Hamad Airport is located 13 kilometers from Doha. It has a passenger turnover of 35 million people per year. The airport terminal is the largest in Qatar.
How to get to the city center
From the airport to the city center, you can use public transportation. The travel time is approximately 30 minutes. Please note that bus drivers may not strictly adhere to the route and schedule.
Taxis and shuttles can get you to the city center in 15-20 minutes.
Public transportation
Transportation from Doha Airport is comfortable and clean, equipped with luggage space and air conditioning. You can take buses numbered 747, 777, and 109 to reach the city center.
Where to find it: The bus stop is located to the right of the arrivals area, and you can follow the "Bus Pavilion" signs to locate it.
Where to buy a ticket
You can use the Karwa Smartcard to pay for your trip. You can purchase it from a machine at the airport, which is located on the first floor near the exit. The machine accepts cash in Qatari riyals (QAR) in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100.
There are three types of cards:
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Limited Card - is for 2 trips per day. The price is 3 USD.
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Classic Card - for those who stay in the city for a week or longer. The price is 8 USD.
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Unlimited Card - offers unlimited travel for a day. The price is 5 USD.
Important! The price shown includes the cost of the card itself. When boarding and exiting the bus, you must hold the card against the card reader.
Schedule
Route N°747: Airport - Souq Waqif - Al Ghanium Bus Station (Bus Station) - Old Salata Area.
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Operation time: from 04:42 to 23:42, running every 20 minutes.
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Fare: 0.8 USD.
Route N°777: Airport - West Bay - the Pearl - Zigzag Towers.
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Operation time: from 04:00 to 23:00, running every half hour, and from 23:00 to 04:00, running every hour.
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Fare: 1.5 USD.
Route N°109: Al Ghanium Bus Station - HIA - Barwa Village - Al Wakra - Messaieed.
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Operation time: from 04:04 to 23:04, buses run every half hour.
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Fare: 0.7-1.6 USD.
Transfer
One of the most comfortable modes of transportation. You do not have to look for transportation at the airport; the driver will meet you at the airport with a nameplate. You can book a transfer on the KiwiTaxi website.
Cost: from 30 USD for a budget car (1-3 passengers).
Taxi
Not the most convenient form of transportation, given the not-so-clean cab drivers. If you choose this mode of transportation, be careful.
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Where to find it: The parking lot is to the left of the terminal exit. "Taxi" signs will guide you.
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Cost: from 7 USD per car (1-3 passengers). All cars have meters. Day fare is 0.3 USD per kilometer (from 05:00 to 21:00), night fare is 0.5 USD per kilometer (from 21:00 to 05:00).
Note:
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If the cab driver ignores your requests to turn on the meter, you have the legal right not to pay for the ride.
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Many drivers may not unlock the passenger door or open the trunk until the customer has paid. If this happens to you, call 999 (local police).
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Taxis are scarce in the city, so there can be a long wait for a car. It's best to book a car in advance.
Rental Car
By renting a car, you free yourself from the need to look for transportation and give yourself the freedom to go anywhere in the city. To rent a car, you need an international driver's license, a credit card, and a Qatar entry stamp in your passport.
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Cost: from 100 USD per day.
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Where to find: Car rental desks are located at the airport. You can also book a car online on a website (e.g., rentalcars).
Tips:
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Driving in the city is quite challenging - the locals' driving style is bold, and during rush hour, it's best not to venture onto the highways.
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Traveling outside Qatar is impossible - the country borders Saudi Arabia, and the border is closed due to tensions between the countries.
How to get to the bus station
There are buses numbered 747 and 109 to the bus station. Refer to the information above for all bus route details. The ground connection is being finalized, and authorities are planning a railroad to connect the Bay States.
