Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA), popularly known as Doha Airport, is the main airport for international travellers arriving in the State of Qatar. It is one of the busiest airports in the region and has been ranked and named the “Best Airport in the World” by SKYTRAX World Airport Awards.
This article will discuss the travel options from Doha Airport to city centre, either by metro train, public bus service or taxi services, with a special focus on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
12 OCTOBER 2022 UPDATE: As part of the readiness plan for the FIFA World Cup on October 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, metro services at Hamad International Airport Terminal 1 may be affected by a planned “Watan 2022” joint security exercise in collaboration with FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Security Committee.
Metro services on the rest of the network will continue running normally.
Doha Airport to City By Metro Train
Doha Metro is a world-class rapid transit system which became operational in May 2019. Currently, it has three active lines (Red, Green, and Gold) and 37 stations connecting various parts of Doha.
Passengers arriving at Hamad International Airport can take the Red Line directly into central Doha from Hamad International Airport T1 Metro Station.
On regular service days, the last train from HIA is at 10:19 pm (Sat to Wed) and 11:19 pm (Thu-Fri). During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Doha Metro services will run from 6 am to 3 am during weekdays and from 9 am to 3 am on Fridays.
Passengers can buy a travel card from any station. Tickets cost QR 2 per ride. Standard travel cards cost QR 10 and can be recharged using vending machines and mobile apps.
From 10 November to 23 December 2022, ticketholders can use their digital Hayya Card for free travel on the metro.
Below is a map of the Doha Metro system for your reference. You can read more about Doha Metro here.
Doha Airport to City By Bus
Mowasalat (Karwa) is the official public transport company that provides frequent, reliable bus service throughout Doha and all major communities in Qatar.
Several Karwa buses service Hamad International Airport, which will be expanded during the World Cup. Smart cards are available from vending machines at the airport and bus drivers upon boarding.
There will be free shuttle bus services during the World Cup (if your accommodation provides this service).
From 10 November to 23 December 2022, ticketholders can use their digital Hayya Card for free travel on the public bus.
Doha Airport to City By Taxi
Mowasalat (Karwa) is also operating taxi services from Hamad International Airport. Arriving passengers can access metres Karwa taxis 24×7. You can pay by cash, bank card or mobile payment.
How to get a taxi from Airport: Arriving passengers can board a taxi at the Taxi Pavilion located to the left end of the Arrival hall. Follow the ‘Taxi’ sign at the Arrivals Hall, ask at an information desk, or use the airport map to find your way.
Depending on your seating and luggage requirements, you can choose between sedans and vans. Special taxis are also available for larger families or for passengers travelling with a lot of baggage. Karwa taxis have accommodations for people with disabilities and/ or limited mobility.
Uber and Careem
Uber and Careem are on-demand private taxi services which can be booked through their apps, which are available for iOS and Android.
App Download Links:
| Service | App Store | Play Store |
|---|---|---|
| Uber | iOS App Link | Android App Link |
| Careem | iOS App Link | Android App Link |
Doha Airport Rent-A-Car Services
There are many car rental agents available at HIA arrivals. However, due to high demand, road closures and diversions during World Cup, it is recommended that you use public transport for all travel within central Doha.
Shuttle Bus Services From Doha Airport
Direct Shuttle Buses To Fan Villages
Fans arriving at Hamad International Airport have access to a direct shuttle bus service to and from the Fan Villages at Barwa Madinatna, Barwa Barahat Al Janoub and the Cruise Ship Hotels at Doha Port.
This 24-hour service runs every 30 minutes from 20 November to 22 December. The Cruise Ship service will run from 11 November. You must book your seat in advance using the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app.
| Service | Service Number |
|---|---|
| Cruise Ship Hotels | A831 |
| Barwa Madinatna | A833 |
| Barwa Barahat Al Janoub | A835 |
Note: There is no vehicle access at Cruise Ship Hotels, except for shuttle buses, taxis, Uber and Careem.
Further details will be provided by accommodation providers closer to tournament time.
