Hamad International Airport (DOH): Complete Transit & Travel Guide

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the world class gateway to Doha. It is modern and efficient. It was designed with the transit user in mind.
This guide can assist you in organizing your arrival, departure, lounges, transportation options, and the essential amenities that make HIA one of the best airports in the region, whether you are arriving by plane, making a stopover between long haul flights, or beginning your vacation in Qatar.
What is Hamad Airport
The airport is called Hamad International Airport (HIA), in honor of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar. Since its 2014 opening, it has grown to become a major international aviation hub. Today, the airport connects travelers to over 190 locations across the globe and serves flights for over 50 airlines.
The single, large passenger terminal at Hamad International Airport features several concourses, a variety of lounges, food and shopping options, and easy access to transit. The airport offers facilities including peaceful rest areas, hotels, and business centers for all kinds of travelers, all while managing high transfer traffic with ease.

Which airlines fly from Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Airline 3190_64d6eb-2a> | Airline 3190_3b4b57-71> |
American Airlines 3190_83f751-67> | Qatar Airways 3190_5a58c4-74> |
Asiana Airlines 3190_1df762-6b> | Malaysia Airlines 3190_607607-67> |
Biman Bangladesh Airlines 3190_cba94b-86> | Middle East Airlines 3190_893083-42> |
British Airways 3190_80fc9c-66> | Pakistan International Airlines 3190_6e6fd9-14> |
EgyptAir 3190_eae24f-f1> | Pegasus Airlines 3190_584458-5c> |
Iran Air 3190_2ee979-ca> | Kuwait Airways 3190_d14988-c7> |
Kuwait Airways 3190_1cdd50-7e> | Qatar Airways 3190_d90aaa-67> |
Read how to get a job in Qatar Airways.
How to reach DOH by Metro or other options?
From central Doha there are several ways to reach this ariport:

Plan your journey considering traffic and peak hour in mind, and allow extra time when travelling during busy periods.
5 Top things at Hamad International Airport
1. Orchard
Orchard is an indoor garden inside the terminal full of trees, plants and little walking paths. It is a peaceful spot to stretch your legs, take a few photos or sit quietly away from the busy concourses. The greenery and soft lighting make you feel like sitting in a tiny park right inside the airport.
2. Art
HIA shows a variety of eye-catching art pieces throughout the terminal. From big sculptures to interesting installations, the artworks turn your walk into a casual gallery visit. They are fun to look at and make waiting for a flight feel more interesting.
3. Dining
The airport has many options for eating, from fast food to sit down restaurants. You can find familiar cafés, local dishes and some unique spots you might not expect at an airport. It is a good chance to try something tasty during your stopover.
4. Shopping
The shopping area here is large and offers everything from duty-free bargains to high-end brands. Whether you need a gift or perfume at last minute, or just want to window shop, there are various shops to explore and discover.
5. Relax
If you want to relax, there are options like lounges with peaceful seating, day rooms, showers, spas and even fitness facilities. These services help you feel comfortable and ready for your next flight, especially incase of long layovers.
Qatar stopover hotels
Oryx Airport Hotel (Inside Hamad International Airport)

Located directly inside the passenger terminal, the Oryx Airport Hotel is the most convenient choice for passengers who prefer not to leave the airport. It offers day rooms and overnight stays, fitness facilities, a pool, and direct access to departure gates. This is ideal for passengers who want maximum convenience without passing through immigration.
City Hotels under Stopover Packages
For those who want to explore Doha or enjoy a luxury stay, Qatar Airways partners with several 4 and 5 star hotels in the city as part of their stopover programs. These hotels include premium international chains and are offered at attractive rates. Options may include:
Passenger services at Hamad International Airport
The Airport prioritizes passenger comfort with services such as:

For families, elderly passengers, and those with special requirements these services make traveling simpler.
Recognition and awards
HIA’s commitment to service and passenger experience has been repeatedly recognized. At the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards, the airport was named among the world’s best and was honored as Best Airport in the Middle East for the eleventh time. It also retained the Best Airport Shopping title for the third consecutive year.
Year 3190_f940bf-4f> | Skytrax Ranking 3190_95a1b2-fd> |
2025 3190_1a078d-f9> | 2nd place 3190_0c30f3-ad> |
2024 3190_504cec-07> | 1st place 3190_72fced-08> |
2023 3190_4fe53c-a5> | 2nd place 3190_6a317e-26> |
2022 3190_165beb-e1> | 1st place 3190_291e0d-9f> |
2021 3190_33ccd3-22> | 1st place 3190_602441-95> |
2020 3190_0b4bf1-0e> | 3rd place 3190_363fad-8f> |
2019 3190_56b42c-23> | 4th place 3190_6c28d7-40> |
2018 3190_769f40-72> | 5th place 3190_bfa479-9d> |
2017 3190_7d6388-d5> | 6th place 3190_34c30e-4b> |
2016 3190_025b16-28> | 10th place 3190_fc70c0-47> |
Growth and facilities
Recent expansions have transformed HIA into a modern, large-scale terminal complex. The passenger terminal has substantially grown and now extends across an area reported as 845,000, with five concourses operating to deliver a smooth and connected experience for arriving, departing and transferring passengers.

Transit tips and practical advice
Know the benefits of Qatar Transit Visa.
Why travellers choose Hamad International Airport
The layout of Hamad Airport maintains a balance between size and service, providing first-rate facilities for comfort and convenience while managing lengthy connections. DOH tries to make travel as easy as possible for both originating and transferring travelers, offering everything from peaceful rest places and easily accessible lounges to effective transportation connections and rich shopping opportunities.
Conclusion
Hamad International Airport provides the services and facilities you need to make your travel smoother, whether you’re arriving for a fast connection or beginning a longer trip. To make the most of your waiting time, make a plan, select the lounge and transportation alternatives that work best for you, and utilize the airport’s facilities.