Qatar Rail is fully prepared to welcome football fans

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has announced its preparedness to welcome the fans of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 onboard, promising a seamless and world-class travel experience for all the fans through its Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks.

Qatar Rail is fully mobilizing the entire fleet of 110 modern, comfortable, and secure Doha Metro trains. This includes the deployment of 6-carriage trains on the Red Line, doubling the capacity to 1,120 passengers per train, and reducing headway to 3 minutes between trains on all three lines during match periods.

During the tournament period (Jan 12 to Feb 10), Doha Metro and Lusail Tram services will operate as per the usual timetable, except for Friday (Opening match day Jan 12) when services will operate from 12 nooninstead of 2pm. And Friday afternoon match days (Jan 19, Feb 2) where services will operate from 10am, instead of 2pm.

Doha Metro network is notably linked to the nine stadiums of the AFC Asian Cup, directly serving five of them – Lusail, Khalifa International, Ahmad bin Ali, Education City, and Jassim Bin Hamad stadiums through the Lusail QNB, Sport City, Al Riffa Mall of Qatar, Education City, and Al Sudan stations, respectively facilitating swift and easy movement between matches, particularly during the group stage with up to four matches per day.

A stadium shuttle bus service will be provided by the Local Organizing Committee from identified Metro stations to access the other four stadiums that are not directly accessible through metro stations. The bus service will be provided from Al Wakra, Free Zone, Qatar University, and Lusail QNB Stations to reach Al Janoub, Al Thumama, Abdullah bin Khalifa, and Al Bayt Stadiums, respectively.

In its efforts to manage crowds seamlessly and efficiently, Qatar Rail has installed additional internal signage at Metro stations linked to the stadiums, along with trained staff to handle the expected high turnout optimally in the stations. In addition, Qatar Rail has developed a digital guide titled "Stadium by Metro" particularly for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, aiming to ease access to information related to stations and connectivity to stadiums. Customers can also contact the 24/7 customer service centre at 105 for train timings, last-train departure times, and any other information or inquiries.

Fans can utilize free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) services at all stations and experience exceptional shopping with a variety of local and international retail brands, including food and beverage services, mini-marts, pharmacies, sports apparel stores, technology, and gift shops, and more.

Focused on improving the overall customer experience, Qatar Rail has enhanced its technical and organizational staff to deliver world-class customer service during the tournament. Employees have been trained to proactively assist customers and guide fans within the stations and trains, with additional support provided for people with disabilities, reflecting Qatar Rail’s commitment to an inclusive and reliable travel experience for everyone.