Sleeping in Airports

Doha Airport Guide

sleeping in doha airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / November 2017)

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 International Airport.

What to Expect

Doha Airport (code: DOH) is a modern single-terminal airport with five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E), not three. 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 50+ 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 cool temperatures (around 20°C) are frequently cited as sleep inhibitors. Come prepared with eyeshades, ear plugs and a travel blanket or warm sweater! Quiet Rooms offer recliners and dim lighting for men, women, and families separately. However, reviewers consistently report that many quiet rooms remain noisy and brightly lit, with limited privacy unless using the newer enclosed rooms in the airport’s expanded terminal areas. Other parts of the airport are carpeted and comfortable for floor sleeping, but expect armrests elsewhere in the terminal. Armrest-free seats do exist but are scattered, and many travellers end up using carpeted floors instead.

Here are a few locations that have been mentioned in the reviews:

  • Airside, Concourse B – Quiet Rooms are available but reported as noisy, bright, and with non-reclining chairs. Elsewhere in the concourse, there are some armrest-free seats, but limited.
  • Airside, Concourse C – On the ground floor, near the large looping gold sculpture, the floor is carpeted if you wanted to sleep on the floor. The area is reportedly quiet with low foot traffic and dimmer lighting.  Very cold overnight — travellers recommend blankets and warm clothing.

For more conducive sleep, albeit for a price, there is a transit hotel. 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.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. 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.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

The airport’s Quiet Rooms offer cushioned recliners with separate facilities for men, women, and families. Locations: Airside in Concourses A (near Gate A3), B (near Gate B2), C (near Gate C11), and D (near Gate D5). The rooms are open 24 hours.

As with sleeping in any public space, take basic precautions. Keep valuables secured and bags locked, even if they are beside you.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at Doha Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Doha 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

For travellers who prefer not to sleep in public areas, there are transit-only accommodation options within the secure area. These options allow you to rest without passing immigration, provided you are continuing onward and meet entry requirements. Hotels outside the terminal require clearing immigration and arranging your own transport.

  • Sleep n’ Fly Lounge – Yawn Sleep cabins that can accommodate 1 – 2 passengers or a family of four members. Rates are applicable based on check-in/check-out times. Sample rates from: US$ 76.00 (pods), US$ 120.00 (double cabin), US$179.00 (family cabin – double + child) for 2 hours (Duty Free Plaza South). Pods are bookable by the hour with a 2-hour minimum. Locations:
    • Airside, near the Lamp Bear sculpture (South Node) » Check Rates
    • Airside, opposite Gates C30 & 31 (North Node) » Check Rates
  • Oryx Airport Hotel – Located inside the airport’s transit area, close to the Lamp Bear, in the South Node. Day rooms are available. 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 Lounges

Al Maha Lounge – Location: Airside, Second Floor, near Gates A, B, and C. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge (South) – Location: Airside, Duty Free Plaza South. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas with recliners, but no dedicated sleeping pods). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (Economy Class and Business Lite passengers can purchase access for QAR 450/ USD 125) • Qatar Airways and oneworld Business and First Class ticketed passengers • oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyer members.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge (The Garden) – Location: Airside, Northern Expansion (accessible via free sky train from South Terminal). Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet areas with recliners, but no dedicated sleeping pods). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (Economy Class and Business Lite passengers can purchase access for QAR 450/USD 125) • Qatar Airways and oneworld Business and First Class ticketed passengers • oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyer members.

Lounge access with elite status only
Al Safwa First Lounge – Location: Airside, Third Level, Duty Free Plaza South. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet rooms with recliners, but no dedicated sleeping pods). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qatar Airways and oneworld First Class ticketed passengers • oneworld Emerald frequent flyer members and eligible guests. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access is available.

First & Business Class Arrivals Lounges – Location: Airside, Arrivals Area. Hours: Open 24 hours (based on Qatar Airways lounge standard). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qatar Airways First and Business Class arriving passengers. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access available.

Mariner Lounge – Location: Airside, Second Level, Duty Free Plaza South. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Dedicated for maritime crew or specific transfer passengers. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access.

Drinking Water

Free drinking water fountains are available airside in Concourses A (near Gate A5), B (near Gate B3), C (near Gate C10), D (near Gate D7), and E (near Gate E4), as well as landside near the South Plaza restrooms.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets (50 + restaurants) throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours: Evergreen Organics HIA • Starbucks • Coffeeshop Company • Spizzico • Illy Caffé • Gordon Ramsay Burger • Chac’Late HIA • Jwala • KFC • Del Monte F&B • Harrods Tea Room.  Click here to update this information.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Lockers may be available within the terminal, but locations could not be confirmed at the time of the most recent update. If you know where they are, click here to update our guide.

