Guide to Hamad International Airport

How to get there
Inside the airport
Where to find essentials
Shopping and dining
Making the most of your time
Extra tips

Hamad International Airport is a busy transportation hub connected to 197 global destinations with a 600,000 square meter passenger terminal. In 2025, Skytrax named one of the world’s best airports and Best Airport in the Middle East for the 11th year in a row. Due to its size and features, it can be extremely challenging to navigate. This guide provides information on how to reach the airport, locate essential services, and make the time pass quickly during longer layovers.

How to get there

Hamad Airport lies 15 kilometers southeast of Doha City Center, next to the shores of the Arabian Gulf, near the Old Doha Airport. It is connected to Qatar’s municipalities and city suburbs by a network of roads and a metro line.

Hamad location

Metro

The Red line of Doha Metro runs from Al Wakrah to Lusail, connecting most of the city with the airport, as Hamad International Airport T1 is one of the stations. You can reach the Red line via the Green and Gold Metros at the Msheireb Metro Station.

Metro trains run every 6-9 minutes and operate from 5:04 AM to 01:14 AM from Saturday to Thursday and from 9 AM to 01:14 AM on Fridays.

A one-way trip to or from HIA costs QAR 2 (standard coach) or QAR 10 (Gold Club).

You can purchase travel cards or a day pass ticket at any metro station in the city. A trip from the airport to the center takes about 20 minutes.

Public buses

The public buses operated by Mowasalat provide commuter service to areas that are not connected to the metro line. The buses are turquoise and labeled “Karwa”. The HIA bus station is located right outside the arrivals hall, with bus tickets available at the pavilion next to the station.

Mowasalat bus routes to and from Hamad International Airport are Route T612, which operates between the Industrial Area and Hamad International Airport. They’re available 24/7, every 30 minutes. Fares are between QAR 2.50 and QAR 3.

The Route T613 operates between HIA and Messaid, a city South of Qatar. Each trip costs QAR 7, and they run every 30 minutes and operate between 4:25 AM and 10:55 PM. Furthermore, the Route 757 connects Al Mansoura and Hamad Airport via Al Matar Street, D-Ring Road, and the Najma areas. There is a bus running every 30 minutes and operates between 4:00 AM and 11:00 PM for QAR 3. Lastly, buses on the Route L533 run 24/7 between Al Thumama and HIA through Al Matar and Najma streets. Each trip costs QAR 3.

Taxi

All taxis have a turquoise color, are marked “Karwa” and accept cash and cashless payment methods (MasterCard, Visa, Google Pay, NAPS, or Apple Pay). You can book your ride online, by phone +974 800 829, or via the Karwa app.

Base fares start at QAR 7 and increase at a rate of QAR 1.6–1.9 per kilometer, depending on the time of day. Karwa also offers limousine services for passengers who prefer a chauffeured ride, which you can reserve by contacting +974 800 5466.

Passengers traveling out of the country can board a ride-hailing cab from their residences, including Uber, TaxiF, Careem, Badrgo, and Ryde. These cabs will drop them at the airport’s parking area.

Hotel shuttles/private transfers

Some local hotels and travel agencies provide shuttle services and transfers to and from the airport. Ask your hotel or travel agency whether this service is available.

Car

Travelers with private vehicles can use the airport’s parking facility for drop-off and pick-up. Alternatively, they can pay for parking within the airport and reserve a space for smooth pick-ups and drop-offs.

Inside the airport

Ground level

Hamad ground

Level 1

Hamad Level 1

Level 2

Hamad Level 2

Level 3

Hamad Level 3

Level 4

Hamad Level 4

Where to find essentials

Service	Where to find
Wi-Fi	Throughout the airport (free access)
Lost and found properties	Lost and found desk at Arrivals near baggage claim
Pharmacy	Duty-Free South, Level 1 near the Lamp Bear
Currency exchange	Several kiosks operated by Travelex near arrivals, meet and greet, and departure terminals
Charging ports	Quiet rooms and near gates, restaurants, and lounges
ATMs	Arrivals and departures gates and at shopping zones
Hotels	Oryx Airport Hotel (Level 3)
Baggage repack	At the departure check-in zone
Baby changing rooms	At Arrivals Gates A, B, and C, and Departures Gates A, B, and C

Shopping and dining

You can enjoy high-end shopping in luxury shops or sit and relax at an affordable restaurant inside the airport. Luxury brands like Gucci, Dior, Rolex, Fendi, Emporio Armani, Hublot, Tissot Watch, Louis Vuitton, Luxury Express, and Al Jazeera perfumes are located in Duty-Free North and South Nodes.

Food at HIA is placed all around the airport. Most of the fast food is located in the HIA food market, at the North Node terminal.

Making the most of your time

3–6-hour layover

Firstly, visit the tropical indoor garden at Hamad International Airport called the Orchard, free of charge. You can walk, read a book, take photos and videos, and explore the plant species. Then, take a power nap in the dedicated quiet rooms with comfortable recliners, available in the Departures Gates A, B, C, and D on Level 1.

You could also purchase lounge access at any of the lounges providing paid lounge services and enjoy a quick shower and private resting areas, or visit the wellness and fitness center to enjoy up to two hours of premium squash at Oryx, from QAR 90 per person.

And, if you’re traveling with children, check out activity nodes for unlimited play time, TV, and interactive art pieces located in Concourses A, B, and C.

6–12-hour layover

With a longer layover, you may want to find an actual place to sleep. Therefore, you can purchase lounge access to Al Maha or Oryx, or check with your airline if you have privileged access to any other lounges. Alternatively, book accommodation at the Oryx Airport Hotel for proper rest. The price per room is around QAR 1,300.

You can also reserve a spa session at Be Relax Shower and Spa via their website. A 15-minute massage is QAR 160, and a facial is QAR 285. If you’d like a more active way to spend your free time, go to a gym and swimming session at the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness. The entrance fee to the gym is QAR 175 for adults and QAR 100 for children.

Moreover, you’ll have more than enough time to explore iconic photo spots, including the Lamp Bear by URS Fischer, located on Level 1. Other art installations include Oryx and Flying Man (Level 0), Other Worlds and Small Lie (Level 1), and A Message of Peace to the World on Level 2. There are several other sculptures and digital art installations in the Orchard and nearby areas.

Extra navigation tips

Use the HIA mobile app to locate services and facilities, and get up-to-date information about flights. Do not litter while at the airport — use available waste disposal bins and keep waste in designated areas. Also, dress modestly and follow instructions in areas like prayer rooms, quiet rooms, and lounges.

If you want to pay by cash, avoid losing money on conversions by converting to QAR in exchange booths around the airport. Customer service assistants and airport workers are known for being pleasant and helpful — consult them if you get lost or aren’t sure where to find amenities.