Cheap Flights to Hamad International Airport

Discover Hamad International

The Hamad International Airport (DOH) colloquially known as simply the Doha International Airport (DOH) is the largest and busiest airport in Qatar, and a key international flights hub for the worldwide community. The facilities here are modern, and you’ll find easy access to unlimited free WiFi, foreign exchange, ATMs, an excellent duty-free section, a variety of shops, a good selection of restaurants, as well as information desks and public telephones.

Buses and taxis will link you to the centre of the city, and the journey is a fairly quickly 20 minutes, and crossing about 9km. Taxis fares come to 25QAR ($10) on average.

Qatar Airways is a global airline and has its headquarters in Doha, so you will find all direct flights from Australia are operated by this carrier. However, there are plenty of options to choose from, with other flights to Doha operated by Singapore Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways, Jetstar, Qantas, Emirates, and Etihad Airways.

Why visit Doha?

Doha, the capital of the desert state of Qatar, has been growing in global consciousness ever since becoming a world-class international flight hub. But Doha has more to it than its connections, and discovering each and every one of them is a real treat; wend your way through the souqs of this city, barter in its labyrinthine marketplaces, or cool down in its lavish malls. Then tour the remarkable museums, and the modern art galleries, to get a real feel for contemporary Qatari culture. See this city before it is on every travellers lips, as it barrels its way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and onto the world stage.

Things to do in Doha

Get to know Doha, and by extension, Qatar, by browsing through its excellent museums. Your first stop should be the Qatar National Museum that tells the story of the country, and has varying exhibitions throughout the year. Then see the Museum of Islamic Art, located in an extraordinary building, this gallery hosts art from Africa, the old Persian Empire, and local art, giving you an insight into the soul of the Arab world.

Tour the Corniche, a section of town that runs along the waterfront, and is where many of Doha’s most impressive buildings and lavish hotels are situated. You’ll find there are plenty of restaurants around this area, and open green spaces to explore once you pass the promenade. And for a quirky attraction, visit Doha Film City, essentially a set built like a traditional Arabic village, and a great way to feel like you’re entering another world.

Just outside the city, you will find Al Wakra, once a fishing village, this town has kept a lot of its historical architecture, and you’ll find it a joy to wander amongst its mosques and museums. There is also some lovely beaches nearby, so don’t forget to pack the sunscreen.

Best time to visit Doha

·         November to April is the city’s winter season, but easily the loveliest time of year to visit. The days rise to 20-23°C which make it perfect for sightseeing. In the summer, the temperature starts to rise in March and April to 30°C, which is better if you’re planning to enjoy the nearby beaches.

Arriving in Doha by plane

·         Adelaide (ADL), Melbourne (MEL), Perth (PER), and Sydney (SYD) all offer direct routes to Doha.

Currency

·         Qatari Riyal (QAR).

Visa requirements

·         Australians are granted entry visas on arrival at this airport, though you will have to pay a fee of 100QAR ($27) payable by credit card only. For more details, please head on over to the Smart Traveller dedicated information page on travel to Qatar.

Please note that information is correct as of December 2016