Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the primary international airport serving Doha, Qatar. Opened in 2014, it replaced the older Doha International Airport and has quickly become one of the world's top-rated airports, consistently ranking in Skytrax's top 10. The airport serves as the main hub for Qatar Airways and handles over 45 million passengers annually.

The airport has a single integrated terminal designed by HOK architects, featuring a distinctive undulating roof inspired by ocean waves. The terminal is divided into five concourses:

• Concourse A: Gates A1-A14, primarily Qatar Airways long-haul flights
• Concourse B: Gates B1-B10, Qatar Airways regional and international
• Concourse C: Gates C1-C11, International carriers and oneworld partners
• Concourse D: Gates D1-D12, Qatar Airways and partner airlines
• Concourse E: Gates E1-E14, Dedicated to A380 and large aircraft operations

The terminal is notable for its public art installations, including the iconic 23-foot tall "Lamp Bear" sculpture by Urs Fischer - a giant bronze teddy bear sitting beneath a lamp. Other artworks include monumental sculptures by Damien Hirst and Tom Claassen.

Important: Qatar also has a new Doha Airport terminal expansion. Always verify your terminal information closer to your travel date.

DOH is located approximately 15 km from central Doha (West Bay area). Travel times to popular areas:

• West Bay (business district): 15-20 minutes
• Souq Waqif: 20-25 minutes
• The Pearl-Qatar: 25-30 minutes
• Lusail City: 25-35 minutes
• Katara Cultural Village: 20-25 minutes

Transport options include the Doha Metro, taxis, rideshare (Uber/Careem), and hotel shuttles. The Metro is efficient and affordable, while taxis and rideshare offer door-to-door convenience.

Uber and Careem are both available at DOH. Follow signs to designated rideshare pickup areas outside the arrivals hall.

Typical rideshare fares:

• West Bay: QAR 50-70 (~$14-19 USD)
• Souq Waqif: QAR 55-75 (~$15-21 USD)
• The Pearl-Qatar: QAR 70-100 (~$19-27 USD)
• Lusail City: QAR 80-110 (~$22-30 USD)

Karwa Taxis (turquoise-colored) are Qatar's official taxi service and queue outside the arrivals hall. Taxis are metered:

• Flag fall: QAR 10
• Per kilometer: QAR 1.60
• Airport surcharge: QAR 4-5

Typical taxi fare to West Bay: QAR 50-70. All taxis accept card payments via Karwa's system. Taxis are clean, air-conditioned, and reliable.

The Doha Metro Red Line connects directly to Hamad International Airport, offering the fastest and cheapest way to reach central Doha.

Metro Access

The airport metro station is located in the arrivals level of the terminal. Follow signs to "Metro" after clearing customs.

• Line: Red Line (toward Lusail QNB)
• Direction: Northbound to city center

Metro Fares and Travel Times

Destination	Fare	Time
Msheireb (central interchange)	QAR 2-3	15 min
West Bay (business district)	QAR 2-3	20 min
Katara	QAR 2-3	25 min
Lusail	QAR 2-3	35 min

Purchase a Qatar Rail Travel Card (QAR 30 including QAR 20 stored value) from machines at the station. Single journey tickets also available. The Metro uses a zone-based fare system with most tourist destinations within one or two zones.

Metro Hours

• Saturday to Thursday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Friday: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM (limited morning service)

Note: Friday has reduced hours due to midday prayers. For early Friday arrivals, use taxi or rideshare.

Airport Express Bus

Route 777 operates between the airport and the city center:

• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
• Route: Airport - Souq Waqif - Msheireb
• Fare: QAR 5

Buses are air-conditioned with luggage space, but the Metro is generally faster and more convenient.

DOH offers extensive parking facilities:

• Short-term parking: QAR 10/hour, QAR 100 maximum per 24 hours
• Long-term parking: QAR 50/day (covered), QAR 35/day (uncovered)
• Premium parking: QAR 20/hour, closest to terminal
• Valet parking: Available near departures

Short-term parking is located directly connected to the terminal. Long-term parking is a short shuttle ride away with free 24-hour transfers. Pre-booking via the Qatar Airways or airport website can provide discounts.

