Are you trying to plan a Doha stopover, but don’t know where to start? Or, perhaps you have a long layover in Doha and want to know what you can see? Either way, I’ve got you covered. This complete Doha stopover guide will go over how to book a stopover in Doha, what to see on a layover in Doha, how long it will take to get to the sights, and where to stay. Let’s get into it!
Doha Quick Links
- The Best Hotel in Doha: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel
- Reserve the Best Doha City Tour here for covering many sites listed below.
- Book your private airport transfer from Hamad International Airport here.
- Book a Rental Car in Doha if you have more time in Qatar.
- Have less than 24 hours? Book this Doha transit tour (to and from the airport)to get a great taste of the city on limited time.
- 5 Doha Travel Essentials: a lightweight scarf for entering mosques; a long flowy kimono; a wide brim hat; a reusable water bottle; a plug converter.
- Qatar visa information: Qatar offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 80 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia and more. Check your eligibility here.
A Doha Layover vs. A Doha Stopover
So! You are going to have some extra time in Doha, Qatar, on the way to another destination?
That’s great! Doha has tons of fun things to do, from cultural sights to nature to vibrant souks and more.
But what exactly is the difference between a Doha stopover and a Doha layover? Let’s break it down below.
The main difference between a stopover and layover is length of time.
A Doha Layover
A Doha layover would be any connection that lasts for less than 24 hours of time. This could be a short one hour stop where you stay inside the airport or even an eight hour connection where you decide to take a transit tour.
A layover is simply a break between flights to allow for a change of planes or crew. It also occurs when there are no direct flights from one destination to another, or, when stopping at an airline’s hub city, like Doha is for Qatar Airways.
A Doha Stopover
A Doha stopover, on the other hand, is essentially a longer layover, or anything 24 hours and above. It could give you as short as one day in Doha, or it could allow several days to explore the city.
Stopovers can occur unintentionally – meaning that the flight itinerary offered a 24 hour stop – or they can be booked intentionally.
I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve purposely booked a stopover in a city that was not my ultimate destination. I’ve used this tactic to arrange for extra time in Warsaw, Poland; in Istanbul, Turkey; and in Minsk, Belarus, to name a few.
It’s a great way to break up an exceptionally long flight path or to explore a place you are curious about. And, most recently, I used this tactic to explore Doha.
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Short Tours for Your Doha Layover
Even if you only have a layover in Doha rather than a stopover, you can still potentially see a lot. This does depend on the length of your layover, of course.
Here are some of the best short tours for a Doha layover:
1. From Doha Airport: Private Transit Tour of Doha Highlights
Have a short layover in Qatar, but still want to see what Doha has to offer? Then this is the tour for you!
This private Doha transit tour will show off a small slice of Qatar, with round trip transportation to and from the airport. This transit tour is available throughout the day, so no matter when you land, you can time it to fit with your flight schedule.
On this transit tour, visitors are whisked around to many of Doha’s top sights, like the Pearl, the famous Souq Waqif, and my personal favorite, the Katara Cultural Village.
Once you’ve seen the best of Doha, you’ll head straight back to the airport to catch your onward flight.
Please note, it is advisable to have an eight hour layover in Doha to fully enjoy the experience.
2. A Hope On Hop Off Doha City Bus Tour
The Doha Hop On Hop Off bus tour is a great introduction to the city that has built in transportation. This experience if best for anyone who wants a more DIY experience.
You’ll get to visit some of Doha’s major attractions, like Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, the Pearl Qatar and Museum of Islamic Art – all at your own pace.
If you have never taken a hop on hop off bus before, it is exactly what it sounds like. A free pass to hop on and off a bus that stops at al the top sights.
Tourists have 24 hours to use the service, and get unlimited rides around the city with their ticket.
Pro Tip: Read the fine print before booking. Some reviewers of the hop on hop off bus seemed to have trouble with the hours or locations they could use their ticket. Note which options you choose and always double check the rules!
If you want to see a larger collection of tours available for your layover, check out my post on the top 13 tours originating from Doha!
There is definitely something for everyone here. Just be absolutely sure to factor in the length of your layover against the length of the tour.
Things To Do on a Layover at Doha Airport
Think it wise to not leave the airport? I can understand that!
If time is tight and you’d rather not risk it, there are still some fun things to do inside of the Doha airport.
Here are the top things to do on a layover at Doha airport:
Get some rest.
If you’ve been on a 16+ hour flight path to reach Doha, you may be craving some real sleep.
Book the Oryx Transit Hotel if you want to leave the terminals. Or, head to the Sleep and Fly facilities for anything from a private room to a sleeping pod.
I booked a pod once on a shorter layover and it was very refreshing. They also offer showers for a quick refresh!
Visit a gym or a spa.
