR ticket, enter the amount you wish to pay, click pay and get charged with your debit/ credit card.
8. Your e-ticket will be available in the app and ready for use.

Using the Karwa Bus Card

Using your Karwa Bus Card is simple and user-friendly:

• Boarding: Upon entering the bus, tap your card on the card reader at the entrance.
• Exiting: Tap your card again upon exiting (depending on the route and fare system).
• Fare Deduction: The system automatically calculates the fare based on your journey and deducts the amount from your card balance.

Recharging Your Karwa Bus Card

Keeping your card charged will ensure a smooth travel experience. Here is how to recharge:

• Ooredoo Money 

• Access the Ooredoo Money app or dial *140#.
• Enter the first 10 digits of your card number and the desired amount (QAR 5 to QAR 500).
• Confirm the transaction.

• Ticket Vending Machines: Most ticket vending machines are at bus stops and transport stations. You can easily recharge your card there.
• Authorised Stores: Most of the authorised stores have recharging facilities using cards.

• Ooredoo Self-Service Kiosks: It’s easy to use to recharge your card.

The Karwa Bus App

The Karwa Bus App, also called the Karwa Journey Planner, is a must-have for the bus user in Qatar. It is one of the applications that make life easier in Qatar, whether, on Android or iOS, the app provides the following:

• Real-time bus tracking.
• Route planning and navigation.
• Updated timetables and schedules.
• Smart card balance checking.
• Trip history to track travel.

Karwa Bus Fares and Routes

Karwa bus fares depend on the distance. There are various fare options for different types of trips.

Fares:

• Short trip: QAR 2.50.
• Highest fare: QAR 9 for inter-city routes like Al Shamal.
• Normal fares in Doha: QAR 3 to QAR 4 for most routes.

Popular Routes

• Doha City Centre connections.
• Airport services connecting to prime locations.
• Inter-city services that connect major cities
• Connections to Al-Khor and other Major Destinations
• Access to Hamad International Airport

How to Have a Seamless Karwa Bus Experience

• Ensure your card has funds throughout your ride.
• Download the Karwa Bus App and check schedules.
• Be a few minutes early at the bus stop to not miss the bus.
• Follow seat arrangements, for example, specific areas for women and children.
• Have your card ready to avoid hassle-free tapping.

FAQs

How to Get a Karwa Bus Card?

To get a Karwa Bus Card, follow these steps:

• Visit any authorised sales point, such as Karwa bus stations, vending machines, or Ooredoo self-service machines.
• Select the card type that suits your needs (Classic, Limited, or Unlimited).
• Pay the required amount (depending on the card).
• Receive your card, preloaded with initial credit if applicable.

Where Can I Buy a Karwa Bus Card?

You can purchase Karwa Bus Cards at the following locations:

• Doha Bus Station
• Karwa Bus Stations
• Ticket Vending Machines
• Authorised Merchants
• Hamad International Airport

With this detailed guide, you will now have the best time navigating Karwa buses in Qatar. Whether commuting daily or exploring the city, the Karwa Smart Card is your key to efficient and affordable travel.

If you are considering moving to Qatar, you must have a Karwa bus card to ensure easy commuting in the city.