DOH offers extensive dining options throughout the terminal, with most restaurants open 24 hours.

Central Concourse

• Harrods Tea Room: British afternoon tea and light meals
• Emporio Armani Caffè: Italian coffee and cuisine
• Paul Bakery: French bakery and café
• Giraffe World Kitchen: International family dining

Concourse A

• The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck: Celebrity chef restaurant
• Shake Shack: American burgers
• Starbucks: Coffee and snacks

Concourse B & C

• Jamie's Italian: Italian casual dining
• GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen): Premium burgers
• Costa Coffee: UK coffee chain
• Various Asian cuisines: Noodle bars and quick service

Concourse D & E

• Pret A Manger: Fresh sandwiches and coffee
• Local Qatari cuisine: Traditional Arabic food options
• Food court: Multiple quick-service options

For a sit-down meal, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck and Jamie's Italian offer quality dining. For quick bites, Shake Shack and Paul are popular choices. The food court in the Central Concourse provides variety at reasonable prices.

Free WiFi is available throughout DOH:

• Network: "HIAQatar" or "Hamad International Airport"
• Speed: Fast and reliable, suitable for streaming
• Limit: Unlimited usage

Simply connect and accept terms - no registration required. DOH's WiFi is consistently rated among the best airport WiFi networks globally. The network covers all concourses, lounges, and public areas.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations:

Arrival Hall (after immigration)

• Ooredoo store: Qatar's largest mobile operator
• Vodafone Qatar kiosk: Second major carrier
• SIM vending machines: Near baggage claim

Typical Prepaid Plans

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Ooredoo	Tourist SIM	QAR 50	2GB data, local calls, 7 days
Ooredoo	Visitor Plus	QAR 100	5GB data, local/int'l calls, 14 days
Vodafone	Tourist Pack	QAR 55	2GB data, local calls, 7 days
Vodafone	Travel Plan	QAR 90	4GB data, local/int'l calls, 10 days

Bring your passport - it's required for SIM registration in Qatar. Activation is typically immediate at carrier stores.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal, both before and after immigration:

• QNB (Qatar National Bank): Largest local bank, multiple ATMs
• Commercial Bank: Throughout terminal
• Doha Bank: Multiple locations
• International networks: Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus accepted

Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR), pegged to USD at 3.64 QAR = $1 USD

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: Multiple counters throughout the terminal
• Al Fardan Exchange: Local money changer, slightly better rates
• Qatar Exchange: Competitive rates compared to Travelex

Airport exchange rates include markup (5-8%). For better rates, use ATMs (check your bank's foreign transaction fees) or exchange money at banks in the city. Qatar is very card-friendly - Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere.

DOH features extensive duty-free shopping throughout the terminal:

Qatar Duty Free

• Luxury boutiques: Hermès, Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Rolex
• Fashion: Burberry, Gucci, Prada, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors
• Cosmetics: Full range of premium beauty brands
• Electronics: Apple products, cameras, headphones
• Spirits and tobacco: Comprehensive selection

Notable Shops

• Harrods: Exclusive airport outlet with British luxury goods
• Al Jazeera Perfumes: Traditional Arabic oud and fragrances
• Qatari Heritage Shop: Local crafts, dates, spices, and souvenirs
• Patchi: Premium Lebanese chocolates
• Bateel: Gourmet dates and Arabic sweets (excellent gifts)

Shopping Tips

• Qatar Duty Free offers competitive prices on luxury goods
• Gold and jewelry prices are reasonable, though Dubai is often cheaper
• Al oud (Arabic perfume) and premium dates make excellent local souvenirs
• Tax-free shopping means true duty-free prices without additional VAT

DOH offers numerous lounge options with various access methods.