On the flip side, if you are feeling antsy after sitting for so long, then you may want to hit the gym or the spa. Doha’s airport has a surprising amount of options.
Visit the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre for both options, located within the transit hotel between Gates A10 and B10. Get access to a swimming pool, hydrotherapy tub, gym, showers, and more.
Explore Hamad International Airport’s art.
Doha’s airport has some interesting public art displayed throughout the terminals.
From the giant teddy bear displayed in the center gallery to the rotating exhibits put on by Qatar Museums, there is quite a lot to discover.
Shop til you drop.
Like most airports, visitors also have lots of shopping options here in Doha.
Many of them are on the luxurious end of the spectrum, but many reasonably priced shops like the terminals, too.
Best Tours for Your Doha Stopover
While I have an entire post on the 13 best tours in Qatar, here is the condensed version.
1. A Private Doha City Tour
The best thing about private tours is that you can tailor the stops to you and your group’s preferences.
Want to spend more time at one site? No problem! Ready to leave another one early? Sure, can do!
When you don’t have to deal with a whole bus-load of personalities, the whole experience is much more laid back.
This private Doha city tour is a four-hour excursion and the start time is flexible – i.e., catered to you. It hits many of the top Doha attractions, too!
The tour includes pick-up from your hotel and will introduce you to the Katara Culture Village, Souq Waqif, the Corniche, and more. it includes commentary by an expert local guide who can teach you about Doha’s history.
2. A Private Desert Safari with Dune Bashing at the Inland Sea
Long before I ever saw the desert in Qatar, I got to experience dune bashing all over the United Arab Emirates. It is so fun, and perfect for any adrenaline junkie out there!
This private guided desert tour is my top recommendation because it offers a lot of flexibility on the start time. It’s a great option for couples, groups, and families.
The highlight of this tour is easily the two complete hours of wild dune bashing with your guide. Dune bashing is essentially driving at high speeds up and down the desert dunes, and it kind of feels like being on a roller coaster!
Visit the Inland Sea, called Khor Al Adaid, which offers panoramic views of the vast desert. Ride a camel in the desert if you wish. Hotel pick up and drop off are also included.
3. West Coast, Zekreet, Richard Serra Sculpture Tour
On this west coast tour from Doha, you’ll visit Zekreet, the Brouq Nature Reserve, and the the EAST-WEST / WEST-EAST sculpture by Richard Serra.
The Zekreet Fort is a former military outpost dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Explore Zekreet Film City, where several famous TV shows and moveies have been filmed.
The nearby Brouq natural reserve has interesting rock formations and lunar landscapes to explore. And, of course, the famous Richard Serra sculpture is more than worth visiting.
Round trip transport in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle is included. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure depending on the season.
How Doha Stopovers Work?
Here are my top tips, as well as a step by step guide, on how to make your Doha stopover simple.
How to book a Doha stopover
Qatar Airways is one of many airlines in the Middle East who make booking a stopover easy. Or, at least easy-ish, even if you aren’t a tech person.
This is such a great way to turn a long, boring layover into a fun travel experience!
So here is a step by step guide on how to book your stopover directly on the Qatar Airways website.
- On the “Book” tab of the Homepage (linked above), select “Qatar Stopover”.
- Enter the flight and stopover details, then click “Show flights”. The destination airport can be anywhere that Qatar Airways flies that schedules in a connecting flight in Doha. If y
- If you are traveling from the USA like I was, note that you will likely arrive in Doha the following day. Therefore, you may need to select 2 nights in Qatar to see available flight options with a layover in Doha longer than 12 hours.
- Select your desired flights. Click the “Continue” button after selecting each leg.
- Select “Best Fare” or “Unrestricted Fare” at the bottom of the page and then click “Continue” again.
- Now you will see your stopover fares. If there are no stopover fares available for the dates and cities you selected, you may get an error message. In this case, click the “Modify Search” button and adjust your dates or destinations.
- Once you’ve decided which flight times and prices work for you, follow the instructions to pay and complete your booking.
- If you ever run into a problem you can’t figure out, you can chat online with a live agent for help.
Pro Tip: One of the drawbacks of Qatar Airways’ system, though, is that you can’t see the prices for the flights until after you’ve selected them. This means it can take multiple tries to find a flight path within your budget.
Note that not all itineraries are eligible for a stopover.
How To Book a Doha Stopover Hotel
Any flight with 12 hours to four days of transit time in Doha is required to be eligible for Qatar Airways‘ special stopover hotel rates. The stopover hotels automatically permit early check-in or late check-out around the clock, making this system a breeze.
Basically the give a 24 hour room rate starting from your check in time. For example, your booking may run from 8am-8am, or 6pm – 6pm, or 12am to 12am. It all depends when you land.
Many nationalities can book their stopover and hotels directly on the Qatar Airways webpage. This also gives you the option to add on additional services, like breakfast, tours, activities, and airport transfers, at a discount.
