Sleeping in Airports

Doha Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Doha Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The family quiet room has lounge chairs for sleeping/resting and is secluded from the foot path of the gates and shopping center so it was very pleasant to spend the night there. – tinybits

DOH Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Doha Hamad Airport.

What to Expect

Doha Airport (code: DOH) is a new, modern one-terminal airport with five concourses (A – E). As a major transit hub, you can expect many travellers and flights coming and going all night. The airport offers plenty of shopping with a mall-like atmosphere and contains a dozen or so dining options, most of which are airside. Some eateries are open 24-hours. The airport’s free WiFi helps pass the time. All travellers can access the airport lounges for a fee, though some travellers have reported that they can be crowded and smell of smoke.

Doha Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a Guest traveller / 13Jun2015)

Sleeping in Doha Airport

Travellers report that Doha Airport has some moderately comfortable options for sleeping, though noise, bright lighting and cold are frequently cited as sleep inhibitors. Come prepared with eyeshades, ear plugs and a travel blanket or warm sweater! Rest zones in Concourses A – C contain lounge chairs and couches, though some found the furniture uncomfortable and noisy. The rooms are said to be rarely quiet due to so many people coming and going. Other parts of the airport are carpeted and comfortable for floor sleeping, but expect armrests elsewhere in the terminal. Explore our guide to sleeping in Doha Airport or read traveller airport reviews for more tips.   For more conducive sleep, albeit for a price, there is a transit hotel and other nearby airport hotels within an easy shuttle bus or cab drive distance. See our Airport Hotel section below for more info.

Good to Know

If you’re flying Qatar Airways with a layover between 8-24 hours, you may be eligible for free accommodation, meals and transfers to/from the airport. The airport lounges and the hotel’s fitness centre have showers.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Doha Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

airport hotelsDoha Transit Hotel, Nearby Hotels & Day Rooms

 Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: No

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair isn’t really doing it for you, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Doha Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there is a transit hotel and sleep cabins offering both short-term and overnight rates.  A few nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles, but you must pass through immigration/security to access them.

  • Sleep n’ Fly Lounge – Yawn Sleep cabins that can accommodate 1 – 2 passengers plus a child. Rates are applicable based on check-in/check-out times. Sample rates from: US$ 48.00 (pods), US$ 80.00 (double cabin), US$77.00 (bunk cabin) for 2 hours (Duty Free Plaza South). US$ 52.00 (pods), US$ 133.00 (family bunk cabin), and US$86 (bunk cabin) for 2 hours (Duty Free Plaza North). Pods are bookable by the hour with a 2-hour minimum. Locations: Airside, near the Teddy Bear (South Node) • Airside, opposite Gates C30 & 31 (North Node). » Check Overnight Rates » Book a 3-6 Hour Stay
  • Oryx Airport Hotel – Located inside the airport’s transit area, close to concourse B, in the South Node. Day rooms are available for a minimum of 5 hours. NOTE: This hotel is for transit passengers only. You must have a boarding pass for the onward flight. If you are arriving by plane, do not pass Immigration. No checked bags allowed into the hotel. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Doha Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Al Maha Transit Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Oryx Lounge – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounge listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Qatar Airways Lounges – Al Safwa First Lounge • Al Mourjan Business Lounge • First Class Lounge • Business Class Lounge • Platinum Lounge • Gold Lounge • Silver Lounge.

Related Pages: Doha Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Water fountains are available.

foodFood & Drinks

Food concessions (30 + restaurants) throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours: The Burger Federation • Evergreen Organics HIA • Starbucks • Coffeeshop Company • Spizzico • Illy Caffé • Gordon Ramsay Burger • Chac’Late HIA • Jwala • KFC • Del Monte F&B • Harrods Tea Room.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

It seems that lockers are available in the terminals but we were unable to confirm their location at the time of our February 2024 update. If you know where they are, click here to update our guide.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Mobile charging is available throughout the terminal.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

The airport’s Quiet Rooms offer comfortable recliners with separate facilities for men and women. Quiet Rooms are located throughout the airport terminal, so consult an airport map or Information Desk to find the nearest location.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

showersShowers

Showers can be found in these locations:

  • Be Relax Shower & Spa – Concourse A, Airside, South Node & North Node. Showers are available for 10 or 25 minutes. Rates: unknown.
  • Lounges – A few of the lounges offer shower service: Platinum Lounge (South) • Gold Lounge (South) • Silver Lounge (South) • First & Business Class Arrivals Lounges • Al Maha LoungeOryx Lounge • Al Mourjan Business Lounge.
  • Oryx Airport Hotel’s Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Center – Follow the signs to the Airport Hotel.
  • Sleep ‘n Fly – Airside, North Node, Lower Level at C-Gates, opposite Gates C30/C31, 100 meters from the C-Gates food court.

wifiWiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Doha Airport. Connect to the “HIAQatar Complimentary WiFi” network. Additionally, there are free internet kiosks and desks located throughout the airport.

airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.