Mobile Charging

Charging points and USB outlets are available throughout the terminal, including near seating areas.

Showers

Showers are available in several locations, including lounges and paid facilities.

  • 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.

WiFi / Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout Hamad International Airport (DOH). Connect to the “HIAQatar Free WiFi” network.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

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

Art in the Airport – The terminal features large-scale installations and rotating exhibitions of local and international art, presented in partnership with Qatar Museums.

Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.

Duty-Free Shopping – In addition to airside duty-free, the airport has a wide range of shops selling souvenirs, luxury fashion, jewellery, and travel essentials. Expect a strong emphasis on high-end international brands.

Family Facilities

  • Baby Care Facilities – Parents travelling with infants can use designated Parents’ Rooms equipped with diaper-changing stations and milk or water warmers. Family washrooms are also available throughout the terminal.
  • Children’s Play Areas – Several family activity zones are available airside, offering children a place to play, watch TV, and burn off energy while waiting for a flight.
  • Family Toilets – Yes
  • Unaccompanied Children – Airlines provide supervised facilities for unaccompanied minors after check-in. These areas are managed by airline staff and include basic entertainment, refreshments, and washrooms.

Fitness – The Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre, connected to the airport hotel, offers access to a gym, pool, hydrotherapy facilities, squash courts, and showers for travellers who want to exercise or freshen up between flights.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.

Information Desk – Information desks are available both landside and airside on multiple levels of the terminal for general assistance.

Layover Tour – Qatar Airways and the Qatar Tourism Authority provide transit passengers 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 October 2024).
  • 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: 8:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:30 PM. Duration: three hours. Tour rate: 115 QAR (as of October 2024).

Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.

Luggage

  • Baggage Trolleys – Complimentary baggage trolleys are available throughout the terminal.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see Luggage Storage & Lockers above
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping services are available in departure areas.

Medical Services

  • Medical Center – 24-hour medical facilities are available in both the arrivals and departures areas for travellers who feel unwell or require assistance.
  • Pharmacy – A pharmacy operates within the terminal and is open around the clock.

Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside, with some machines dispensing multiple currencies. Bank fees may apply.
  • Currency Exchange – Currency exchange counters are available in both arrivals and departures areas.

Prayer Rooms – Separate prayer and ablution facilities for men and women are located throughout the terminal. A public mosque is also located outside the terminal within walking distance.

Rest Zones – see “Rest & Relaxation Zones” above.

SIM Cards – Prepaid SIM cards are sold at kiosks in the arrivals area.

Smoking Rooms – Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking rooms located throughout the terminal.

Spa – Massage and spa treatments are available through the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre.

WiFi – see “Airport WiFi / Internet” above.

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

Sightseeing

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

Airlines
Doha Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Algerie • Air Arabia • Air Cairo • Air India • Air India Express • Akasa Air • American Airlines • Badr Airlines • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Centrum Air • China Southern Airlines • Egyptair • Etihad Airways • Finnair • flydubai • Flynas • Gulf Air • Himalaya Airlines • Iberia • Indi Go • Iran Air • Japan Airlines • Jazeera Airways • Kuwait Airlines • Malaysia Airlines • Middle East Airlines • Nepal Airlines • Oman Air • Pakistan International • Pegasus Airlines • Philippines Airlines • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Morocco • Royal Jordanian • RwandAir • SalamAir • Saudia • Srilankan Airlines • Turkish Airlines • US-Bangla Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

Mowasalat buses connect Doha Airport to several destinations across the city. Karwa Bus R704 links to the city (40 minutes, QR 5/$1.37).Buses depart frm the Bus Pavilion located to the right of the Arrivals hall. For more information on fares, schedules and stops, visit the Mowasalat website.

Car Rentals

Car rental agency service desks are 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, a major credit card valid for at least three months, and a photocopy of your entry stamp into Qatar on your passport. Upon return, the rental can be paid with a 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 could not 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 booking on-site at the Mowasalat Limousine desk in Arrivals Hall. All major credit cards and cash (local currency only) are accepted.

Metro

Doha Metro Red Line connects DOH (Terminal 1 station, Level 1) to central Doha (e.g., Msheireb, 30 minutes, QR 2/$0.55), running 6:00 AM–11:00 PM (Saturday-Wednesday), 2:00 PM–11:00 PM (Friday). For more information, visit the Doha Metro website.

Ride Sharing

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

Taxi

The Taxi Pavilion is 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. You can book a taxi in advance through the Karwa official website.

Last updated: 2026-01-14

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.