If you have anywhere from 12 hours up to four days in Doha, here is how to book your hotels.
- For flights originating from most countries, you can book your stopover hotel during the flight reservation process. You will be directly routed through the hotel options page when booking.
- If the hotel options do not appear during the flight booking, don’t worry. Simply finish booking your flights, ensuring that you have a minimum of 12 hours layover in Doha. Then visit the Discover Qatar site to book the stopover hotel.
- Be sure to have your flight itinerary and ticket number handy when booking. You need to provide this info before submitting.
Pro Tip: Me fellow Americans, listen up! For travel from the USA, you cannot book your hotel directly on the Qatar Airways site. While this is slightly annoying, it does allow you to book your flights from other platforms, like a credit card or points portal. After your flights are booked, you will need to go to the Discover Qatar portal to book hotels. I did it this way and I promise, it is easy.
Qatar Airways’ current hotel package rates:
Travelers on Qatar Airways who have a layover of at least 12 hours in Doha are eligible for special stopover hotel rates. This can save you a ton of money, not to mention allow you a well-deserved shower and rest.
| Hotels: | Hotel rating | 1 night | 2 night | 3 night | 4 night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4-star | from $14 | from $22 | from $48 | from $73 |
| Premium | 5-star | from $20 | from $35 | from $67 | from $99 |
| Luxury | 5-star | from $77 | from $148 | from $236 | from $325 |
I booked a Premium 5-star hotel for just under $35 a night, and I could not have been happier!
Pro Tip: Note that although Qatar Airways advertises hotel prices as low as $14 per night, this is not something I have ever personally seen. I’ve heard that these rates may be found during the off-season, in the hot summer months. During other months, expect one night to look more like the 2-night price, and so on.
Things To Know About a Doha Stopover
Don’t skip these important tips that could affect your Doha stopover!
Checked Baggage
When planning your stopover, pack wisely. You will not have access to your checked bags for any transit in Doha that is less than 24 hours.
I repeat, if your stop in Doha is less than 24 hours, you will not be able to pick up your luggage.
Because of this, I highly suggest that one of your carry-on bags is filled with everything you need for your Doha stopover. This would include clothing, medications, electronics, and toiletries.
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What to wear on your Doha stopover:
While clothing restrictions for both men and women are not as strict in Qatar as in some neighboring countries, it is expected that you dress on the conservative side.
Additionally, you should always prepare for long sunny days and extreme heat in the summer. These are some of my top items to pack:
- Sun protection. No matter when you visit Qatar, expect it to be hot and sunny. Pack a wide brim hat (that one is my personal fave, as it is packable and crushable!) Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen, as well.
- A scarf or shawl. Ladies, you will not be allowed to enter Doha’s mosques unless you have a head cover or scarf. I have this exact one in several colors because it is so lightweight in the hot desert temps. Keep in on hand at all times!
- I always pack a long flowy kimono to cover my pants, since I like to wear comfy leggings. This counteracts the bit of tightness by covering my full body.
- A reusable water bottle. I am in love with my new Hydroflask. It keeps everything super chilled even in the hottest weather! Hydration is absolutely essential in Qatar and if you’ head into the desert, even more so.
- A lightweight day pack. I love to carry this foldable daypack in my luggage because it takes up almost no space. Throw everything above in your day pack and you’re all set for your Doha stopover!
Pro Tip: Check out my post on what to wear in Qatar if you don’t have much experience traveling in the Middle East. There I will break down every single item I pack any time I am in this region of the world. Which is often. Read it here!
Avoid clothing that is very tight or revealing. Keep your shoulders and knees covered.
Cultural norms:
Note that there are some cultural norms in Qatar that tourists should pay attention to.
Public displays of affection, like hand-holding or kissing, are discouraged in Qatar. This goes for married couples, too. Additionally, alcohol will not be readily available, though you can find it at some hotels and clubs.
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Things To Do on a Doha Stopover
There is a lot to see in Doha and beyond, despite Qatar’s relatively small size. Here are some of my favorite attractions in Doha.
Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village in one of my favorite spots in Doha. It is a cultural hub for art, music, and history.
You can see the gorgeous Pigeon Towers here, or explore the amphitheatre, or attend performances and exhibitions on site. There is also plenty to eat here, too, so it’s a great place to spend half a day.
Souq Waqif
The Souq Waqif is a must-visit spot for any first time visitor in Doha. This traditional market is a great place to soak up the local culture or to buy colorful souvenirs.
Shop handmade jewelry, local arts and crafts, or buy flavorful spices here. Interesting in birds? The Falcon Souq is a fascinating corner showcasing the local Qatari tradition of falconry.
Souq Waqif is also home to numerous restaurants serving up delicious cuisine from across the globe. Try local food and more right here.