Shuttle Buses From Metro Stations To Fan Villages
A complimentary shuttle bus service serves most Fan Villages from the closest metro throughout the tournament.
| Fan Village | Metro Station | Metro Line | Service Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise Ship Hotels | Souq Waqif | Gold | A821 |
| Barwa Madinatna | Ras Bu Fontas | Red | A823 |
| Barwa Barahat Al Janoub | Al Wakra | Red | A824 |
Travel From Doha International Airport
There is one more airport – Doha International Airport (DIA), popularly known as the old airport. It was Qatar’s commercial international airport until Hamad International Airport opened on 27 May 2014. The old airport has been reopened for short-distance airlines during the World Cup.
Both HIA and DIA are nearby of each other and share common runways. However, their arrivals terminals are at a distance of around 15 minutes’ drive by car. Also, note that DIA’s departure and arrival terminals are at different places (10 minutes drive). Please check your ticket to confirm which airport you will be landing at.
Video Courtesy: Qatar 2022 Official Youtube Channel
Here is a summary of how to travel from Doha International Airport to the city centre:
DIA To City By Metro
Passengers arriving at Doha International Airport can take the Gold Line directly into central Doha. The National Museum Metro Station is located 800 metres from the airport arrival terminal. A pedestrian path is available for travellers from DIA to the nearest metro station.
You can also take a shuttle bus to the nearest metro station or Souq Waqif Bus Hub.
On your return journey, take the Red line to Al Matar Al Qadeem Metro Station, which is located close to the airport departures terminal. There will be no shuttle service in operation from Souq Waqif Bus Hub – South.
More information on getting to/ from the metro stations will be available closer to the tournament.
DIA To City By Taxi
Karwa taxis are available 24×7 upon exiting the arrivals hall. You can pay by cash, bank card or mobile payment.
Uber and Careem provide on-demand services to/ from the airport through their apps. The airport has dedicated pick-up/ drop-off areas indicated on the apps.
Shuttle Buses From DIA
Passengers arriving at Doha International Airport can take a shuttle bus from the arrivals terminal to Souq Waqif Bus Hub – South, where they can continue their journey by Metro.
| Service | Service Number |
|---|---|
| Souq Waqif Bus Hub – South | A840 |
This 24-hour service runs every 30 minutes from 20 November to 22 December.
Airports to receive 5,700 passengers per hour during World Cup
Officials have said that airports in Qatar will receive approximately 5,700 passengers per hour during and before FIFA World Cup this year. Hamad International Airport (HIA) will receive 3,700 passengers per hour in terms of arrival. Doha International Airport (DIA) is expected to receive 2,000 passengers per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the last Metro train from Hamad International Airport?
On regular service days, the last train from HIA is at 10:19 pm (Sat to Wed) and 11:19 pm (Thu-Fri)
How much is a taxi from Doha airport to city centre?
The minimum flag fare at the airport starts at QR 25 and QR 1.6 per kilometre. The average ride from Doha Airport to city centre costs around QR 50.
How do I get from Doha airport to the city?
The cheapest way to reach Doha from Hamad International Airport is by Doha Metro or Karwa Bus.
Related Articles:
- FIFA World Cup Ticketing App: How To Access Mobile Tickets
- FIFA Fan Festival Qatar: Location, Event Schedule and FAQ
- Qatar World Cup Entry Requirements
- How To Apply for UAE Visa With Hayya Card
- How To Apply for Saudi Visa With Hayya Card
- How To Change Ticket Holder Name on FIFA App
- How To Get Physical Hayya Card
- How To Enter Qatar By Road Through Abu Samra Land Border
Reference: Qatar 2022
Hello, i didn’t find nothing about how to get to Al khor fan village from the aéroport!!
Hi Karim, Unfortunately, there is no information about the shuttle bus to Al Khor Fan Village. You have three options once you reach the airport:
1) Turn on your Hayya app with location – Click on “Move” – Search destination and it will show the available options.
2) Check with the Hayya helpdesk for any shuttle service.
3) If nothing works, you will have to take a Taxi from the airport or Metro + Taxi.
How do I get from Hamad International Airport to The Al Khor fan village? i arrive 20/ Nov at 18.30 hrs.
Hi Eric, There would be shuttle bus services to Fan Villages. For more details, you can check your Hayya app after a few days.