Your Complete Guide to the Route M147 Bus: Complete Guide to Stops, Timings & Travel Tips
Bus route connecting Souq Waqif, West Bay, Corniche, Museum District in Doha—includes schedules, stops, and fare information.
Karwa Bus Route M147: Al Ghanim to The Pearl Complete Guide (2025)
Route M147 connects Doha's main transportation hub at Al Ghanim with The Pearl Qatar via Souq Waqif, the Corniche, and West Bay — offering a journey from traditional markets to luxury island living.
Quick Route Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Mowasalat (Karwa) |
| Route Type | Transport Hub-Luxury Connector |
| Key Termini | Al Ghanim Bus Station ↔ The Pearl Qatar |
| Operating Hours | Approximately 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Frequency | Every 15-20 minutes (varies by time of day) |
| Fare Range | QAR 4-8 depending on distance |
| Payment | Karwa Smart Card or Karwa Journey Planner App only |
Route Overview: Why M147 Matters
M147 offers a spectacular journey connecting Doha's central bus hub with The Pearl Qatar — the country's premier luxury island destination. This route is perfect for tourists wanting to experience The Pearl's upscale dining and shopping, business travelers heading to West Bay hotels, and anyone wanting to see Doha's transformation from traditional to ultra-modern.
The journey passes through Souq Waqif traditional market, the scenic Corniche waterfront, and the West Bay business district before reaching The Pearl's Mediterranean-inspired marinas. For visitors, M147 provides an affordable scenic tour of Doha's most impressive developments.
Perfect for:
- Luxury travelers visiting The Pearl's dining and shopping
- Tourists exploring Doha's diverse attractions
- Business travelers heading to West Bay hotels
- Photography enthusiasts capturing Doha's contrasts
Complete Stop-by-Stop Guide
Starting Point: Al Ghanim Bus Station
Doha's main bus transportation hub and central transit point.
Walking distance to: Souq Waqif, Old Gold Souq, multiple bus connections
Best for: City connections, transfers to other routes, starting point for exploration
Souq Waqif / Msheireb Area Stop
Access to Doha's traditional market and heritage district.
Walking distance to: Souq Waqif markets, Msheireb Downtown, museums
Best for: Traditional shopping, heritage exploration, authentic dining
Doha Corniche Stop
Your gateway to Doha's waterfront promenade.
Walking distance to: Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, MIA Park
Best for: Waterfront strolls, skyline photography, sunset viewing
West Bay (Financial District) Stop
Access to Doha's premier business and hotel district.
Walking distance to: West Bay towers, hotels, City Center Mall
Best for: Business meetings, hotel access, fine dining
The Pearl Terminus
Access to Qatar's luxury island destination.
Walking distance to: Porto Arabia marina, luxury boutiques, fine dining
Best for: Upscale shopping, marina dining, waterfront strolls, luxury living experience
What to Expect On Board
Passenger Experience
M147 attracts an upscale mix — tourists heading to The Pearl for dining and shopping, business travelers going to West Bay hotels, luxury residents, and sightseers. The route offers a visual journey from traditional Doha to ultra-modern luxury.
Bus Features
- Climate: Strong air-conditioning throughout (bring a light jacket)
- Seating: Comfortable seating with front seats reserved for women and children
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible buses with designated spaces
- Windows: Large windows for viewing the scenic route
Scenic Highlights
M147 offers spectacular scenery:
- Traditional market scenes at Souq Waqif
- Stunning waterfront views along the Corniche
- Impressive West Bay skyline
- Luxury marina views at The Pearl
- Mediterranean-inspired architecture
- Yachts and waterfront promenades
Practical Information
Fare & Payment
- Cash is NOT accepted on any Karwa bus
- Payment methods: Karwa Smart Card (tap on/off) or Karwa Journey Planner App
- Typical fare: QAR 4-8 depending on distance traveled
- Where to buy cards: Al Ghanim Bus Station, major metro stations
Service Frequency
| Time Period | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Morning Peak (6-9 AM) | Every 15-20 minutes |
| Midday | Every 15-20 minutes |
| Evening Peak (3-7 PM) | Every 15-20 minutes |
| Late Evening | Every 20-25 minutes |
Note: Timings are approximate. Check the Karwa Journey Planner App for real-time schedules.
