Destination Doha
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the main hub for Oneworld mega-carrier Qatar Airways offering direct service to Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America. Other Oneworld airlines also feed into the hub. Star Alliance involvement is limited with only Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair and Turkish Airlines serving Doha.
Airport Code – DOH
Distance to Central Doha – 8 Miles
Doha Population – 1,200,000
Language – Arabic
Currency – Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Voltage – 240v
Plug – Type G.
Credit Cards – Accepted at larger outlets.
LGBTQ Friendly – No.
Doha Airport to City Transport Options
Metro
Car & Pick Up
Bus
The Doha Metro Red Line connects the airport to the city, with connections to all other Metro Lines, in 15-20 minutes.
You need to purchase a Dohameter card from the machines at the station.
The Doha Metro operates three types of carriage, Standard, Family and Goldclub. Standard and Family coaches are valid with a Standard Dohameter Card and the Goldclub card requires a Goldclub Travel Card.
Mowasalat buses operate from the Bus Pavillion to the right of the Arrivals Hall.
You can get route information and pay by card at the Mowasalat Information desk inside the arrivals area.
Taxi
Official metered Karwa taxis are available at the Taxi Pavillion to the left of the arrivals hall.
Journey time to the City Centre is around 15 minutes and the fare will be around QAR45-55.
The usual ride hailing Apps are in operation.
Welcome To Doha
Doha blends futuristic architecture with deep-rooted traditions, offering visitors a striking contrast of old and new.
Begin with a visit along the waterfront Corniche, a sweeping promenade that curves around the bay and provides panoramic views of the city’s glittering skyline, particularly stunning at sunset when the glass towers reflect the changing light. From here it is a short distance to the Museum of Islamic Art, an architectural masterpiece designed by I. M. Pei, where centuries of art and artifacts from across the Islamic world are displayed in elegant galleries overlooking the water.
Just inland lies Souq Waqif, the historic market district where narrow lanes filled with the scent of spices and the sound of merchants bargaining evoke Doha’s past as a trading hub. Visitors can browse shops selling textiles, perfumes, and traditional handicrafts, or linger at outdoor cafés and restaurants serving Qatari dishes such as machbous and sweet karak tea. Nearby, the Falcon Souq offers a glimpse of a cherished Gulf tradition, with prized birds displayed for enthusiasts and buyers.
For a taste of modern Doha, head to the West Bay area, where shimmering skyscrapers house luxury hotels, international restaurants, and upscale shopping malls. The Katara Cultural Village provides a different perspective, hosting art exhibitions, music performances, and film screenings in spaces designed to celebrate Qatar’s heritage and contemporary creativity. To experience the desert landscape beyond the city, many visitors take a day trip to the Inland Sea, where towering sand dunes meet the waters of the Arabian Gulf and off-road drives offer a thrilling introduction to the country’s natural beauty.
Education City, home to branch campuses of major international universities, also features striking architecture and cultural venues such as the Qatar National Library and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Evenings in Doha can be spent enjoying a dhow cruise across the bay, exploring the boutiques and restaurants of The Pearl-Qatar with its yacht-lined marinas, or simply relaxing in one of the city’s many luxurious hotels and rooftop lounges.
Whether your interests lie in art, history, food, or adventure, Doha welcomes travellers with a seamless mix of hospitality, modern comfort, and rich cultural heritage.
Getting Around Doha
Doha offers a modern and well-organized public transport system that makes getting around the Qatari capital straightforward for visitors and residents alike.
The centerpiece is the Doha Metro, a driverless, fully air-conditioned rail network with three main lines—Red, Gold, and Green—that meet at Msheireb station in the city center. Trains run frequently from early morning until late night, with extended hours on weekends, and stations are equipped with escalators, elevators, and clear signage in both Arabic and English.
Travellers can purchase reusable travel cards at vending machines or station counters and tap in and out for seamless journeys between major landmarks.
Complementing the metro is the Karwa bus service, which covers areas not directly served by rail. Buses are clean, air-conditioned, and inexpensive, though schedules can be less frequent during off-peak hours. The same rechargeable travel card used for the metro can be used on most public buses, making transfers simple.
For shorter trips or connections to destinations slightly off the main routes, metered Karwa taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or pre-booked.
Cycling infrastructure is gradually improving with dedicated tracks in newer districts like Lusail, but most visitors rely on the metro and buses for regular transport. Walking can be pleasant along the Corniche and in pedestrian-friendly areas such as Souq Waqif, especially during the cooler months, but the city’s wide roads and high temperatures in summer make public transport or taxis a more practical choice.