Qatar Airways Lounges

• Al Mourjan Business Lounge: One of the world's largest business class lounges, spanning 10,000 square meters across two levels. Features fine dining, spa, quiet rooms, game room. Access: Qatar Airways Business Class, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Al Safwa First Class Lounge: Ultra-premium lounge with private suites, fine dining restaurant, spa. Access: Qatar Airways First Class
• Al Maha Transit Lounge: Mid-tier lounge for Qatar Airways Privilege Club Gold members

Priority Pass Lounges

• Oryx Lounge: Large, well-equipped lounge in Concourse C. Food, drinks, showers available. Can get crowded at peak times.

Pay-In Lounges

• Oryx Lounge: QAR 250-350 (~$70-95 USD) for 4-6 hours depending on time of day
• Vitality Wellbeing Centre: Not a traditional lounge but offers day passes with pool, gym, spa access (QAR 140-200/~$38-55 USD)

Credit Card Access

• American Express Platinum: Access to Centurion Lounge if open; otherwise use Priority Pass benefit
• Priority Pass: Oryx Lounge access
• LoungeKey: Multiple lounge options

Airline Partner Lounges

oneworld partner airlines can access:

• Al Mourjan Business Lounge: oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members in business class
• Al Maha Lounge: oneworld Sapphire and Emerald in economy

In-Airport Hotel

• Oryx Airport Hotel: Located inside the terminal in the airside transit area (no need to clear immigration). Modern rooms, soundproofed, 24-hour room service. Rooms from QAR 600/night ($165 USD). Day-use rates from QAR 400/5 hours ($110 USD). Includes pool and gym access.

Airport Adjacent Hotels

• Oryx Rotana: Connected to the airport via sky bridge (landside), 5-star. Rooms from QAR 500/night (~$137 USD).

Near Airport Options

• Marriott Marquis City Center Doha: 10-minute drive, full-service luxury. Rooms from QAR 450/night.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Doha: 15-minute drive, reliable mid-range. Rooms from QAR 350/night.
• Holiday Inn Doha Business Park: 10-minute drive, budget-friendly. Rooms from QAR 250/night (~$69 USD).

Sleep Options

For transit passengers who don't want a full hotel room:

• Quiet Rooms: Free reclining chairs in quiet zones throughout concourses
• Vitality Wellbeing Centre: Day passes with relaxation areas
• Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Quiet rooms for Qatar Airways Business Class passengers

Doha is a compact city with world-class attractions easily accessible from the airport.

Top Attractions

• Souq Waqif: Traditional market with restored architecture, restaurants, falcon shops, spice traders. 20 minutes from airport. Best in the evening.
• Museum of Islamic Art: Stunning I.M. Pei-designed museum on the Corniche. QAR 50 entry. 20 minutes from airport.
• National Museum of Qatar: Jean Nouvel's desert rose-inspired building. QAR 50 entry. 15 minutes from airport.
• The Pearl-Qatar: Man-made island with marinas, luxury shopping, beaches. 25 minutes from airport.
• Katara Cultural Village: Amphitheater, galleries, beach, restaurants. 25 minutes from airport.

For Layovers

4-6 hours:

• Metro to Msheireb, walk to Souq Waqif
• Explore the market, have Arabic coffee and dates
• Return via Metro with time to spare

6-8 hours:

• Add Museum of Islamic Art to the above
• Or visit National Museum of Qatar (closer to airport)

8+ hours:

• Consider a desert excursion or beach visit at The Pearl
• Qatar Airways offers free Doha city tours for transit passengers on select long layovers (check eligibility when booking)

Practical Tips

• Weather: Extremely hot from May-September (40-50C). November-March is pleasant (20-25C).
• Dress Code: Qatar is conservative. Modest dress is expected in public areas (shoulders and knees covered). Beach resorts have separate standards.
• Alcohol: Available only at licensed hotels and restaurants. Not sold in shops. Airport duty-free is popular for purchases.
• Currency: QAR is pegged to USD. Credit cards widely accepted.
• Ramadan: During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Restaurants open after sunset.
• Photography: Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and people without permission.

Getting Around Doha

The Doha Metro covers most tourist areas efficiently. A standard ticket covers unlimited travel within zones for 3 days. Uber and Careem are reliable throughout the city. The Corniche waterfront makes for an excellent walk connecting MIA Park, Museum of Islamic Art, and Souq Waqif.