Metro Connections
M147 connects with the Doha Metro:
- Al Ghanim area: Near Al Ghanim Metro Station (Green Line)
- Souq Waqif area: Near Souq Waqif and Msheireb stations
- West Bay area: Near DECC Station and other West Bay stations (Gold Line)
Operating Hours
- Weekdays: Approximately 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Fridays: Reduced morning service, normal afternoon/evening
- Ramadan: Special schedules may apply
Expert Tips for Riding M147
For Pearl Qatar Visitors
- Explore Porto Arabia — luxury marina with yachts and waterfront dining
- Visit Qanat Quartier — Venice-inspired canals and colorful architecture
- Dine at marina restaurants — excellent seafood and international cuisine
- Stroll the boardwalks — scenic waterfront promenades
Best Stops for Different Needs
| Need | Best Stop | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Shopping | The Pearl | High-end boutiques and brands |
| Marina Dining | The Pearl | Waterfront restaurants |
| Traditional Market | Souq Waqif | Authentic shopping and dining |
| Waterfront Views | Corniche | Best skyline views |
| Business Meetings | West Bay | Office towers and hotels |
Timing Your Journey
- Best for Souq Waqif: Evening (6-9 PM) when liveliest
- Best for Corniche: Late afternoon for sunset views
- Best for The Pearl: Afternoon and evening for dining and strolling
Exploring The Pearl Qatar
- Qanat Quartier — colorful Mediterranean-style district with canals
- Porto Arabia — luxury marina with yachts and waterfront dining
- The Pearl Beach — family-friendly beach areas
- Luxury boutiques — high-end international brands
- Marina promenades — scenic waterfront boardwalks
Nearby Attractions by Stop
From Al Ghanim Bus Station
- Old Gold Souq
- Multiple bus connections
- Local eateries
From Souq Waqif / Msheireb
- Traditional market shopping
- Msheireb Downtown heritage district
- Museums and restaurants
From Doha Corniche
- Doha Corniche promenade
- Museum of Islamic Art
- MIA Park
From West Bay
- West Bay office towers
- Hotels and restaurants
- City Center Mall
From The Pearl
- Porto Arabia marina
- Qanat Quartier canals
- Luxury boutiques
- Marina restaurants
- Beach areas
Official Resources & Links
For the most current timetables, fares, and route updates:
- Karwa (Mowasalat) Official Website: https://www.mowasalat.com
- Karwa Journey Planner App: Available on iOS and Android
- Visit Qatar — Official Tourism: https://www.visitqatar.qa
- Qatar Rail (Metro Information): https://www.qr.com.qa
- The Pearl Qatar: https://www.pearlqatar.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does M147 run on Fridays?
Yes, but with reduced morning service due to prayer times. Afternoon and evening service operates normally.
Can I pay with cash on M147?
No, cash payments are not accepted. You must use a Karwa Smart Card or the Karwa Journey Planner App.
How long does M147 take from Al Ghanim to The Pearl?
The journey typically takes 35-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Is The Pearl Qatar worth visiting?
Yes, The Pearl is one of Doha's most upscale destinations with luxury shopping, fine dining, beautiful marinas, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
Does M147 connect to the metro?
Yes, M147 connects to several metro stations including Al Ghanim (Green Line), Souq Waqif area stations, and West Bay stations (Gold Line).
What's there to do at The Pearl Qatar?
The Pearl offers luxury shopping, fine dining at marina restaurants, beach access, waterfront strolls, and beautiful architecture in districts like Qanat Quartier and Porto Arabia.
Are M147 buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Karwa buses operating on M147 are wheelchair accessible with designated spaces.
Can I visit both Souq Waqif and The Pearl on this route?
Yes, M147 stops at both Souq Waqif and The Pearl — perfect for combining traditional culture with luxury island experience in one journey.
Route M147 is your luxury connection — linking the central bus station with the exclusive Pearl Qatar island via the traditional Souq Waqif, scenic Corniche, and business district of West Bay.