Hamad International Airport

About Hamad International Airport

Opened in 2014, Hamad International Airport in Doha has earned itself something of a reputation as the most luxurious airport in the world. What makes it so classy? For starters, it’s a silent airport, which means that beyond Islamic calls to prayer, there is no audio. No abrupt flight announcements, nothing. It also has a stunning 25-metre pool which overlooks the main departures hall, and anyone travelling through the airport can pay to swim there. Hamad International Airport is an architecture-appreciator’s delight, with vaulted ceilings that ripple like waves, a control tower shaped like a crescent (best viewed at night) and a mosque designed to resemble a drop of water, in tribute to its coastal location. The airport also has two parallel runways which are among the longest in the world, designed to cater to next-generation aircraft including the Airbus A380. And all this is in addition to the impressive displays of modern art and the ultra-luxurious lounges.

What facilities are at Hamad International Airport in Doha?

Doha’s international airport offers a high standard of service, with everything from unlimited, complimentary Wi-Fi to 23 parent’s rooms and five ‘activity nodes’ inside the passenger terminal, designed to keep young travellers entertained while parents can relax in comfort.

Check-in

At Hamad International Airport, Doha, check-in usually opens three hours prior to your flight’s departure, and will close 60 minutes before your plane takes off. Depending on your airline and ticket, there are different ways to reach the check-in area. Note that if you’re flying with an airline that is part of the oneworld alliance such as Qantas, Cathay Pacific or Qatar Airways, you’re eligible for privileged check-in services.

Baggage

At Hamad International Airport, baggage trolleys are provided free of charge and porters are available to help you with your luggage, for a fixed fee. If you have oversized baggage to check in, make your way to the last counters of check-in Rows 3 and 8.

As with all airports, baggage guidelines are provided by the airlines, so to confirm the weight, size and number of bags you’re able to take with you on your flight, you’ll need to consult your airline directly.

Is there a currency exchange?

You’ll have no trouble changing money at Hamad International Airport in Doha if you need to. There are four foreign exchange kiosks located across the passenger terminal – two in departures and two in arrivals. Another easy option is to order and pick up any foreign currency before you leave home, at Travel Money Oz.

Transport and terminal transfers

What’s the best way to get to and from Hamad International Airport?

Taxi: An easy way to travel to and from Hamad International Airport is via ‘Karwa’ taxi – Qatar’s official taxi service. Upon arrival, make your way to the Taxi Pavilion located to the left end of the Arrivals hall. Then just follow the ‘Taxi’ sign at the Arrivals Hall or use the airport map to find your way.

Important to note: taxis only accept cash payments in the local currency so make sure you are carrying enough Qatari Riyals to pay for your trip. All taxis are metered and the minimum flagfall at the airport starts at 25 QAR (7 USD) and 1.20 QAR per kilometre between 5am and 9pm, and 1.80 QAR per km between 9pm and 5am.

Limousine: When in Qatar… if you want to arrive at your hotel in style, like countless locals, book yourself a limousine transfer. The official limousine operator is Mowasalat Limousine, which you can book in advance or from the Mowasalat Limousine kiosk located in the Arrivals Hall. As with taxis, you can pay the driver in cash with Qatari Riyals at the end of the journey.

Buses: Doha’s state-owned bus service is operated by Mowasalat, and the network of buses connects Hamad International Airport to various destinations across the city. You can only pay for your bus fare with a Karwa Smartcard, which you can purchase from the ticket vending machine located on the ground floor of Arrivals near the bus pavilion. Note that the machine only accepts cash in Qatari Riyal notes.

Car rental: You can rent a car at Hamad International Airport as long as you have an international driver’s licence and a credit card with 3 month’s validity. All the usual car rental companies are at the airport, as well as several operators offering high-end luxury cars.

If you’d like to hire a car at the airport, speak to your Flight Centre Travel Expert to find out how to get the best deal on a rental car before you arrive in Doha.

Parking: If, for some reason, you have a car to park at Hamad International Airport, you can do it on a budget or in style. You’ll find short-term parking, long-term parking and premium parking options, as well as a valet service.

How do I transfer between terminals?

Hamad International Airport is what’s called an ‘integrated facility’, which means passengers are able to arrive, transfer and depart from within the same terminal.

What restaurants and bars are at Hamad International Airport?

Cuisine at Hamad International Airport is divided into American, Arabic, European, International, Italian and Seafood. Not exactly mutually exclusive groups there (where does an Italian Seafood restaurant fit?), but you get the general idea. There’s a whole lot of choice.

Restaurants and bars at Hamad International Airport include:

  • Argo Tea Cafe
  • Azka
  • Burger King
  • Camden Food
  • Caviar House & Prunier
  • Coffeeshop Company
  • Del Monte F&B Store
  • Eat Street
  • Farggi
  • Harvest Market
  • Illy
  • Jamocha Cafe
  • Le Grand Comptoir
  • Marche
  • Negroni
  • Qataf Cafe
  • Red
  • Red Mango
  • Soho Coffee
  • Soprafino
  • Spizzico
  • Starbucks
  • The Burger Federation
  • The Cafe
  • Yum Cha

Shopping at Hamad International Airport?