Museum of Islamic Art
If you’re a lover of art, then the Museum of Islamic Art should be on your list of things to do in Doha. This internationally-renowned museum houses a vast collection of Islamic art from across the globe.
From paintings to manuscripts to textiles, there will be something here that fascinates you. The building itself is a work of art, designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei.
The Arabian Desert
No trip to Qatar is complete without experiencing the desert – especially if you have never visited one before! Here are a few tour options for desert safaris, where you can ride camels, go dune bashing, sandboarding, and more.
1. A Private Desert Safari with Dune Bashing at the Inland Sea
Long before I ever visited Qatar, I got to experience dune bashing all over the United Arab Emirates. And, spoiler alert, it is thrilling!
This private guided desert tour is the top option because it offers a lot of flexibility on the start time. It’s a great tour for couples, groups, and families.
The highlight of this safari is two complete hours of dune bashing with an experienced driver. Dune bashing is essentially speeding up and down tall desert dunes, and it feels somewhat like a roller coaster!
You’ll also get to experience a short camel ride around Sealine Beach, too, if you wish.
The Inland Sea, or Khor Al Adaid, gives panoramic views of the vast desert. Hotel pick up and drop off are also included.
7. Group Desert Safari, Camel Ride, and Sandboarding Tour
For anyone traveling solo in Qatar or for those who are on a budget, you may prefer to take a group tour to save some money. The downside is you lose all flexibility on departure times and stops.
This desert safari tour has a similar itinerary as the tour above. It stops at Sealine Beach for camel rides and has plenty of dune bashing, too. You can try out sand-boarding, which is a lot like snowboarding or sledding, but on sand.
The tour also visits Khor Al Adaid, and offers roundtrip transport from Doha.
8. Sunrise Desert Safari from Doha
A sunrise in the desert is a sight you will never forget.
This private sunrise Jeep tour begins before sunrise and visits a Bedouin camp, where you’ll meet camels and falcons. Learn about the traditional Bedouin way of life here and take part in an optional camel ride.
Enjoy dune bashing and views of the Inland Sea, on the border with Saudi Arabia. If you are visiting in the hotter months, sunrise is the best time to avoid the extreme heat.
FAQs About Doha Layovers and Stopovers
Do I need a visa to take advantage of a Qatar stopover?
Travelers from 95 countries, including the USA, are eligible for visa on arrival – or visa waivers on arrival – when landing in Qatar. If you are not from one of the countries listed, you can still apply for a free transit visa if your layover is at least 5 hours.
Check your Qatar visa status here.
Can I leave the airport in Doha during a layover?
Yes, provided that you have enough time to go back through security before boarding your next flight! Check out my one day in Doha guide for details on using the Metro and the top sights to explore.
Is a layover in Doha worth it?
Absolutely, yes! Arrange enough time to leave the airport, if at all possible. Even if you spend just one day in Doha, you can see quite a lot of the city.
What to do during 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 hour layover in Doha?
if you want to prioritize exploring Doha, check out this transit tour. It provides roundtrip transport from the airport and can be tailored to your flight timing. It works best if you have 8 hours or more.
Do Americans need a visa for Doha?
Americans do not need a visa for any tourist visit to Qatar that lasts 3o days or less.
Is Doha a walkable city?
While parts of Doha are walkable, such as the Souq Waqif area or Katara Cultural Village, I would not call all of Doha walkable. It is too spread out for that.
However, Doha has a reliable Metro, which you can read more about here, as well as plenty of taxis and Ubers.
Is it safe to walk around Doha?
Doha is an extremely safe city. For more statistics and considerations, read this article: Is Qatar Safe for Women?
Is Uber available in Doha?
Yes, Uber is available in Doha. It is easy to use for transportation around the city as well as to and from the airport.
Can you drink alcohol in Doha?
While tourists can find alcohol in clubs and in some hotels in Doha, it will not be widely available.
Can tourists wear shorts in Doha?
It is not recommended to wear shorts in Doha. As a general rule of thumb, plan to cover shoulders and knees. Full details on what to wear in Qatar can be found here.
***
I hope that this guide helps you plan your Doha stopover or Doha layover with ease!
From the best Doha sights and attractions, to airport highlights, to tours, there is something for everyone on a trip through Qatar.
Need More Qatar Travel Resources?
- A One Day in Doha Itinerary
- What To Wear in Qatar: A Women’s Packing List
- Is Qatar Safe for Women? Solo Female Travel Tips
- 31 Places To Visit in Doha, Qatar
- The Best Doha Tours and Day Trips
- A Complete Doha Stopover and Layover Guide
- Doha vs. Dubai: Which Is Better?
- Things To Do in Katara Cultural Village, Doha
- All About the Pigeon Towers in Doha
- A Qatar Travel Guide
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