When is the cheapest time to fly to Doha?
Cheap flights to Doha can be found during the summer months of May to September but, with intense humidity and heat of up to 45 degrees Celsius, these months are best avoided. Instead, Doha's peak season runs from October to March, when the weather is at a more pleasant temperature, ranging in the mid-20 degrees Celsius. You might pay more for your flights, but at least you'll be comfortable. Doha flight prices are usually at their highest in March.
When is the best time to book flights to Doha?
To secure cheap flights to Doha in peak season, it's best to remain flexible on your travel dates. Keep an eye on this page for last-minute flights, and try to fly midweek if you can. It's also worth bearing in mind that the Qatari weekend is Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday. Alternatively, if your travel dates are set in stone, try to book your flights to Doha about four months in advance to get a good deal. If you’re willing to brave the summertime heat, you’ll have an even better chance of finding budget flights. Just remember to pack your sun cream.
Which UK airports offer flights to Doha?
Qatar Airways and British Airways offer flights to Doha from a number of UK airports. Both airlines have direct flights from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Due to the sheer number of flights going from the UK to Qatar every day, you can often find a good deal on a direct flight. But you could also fly from other UK airports – you'll just need to have a stopover along the way, usually in London. Airlines offering indirect flights to Doha include Flybe, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airlines.
How long is the flight from the UK to Doha?
A direct flight from London to Doha takes just under seven hours. And there's only a three-hour time difference, so jet lag is minimal.
Flying to Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Hamad International Airport opened in 2014, replacing the former Doha International Airport as the country’s main airport, and lies eight miles from the capital. It serves around 40 million passengers each year, and is the base for the state-owned Qatar Airways - one of the only 5 star airlines as rated by Skytrax. It's just been voted as Airport of the Year 2024 too!
On arrival and getting around the airport
There is one terminal at DOH airport. There are many ATMs available in both arrivals and departures, and they are able to dispense cash in many different currencies. There are four foreign exchange kiosks at the airport; the two in the arrivals area are located in the baggage claim area and in the meet and greet section. Smoking rooms are provided, as are prayer rooms, hotel desks, free Wi-Fi, free computers, phone booths, activity rooms for children, parent rooms with bottle warmers and nappy-changing facilities, and family toilets. Duty-free stores and food and drink shops are also available.
Getting to the city from Hamad International Airport (DOH)
It's easy to get into the city from DOH airport, with a range of transport options available to suit all budgets. There are five public bus routes connecting the airport to the city, and to travel on the bus network, you'll need to buy a Karwa Smartcard from the Mowasalat information desk, located in the baggage claim area. Taxis are provided by the state-owned Mowasalat company, and can be booked in advance or flagged down. Taxis only take cash, and are found in the Taxi Pavilion on the left of the arrivals hall. Limos can also be booked through Mowasalat, and there are several car hire providers outside the arrivals hall.
Why visit Doha?
This small Gulf state has propelled itself onto the world stage, and not just because it has been named as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It has gone from being one of the poorest states in the region to one of the richest per capita, fuelled by oil and natural gas revenue. Visiting Doha gives travellers a unique chance to see a city in the making. Its cityscape – skyscraper after skyscraper – is constantly changing and rising from the desert. Doha is a modern city on the up, and was recently named to the list of the New Seven Wonders Cities.
On top of the modern architecture, you can visit the beaches and luxury shopping malls. Or take some time out to explore the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art, and visit the Katara Cultural Village and Museum of Modern Art. While the skyline might seem like an understudy to Dubai for now, Doha could well be on its way to eclipsing its better-known Gulf neighbour.
Ready to visit? We can sort your hotel in Doha too!
Qatar visa requirements
On arrival in Qatar, British citizens will be able to get a free 30-day visa waiver. Passports need to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines available in the U.K. are considered to be controlled substance in Qatar, so make sure to inform yourself that before travelling. The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal. Many UK banks stopped selling the currency after a diplomatic crisis in 2017, but money changers are available in the city and ATMs take major international credit cards.