If you find yourself with a few idle hours at the airport in Doha, Qatar, there’s no shortage of opportunities for a little retail therapy.

Shops at Hamad International Airport include:

  • 24 Seven
  • Al Motahajiba
  • AU Gold Boutique
  • Bally
  • Bazaar Souvenirs
  • BeIn Shop
  • Blush
  • Bottega Veneta
  • Boulevard
  • Burberry
  • Bvlgari
  • Chopard
  • Coach
  • Confectionary
  • Detour Travel
  • Discover Qatar
  • Ermenegildo Zegna
  • Eye-Q Sunglasses
  • Giorgio Armani
  • GMT Watches
  • Gucci
  • Harrods
  • Hermes
  • Hugo Boss
  • In-Q Gift Shop
  • Infinity
  • Inplay
  • Junction
  • Kulud Pharmacy
  • Marmalade Market
  • Michael Kors
  • Moncler
  • Mont Blanc
  • Mulberry
  • Nails
  • Omega
  • Ooredoo
  • Paris St Germain
  • Qatar Duty Free
  • Rolex
  • Samsung
  • Seal & Go
  • Swarovski
  • Tag Heuer
  • The Bumble Bee Tree
  • Tiffany & Co.
  • Travel Pod
  • Tumi
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • WHSmith
  • WHSmith Bookshop

What lounges are at Hamad International Airport?

The most prestigious lounges at Hamad International Airport are operated by Qatar Airways, which has its base there.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge by Qatar Airways

This lounge is located on Level 3 and occupies a 10,000 square-metre space about ten times the size of an Olympic-size swimming pool. Yes, it’s vast. The lounge is made up of a variety of spaces, such as the garden resort area, quiet rooms, family rooms, shower facilities, and mezzanine floor, where you can choose between a continental or oriental brasserie, a global deli and a patisserie. There is also a world-class bar, serving premium beverages. In the Al Mourjan Business Lounge, comfortable chairs have handy tablets within reach, on which you can keep track of the departure time of your flight. If you’re travelling for business, there are a range of top business services available. Lounge access is for Qatar Airways and oneworld First and Business Class passengers only.

Al Safwa First Lounge by Qatar Airways

This lounge has been described as ‘lounge nirvana’ and with Qatar Airways claiming to have created ‘the most luxurious lounge experience ever imagined’ – who are we to argue? The features and facilities are certainly impressive: sandstone and marble detailing; artefacts on loan from the Museum of Islamic Art; a premium restaurant offering both international and Arabic cuisine with wine choices reminiscent of a fine French restaurant; a luxury spa with nine treatment rooms; a full business centre; an exclusive family area and a full cinematic media room. This lounge is located on Level 3 and is exclusively open to First Class Qatar Airways travellers.

Al Maha Lounges and Services

At Hamad International Airport, you will be able to purchase the Al Maha Meet and Assist services as well as access to a number of lounges, regardless of your class of ticket or airline.

The Premium Lounge Services are for passengers arriving at, transiting through or departing from Hamad International Airport. All include a full-service buffet offering a selection of hot and cold international food, deli-style food, as well as wine and beer. Unlimited high speed Wi-Fi is also available, as are shower facilities, a prayer room, television area, reading materials and a business centre.

Services vary depending on level purchased (Family/Gold/Platinum) and can include being met on the aerobridge by an Al Maha hostess, access to the Al Maha Arrivals Lounges (Airside and Landside), Departure Lounge or Transit Lounge, porter assistance, exclusive access to dedicated immigration counters, and escort on exit or to the boarding gate. Note that the Meet and Assist Services are not included as part of the lounge access and must be purchased separately.

The Oryx Lounge

No matter which airline you’re flying with or which class of ticket you’ve purchased, for a fee of about AU$77 you can enter the Oryx Lounge between flights. The lounge offers food and drinks, a business centre, a quiet zone, a gaming room for kids, plus showers. The lounge is located within the departures area after clearing immigrations and security.

The Oryx Airport Hotel

OK not quite a lounge, but...The Oryx Airport Hotel is a convenient option if you really want to relax between flights and don’t need all the facilities of a lounge. The Oryx Airport Hotel offers four-star hospitality for stays of five hours or longer. Here you can unwind with a massage and facial, stretch out by doing a few laps in the pool or hit the gym for a quick training session at the wellness centre.

What hotels are near Hamad International Airport?

Apart from the Oryx Airport Hotel (see above) there are no airport hotels near Hamad International Airport. Given that the airport is only a short taxi ride from Doha city centre, there’s not really the need. The airport offers service desks representing a range of hotels, or you can lock in a great Doha hotel deal before you fly by talking to your local Flight Centre Travel Expert or browsing all Doha accommodation options and booking your hotel now.