Arriving at Hamad International Airport and getting into the city

Who this is for

Anyone landing at Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, whether visiting or coming home. If you are only transferring to another flight and not entering Qatar, you stay inside the terminal and this guide does not apply.

Before you start

• Your passport, plus your visa or e-visa if you need one. See our guide on visiting Qatar.
• Your hotel address or the address where you will stay, saved on your phone.
• A bank card. Karwa airport taxis take card and phone payments, and the visa fee at the immigration counter is paid by card.
• A check that your bags contain no prohibited items, such as alcohol, pork products, narcotics or weapons. These are confiscated on arrival.

Steps

1. Go through passport control

   Follow the signs to arrivals immigration. If you are eligible, you can use the e-gates, which the airport recommends for faster processing; a minimum height of 130 cm applies. Otherwise, queue at a counter and show your passport and visa. If you owe a visa fee, pay it by card at the immigration counter, or in cash at the bank counter before passport control.

2. Collect your bags

   A large screen near Belt 3 shows which belt your flight uses. Oversized or fragile items, such as strollers and wheelchairs, come out on special belts A and B. Trolleys are free; porters are available for a fixed fee. If a bag is missing or damaged, ask your airline's representative at an information desk.

3. Pass through customs

   Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and the Red Channel if you do. You must declare, for example, gifts and personal items worth more than QAR 3,000, more than 400 cigarettes, or currency, jewellery or precious stones above the allowed limits. If unsure, ask a customs officer.

4. Get cash, change money or buy a SIM

   There are ATMs on the arrivals level, before and after customs, and some give out several currencies. Exchange counters are in the baggage hall near the end of Belt 3, in the arrivals meet-and-greet area, and in the Bus Pavilion. SIM cards and top-ups are sold at telecom booths at both the east and west ends of the Arrivals Hall. Free Wi-Fi is available under the name '#HIAQatar'.

5. Take the Doha Metro

   Hamad International Airport station (T1) is on the Red Line of the Doha Metro, a short indoor walk from the terminal. Trains run seven days a week and link the airport with central Doha, including Msheireb, the Corniche and West Bay. Opening hours and last trains are shown on screens in every station; check them and the line map on the Doha Metro website, especially if you land late at night.

6. Or take a Karwa taxi or limousine

   Official Karwa taxis, run by Mowasalat, wait at the Taxi Pavilion at the left end of the Arrivals Hall. You can choose a sedan or a van, and staff help with luggage. Payment by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay or NAPS is accepted. The airport advises taking taxis only from the Taxi Pavilion. Mowasalat limousines can be booked at their kiosk in the Arrivals Hall or in advance.

7. Or use a bus, ride-hailing app or rental car

   Karwa buses leave from the Bus Pavilion to the right of the Arrivals Hall; routes and times are in the Karwa Journey Planner app. Ride-hailing pick-ups are only allowed from a marked point in the multi-storey car park: leave the Arrivals Hall through Gate 3, cross the road and follow the signs. The airport lists these operators: Badrgo, Ryde and Uber. Car rental counters are in the Arrivals Hall. If your hotel offers an airport transfer, arrange it directly with the hotel.

Useful numbers and apps

• Mowasalat (Karwa) customer service +974 4458 8888 Source
• Karwa Taxi app (Android) Karwa Taxi Source
• Karwa Taxi app (iPhone) Karwa Taxi Source
• Karwa Journey Planner bus app (Android) Karwa Bus Source
• Karwa Journey Planner bus app (iPhone) Karwa Bus Source

Good to know

• Use only authorised taxis and ride-hailing pick-ups from the marked areas. The airport says these meet its service standards and have a lost-and-found process.
• Passengers with reduced mobility can book a special Karwa taxi through Mowasalat; the airport advises giving as much notice as possible.
• If someone is picking you up by car, they should use the airport car park rather than wait at the kerb. The airport warns that unattended cars at the kerb may be towed.
• Never pay a visa fee in cash at a passport counter; counters take cards only. Cash is paid at the separate bank counter.
• Airport staff and information desks can help at any time if you cannot find a pavilion, belt or counter.