Car Rentals in Qatar: Prices, Documents, Tips

Whether you're visiting Qatar for a few days or living here long-term, renting a car is one of the easiest ways to get around. While public transportation continues to develop, it doesn’t offer the same convenience as having your own vehicle. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car in Doha, including requirements, prices, and options.

Renting provides the freedom, comfort, and flexibility to venture outside of the city. Fancy a trip to Zekreet? Al Shakira Mangroves? Or want to spend a Friday morning at Souq Al Wakrah? A rental car can take you there anytime you want, and it’s cost-effective. Qatar is a car-oriented country — even within Doha, many places are difficult to reach on foot or by public transport.

Long-term rentals could be a good short-term alternative for expats who are waiting for a resident permit or their own car to arrive. Also, instead of using their own vehicle, locals generally find it more convenient to rent a car during peak tourist seasons or for road excursions.

Rental rates vary depending on the car type, duration, and provider. If you’re staying longer, rent a car in Qatar on a monthly basis and you’ll typically save more than booking weekly or daily. Let's take the example of a typical SUV — spacious enough for a family of four and comfortable for both city commutes and road trips. Here’s what to expect for SUV rentals in 2025:

Rates usually include basic insurance and low mileage limits. GPS, full coverage, or child seats cost extra. Luxury models such as Land Cruisers or BMWs are considered premium vehicles, thus, are priced higher. If you are looking at a long-term car solution, you should compare the price with purchasing a used car in Qatar.

For residents and visitors, the process is generally straightforward — provided you meet the following:

• Age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 — sometimes 25 for premium vehicles.

• License: Tourists can rent with an international driving permit or a valid license, and residents must hold a Qatari driving license

• Documents: Valid ID — passport or Qatar ID — and a credit card for the security deposit are required. 

Insurance is usually included by default, but the level of coverage varies. Basic third-party insurance is included as standard, but some rentals also offer comprehensive coverage in the case of vehicle damage or theft. As requirements vary by provider, it is worth knowing how car insurance in Qatar works in your rental agreement, in particular if you are planning a longer stay or renting a premium vehicle.

1. Book online in advance, especially during tourist seasons or significant events

2. Inspect the car thoroughly before driving off, and photograph any existing damage

3. Don’t skip the insurance upgrade if you’re unfamiliar with Doha traffic

4. Read the mileage terms carefully. Some companies advertise low daily rates but charge heavily if you exceed mileage caps

5. Avoid renting at the airport, if possible. City branches usually offer better rates

There is a wide range of car rental agencies across the country, catering to both short and long-term needs. Well-known providers include Katara Limousine, Al Saad, Oasis, and Strong, all of which offer competitive rates. For international travelers familiar with global brands, Hertz Car Rental also operates in Qatar with various options for rent available.

Fuel is cheap — around QAR 2/litre — and there are petrol stations everywhere. Hotels and malls offer free parking, as street parking may incur charges. Signs will be displayed in both Arabic and English.

Familiarize yourself with Qatar’s traffic signs and speed limits. Many highways have speed cameras. Fines for violations — especially speeding or red light violations — are steep and often deducted from your deposit.

EV infrastructure is slowly developing in Qatar, but EV car rentals are not widely available. A few companies offer Teslas or hybrids on request, but charging stations outside Doha are still limited. If you’re environmentally conscious, consider asking for hybrid models — but check charging availability at your residence or workplace.

If you’re in Qatar for a short time or want to avoid paperwork, a monthly car subscription could be an option for you. Instead of buying, you can drive a new or pre-owned car for as long as you like. Monthly plans typically include insurance, service, and roadside assistance, all for one standard and predictable monthly cost.

By contrast, owning a vehicle tends to be more economical in the long run — particularly for residents who drive frequently or plan to stay for several years. However, it also comes with responsibilities — upfront payments, annual registration, car insurance renewal, and eventually, resale.

Here’s how they compare:

Subscriptions are best suited for short-term stays, transitional periods, such as waiting for a residency permit, or situations where financial flexibility is crucial. They eliminate surprise costs and give you a car without any long-term commitment — ideal for remote workers, freelancers, or new residents still getting settled.

Ownership pays off if you’re planning to stay long-term and want complete control over your vehicle. Once loan payments are behind you, the cost of keeping the car drops significantly — and you can recover some value through resale. However, ownership comes with full responsibilities — services, unpredictable damage repair, and maintenance.

Need something more comfortable or don’t want to deal with traffic directly? You can rent a car in Qatar with a driver, an ideal solution for business meetings or events. These services are standard through premium rental agencies, such as Luxury Ride Qatar and A Star Limousine, or concierge apps like Blacklane.

Expect to pay: QAR 60–100 per hour with minimum booking times, which is typically four or five hours or QAR 150 for a vehicle such as a Toyota Camry and QAR 450 for a larger one, such as a Toyota Fortuner 

Driving in Doha through its hectic intersections, roundabouts, and temporary construction changes can be daunting — particularly if you’re just arrived or pressed for time. A driver removes the guesswork of routes, parking, and traffic rules so you can focus on your agenda, not road signs. It's also a good choice for special occasions or during peak season when parking is at a premium.