New to the country, stopping by for a visit, or just need a new ride to get around? Renting a car is your best bet. With tourism on the rise, there's no shortage of well-equipped rent-a-car companies for you to pick from. For a short visit or layover, the Hamad International Airport offers a bevy of international rental companies like Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar, with competitive pricing for sedans, 4x4s, SUVs and more to suit your needs and budget.
Most malls and tourist destinations like the Pearl, along with well-trafficked areas like the Salwa Road also have branches of local and international rent-a-car companies. They're easily accessible to key travel routes, major tourist sites and premium shopping experiences, making it extremely easy to explore the beauty of Qatar at your leisure. Spend a night in a Bedouin tent in the desert, scuba dive the warm Persian Gulf, or sample Qatar's wide range of cuisines, retail stores and hotels, in comfort and style, thanks to the ease of movement afforded by these rental car companies.
If you're looking to plan ahead and book your vehicle online, you're in luck. Many companies like Sixt Rent A Car and Al Muftah Rentals offer convenient and secure online booking options that allow you to pick your duration, vehicle, pay online, and even avail of some sweet deals. Our rent-a-car companies offer friendly service, new cars and low prices, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Customize your car rental in Qatar with our useful add-ons; book optional extras as you make your reservation online and include features such as GPS, additional drivers, AUX cables, charging ports, maps/guides or enhanced protections. For extended vacations, local companies also offer a monthly rental specials. Competitive pricing means you too can speed off in a luxury BMW or Mercedes-Benz in an instant, complete with unlimited mileage, third party insurance, and convenient drop-off and pick-up locations.
Adults over the age of 21 who hold a foreign or Qatari drivers permit are eligible to rent a car, so make sure to carry your driving license, valid credit card and additional proof of identity (such as a passport if you are hiring abroad). For extended rentals up to six months, an International Driving Permit is required. If you plan to stay in Qatar longer than two weeks, check with the relevant branch office for details before you book. A few luxury vehicle groups require the driver to be at least 25, or 29 in some cases.
In case of an accident, make sure to call the police or ambulance by dialing 999. It is unlawful to move a vehicle if major damage, injury or lack of agreement between two parties exists, so take clear pictures of the scene, both vehicles, and all drivers' information (license, number plates, insurance, etc) prior to moving your vehicle to the closest police station. You must also inform your rental car company immediately of any damage to the rental vehicle and complete the Accident Report Form provided with your vehicle's documents.
Remember, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, drinking and driving is strictly prohibited, and most (if not all) street parking is free for all.