Travelling across the Gulf for major sporting events is becoming easier thanks to expanding metro networks. If you are planning a visit to Qatar, knowing how to go to Al Thumama Stadium by metro will help you reach the venue comfortably using Doha’s public transport system.
About Al Thumama Stadium
Al Thumama Stadium is located around 12 kilometres south of central Doha, close to the Doha Expressway. It is one of Qatar’s key football stadiums and continues to host national and international matches.
Location
Block 331, Al Thumama District, Doha, Qatar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kNhK9BZ85H73EXJe7
Take the Doha Metro: Red line
The most reliable way to go to Al Thumama Stadium by metro is by using the Doha Metro Red Line, which connects the north and south of the city, including central Doha and Hamad International Airport.
The closest metro station to Al Thumama Stadium is Free Zone Station on the Red Line. This is officially recognised as the nearest rail access point for the stadium area.
Shuttle bus service (from metro to stadium)
Once you reach Free Zone Station, you cannot walk directly to the stadium. In order to go to Al Thumama Stadium by metro, you can use the MetroLink feeder bus network, which connects metro stations to nearby communities.
As of June 1, 2025, Qatar Rail introduced MetroLink route M142, which runs from Free Zone Station to the Al Thumama Zone 50 area. This is currently the only officially published feeder route serving the Al Thumama district.
MetroLink buses are generally free for metro passengers, but always check local transport guidance during large events, as routes can be adjusted depending on the match or tournament.
Final walk to the stadium
The MetroLink bus will bring you into the Al Thumama neighbourhood, but there is still a walking segment required to reach the stadium entrance.
The exact walking time depends on where the feeder bus drops you off and which gate you are heading to. Most independent transit tools estimate the final walk to be between 10 and 30 minutes.
For comfortable travel, wear suitable footwear and allow extra time on match days, especially when pedestrian routes are crowded.
Timing and service hours
Doha Metro and its MetroLink feeder buses typically extend their operating hours during major tournaments and match days. While standard metro services usually run from early morning until late evening, event days often see trains operating until after midnight to accommodate fans.
Arriving at the metro station two to three hours before kick-off is strongly recommended. This allows enough buffer time for ticket validation, boarding feeder buses, and completing the final walk without stress.
Alternative transit options
If you prefer not to rely entirely on the metro and feeder buses, there are a few other safe and widely used options to reach Al Thumama Stadium.
- Taxi services: Many visitors choose to travel by taxi or ride-hailing services such as Karwa, Uber, and Careem. These can take you closer to the stadium area, although traffic diversions during match days may still require a short walk from the designated drop-off zones.
- Express buses: For those travelling from other parts of Doha, stadium express buses are sometimes arranged during major tournaments. These buses run directly from central transport hubs to the stadium perimeter. Availability and routes depend on the scale of the event, so check the official Qatar Rail or event transport announcements beforehand.
Step-by-step journey summary
Here is the most reliable and current way to reach the stadium using Doha’s public transport network:
- Take the Doha Metro Red Line and get down at Free Zone Station.
- Board the MetroLink feeder bus M142, which connects Free Zone Station to the Al Thumama Zone 50 area.
- From the MetroLink drop-off point, follow pedestrian signs and walk towards the stadium entrance.
Key takeaways
For those planning how to go to Al Thumama Stadium by metro, start at Free Zone Metro Station on the Red Line, then use feeder or event-day shuttle buses to reach the Al Thumama area. A walking segment is still required from the drop-off point to the stadium entrance, so allow extra time. During major events, metro and bus services usually run longer hours. Free MetroLink routes like M142 help reduce the distance, but you will still need to walk the final stretch.
FAQs
- Can I reach Al Thumama Stadium entirely by metro without walking?
No. While the metro and feeder bus bring you close to the Al Thumama area, there is always a short walking distance from the drop-off point to the stadium entrance. - Which metro line goes to Al Thumama Stadium?
The Doha Metro Red Line is the line you need. You should disembark at Free Zone Station, the closest station to the stadium. - Is there a feeder bus from the metro to Al Thumama?
Yes. As of June 2025, the official feeder route is MetroLink bus M142, which serves the Al Thumama district from Free Zone Station. - Are MetroLink buses free to use?
Yes, MetroLink feeder buses are generally free for Doha Metro passengers, although routes and access may be adjusted during major events. - How early should I leave for the stadium?
Plan to reach Free Zone Station at least two to three hours before kick-off, especially on match days, to account for feeder bus travel and walking time.