Duty-Free Shopping – Besides airside duty-free shopping, another duty-free shop is in the Arrivals area. There is a variety of shopping from Books (WH Smith) and souvenirs to high-end fashion and jewellery (Burberry, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Bvlgari, Harrods, Swarovski, Tiffany).

Family Facilities

  • Baby Care Facilities – Parents travelling with small infants can use one of the Parent’s Rooms, which are equipped with water/milk warmers and diaper changing stations. The rooms are located throughout the airport terminal, so consult an airport map or Information Desk to find the nearest location. Family washrooms are also available throughout the airport.
  • Children’s Play Areas – The airport offers five activity zones with televisions, internet, toys, mini-rides, climbing frames and family rooms providing relaxation and privacy. Locations: Airside, Concourse A • Airside, Concourse B • Airside, Concourse C (3 locations).
  • Family Toilets – Yes
  • Unaccompanied Children – Should your child need to travel without you, after check-in, the child will be escorted to a designated “unaccompanied minors lounge,” which is accessible only by airline personnel. The lounge offers video games/TVs, toys/board games, snacks/refreshments and washrooms. Trained staff are on hand to supervise. Location: Airside, the exact location is not known.

Fitness – The Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre offers a swimming pool, hydrotherapy tub, gym, showers and two squash courts. Location: The Airport Hotel ( see Airport Hotels above). Rates: 175 QAR and up. The squash court also has an additional fee, which includes racquets, balls and shoes. Hours: 6:00AM – 2:00AM.

Food & Drinks – Food concessions (30 + restaurants) throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours: The Burger Federation • Evergreen Organics HIA • Starbucks • Coffeeshop Company • Spizzico • Illy Caffé • Gordon Ramsay Burger • Chac’Late HIA • Jwala • KFC • Del Monte F&B • Harrods Tea Room.

Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.

Information Desk – Have any questions? There are Information Desks available on the Landside and Airside on almost all levels.

Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.

Luggage

  • Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the airport.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – It seems that lockers are available in the terminals but we were unable to confirm their location at the time of our September 2023 update. If you know where they are, click here to update our guide.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Bag Wrap offers services throughout the departure area.

Medical Services

  • Medical Center – If you feel unwell or injure yourself, there are two 24-hour medical centres: Arrivals Hall, before Passport Control • Departures Hall, in the Check-in Area.
  • Pharmacy – Kulud pharmacy is available in the terminal. Location: Unknown. Hours: 24/7.

Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Several ATMs dispense multiple currencies. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
  • Banking Services – Information not available.
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex has several currency exchange counters. Locations: Check-in Hall, Row 7 • Departures Concourse, Concourse B, near Marche Restaurant • Arrivals, Baggage Claim, Belt 3 • Arrivals Hall, Meet & Greet Area, adjacent to Al Maha Lounge • Departures, Concourse C, between Gates 1 and 2 • Departures, start of Concourse D. Hours: Unknown.

Prayer Rooms – Located throughout the terminal, with ablution facilities and separate areas for men and women. A public mosque is outside the terminal within walking distance of the Departure Hall.

Rest Zones – The airport’s Quiet Rooms offer comfortable recliners with separate facilities for men and women. Quiet Rooms are located throughout the airport terminal, so consult an airport map or Information Desk to find the nearest location.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

Showers – Showers are located in the Airport Hotel’s Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Center. Follow the signs to the Airport Hotel. Showers can also be found in the lounges. [ see Airport Lounges above ]

SIM Cards – Qatar Duty Free sells prepaid cards allowing you to call anywhere in the world.

Smoking Rooms – Smoking is permitted in dedicated smoking rooms throughout the terminal.

Spa – The Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre offers massages and spa treatments. Rate: 175 QAR and up. Hours: 6:00AM – 2:00AM.

WiFi – see “Airport WiFi / Internet” above.

Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at Doha Airport

Airlines
Doha airport is served by the following airlines: Air Arabia • Air India • Air India Express • Air Malata • American Airlines • Asiana Airlines • Badr Airlines • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Egyptair • Etihad Airways • Finnair • flydubai • Flynas • Gulf Air • Himalaya Airlines • Iberia • Indi Go • Japan Airlines • Jazeera Airways • JetBlue • Kuwait Airlines • LATAM • Malaysia Airlines • Middle East Airlines • Nepal Airlines • Oman Air • Pakistan International • Pegasus Airlines • Philippines Airlines • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Morocco • Royal Jordanian • RwandAir • SalamAir • Srilankan Airlines • Turkish Airlines • US-Bangla Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

Six bus routes serve DOH airport. Passengers will need a rechargeable Karwa Smartcard 24, available for purchase at the Information Desk. The Karwa Smartcard 24 is available as Limited (valid for two trips within 24 hours of first use) and Unlimited (valid for unlimited trips within 24 hours of first use). For more information on fares, schedules and stops, visit the Mowasalat web site.

Car Rentals

Car rental agency service desks can be found in the Ground Transportation Centre, across the street from the terminal as you exit Arrivals Hall. The renter must possess an International Driver’s License, or a licence issued by a GCC country, and a major credit card with a minimum of 3 months validity, and a photocopy of your entry stamp into Qatar on your passport. Upon return, the rental can be paid with credit card or cash (local currency only). Car rental companies at Hamad Airport include: Al Muftah Rent A Car • Europcar Rent A Car • Avis • Hertz Rent A Car • Strong Rent A Car • Budget Qatar • Mustafawi Rent A Car • Al Mana Leasing Company • Sixt Rent A Car • Prestige Cars • Payless Car Rentals and more.

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update we were unable to find any hotels that provide airport shuttle service. See also Airport Hotels above.

Limousines

Limousines can be booked in advance by calling Mowasalat directly or by booking onsite at the Mowasalat Limousine desk in Arrivals Hall. All major credit cards and cash (local currency only) are accepted.

Metro

A reader tells us the Metro (subway) services Hamad Airport directly with links to all parts of the city including direct access to all World Cup stadium sites. Hours are Sunday – Wednesday 5:40AM – 11:59PM, Thursday 5:40AM – 1:00AM, Friday 2:00PM – 1:00AM, and Saturday 6:00AM – 11:59PM. For more information, visit the Doha Metro web site.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates throughout Doha. A ride to the city centre will cost you about QAR29.

Taxi

The Taxi Pavilion is located outside and to the left end of the Arrivals Hall. All airport taxis are operated by Mowasalat. For safety reasons, use only the taxis operating from the Taxi Pavilion. Taxi Coordinators are on hand to provide additional assistance. Passengers needing a PRM (Person of Reduced Mobility) taxi must make a request as far in advance as possible by calling Mowasalat directly at (+974) 4458 8888.

transit tourThings to do at Doha Airport

Art in the Airport – Go to an art museum without leaving the airport! Local and international works of art are on display throughout the terminal, courtesy of Qatar Museums. A museum gift shop and cafe are also available onsite.

Layover Tour – Qatar Airways and the Qatar Tourism Authority provide transit passengers with two tour options for exploring Doha and the surrounding area. Current tour times can be found on the Discover Qatar website. For more information and to book your spot, visit the Discover Qatar desk in the Duty Free Plaza South.

  • Discover the Art of the Airport – A 1-hour guided tour of the artwork around the airport. Explore a diversified portfolio of artworks that includes paintings, sculpture, wood art, electronica and interactive installations. The pieces on display at DOH comprise a mix of commissions created for the airport and works that have been specifically chosen. Tours depart at 4:00 AM | 5:30 AM | 07:30 AM | 09:00 AM from the Discover Qatar desk. Rate: QAR 36 (as of September 2023).
  • The 3-hour city tour is suitable for visitors with an 8-hour layover. Highlights include: Katara Cultural Village, a centre dedicated to celebrating arts and heritage; Souq Waqif, for traditional jewellery, spices and handicrafts; and the Museum of Islamic Art, for its stunning architecture and beautiful seaside park. Tour departure times: 7:00AM (June to August) | 08:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM (September to May) | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00PM | 9:30 PM. Duration: 3 hours. Tour rate: 99 QAR (as of September 2023).

Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at Doha Airport

layover sightseeingLayover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by getting out of the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Doha Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Doha on Tripadvisor.

Airport Photo Gallery

Last updated: 2024-02-08

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.