Doha’s Hamad International Airport Guide: Lounges, Hotels, Shops

The Hamad International Airport aka HIA in the city of Doha, is not only one of the world’s biggest airports but also among the most architecturally advanced terminal buildings of Earth. Are you visiting Hamad International Airport for the Qatar 2022 World Cup or is it your first trip to Qatar? Whatever questions you have in mind, in this article you’ll find all information about the Hamad International Airport required to plan a hassle-free journey to Qatar. Read the complete article to get a detailed travel guide with all relevant information on the HIA.

Doha’s Hamad International Airport Guide

Hamad International Airport is the only international airport in Qatar’s Doha and also the home of the flag carrier airline of Qatar, namely, Qatar Airways. Located in the southern part of Qatar’s capital city, the Hamad International Airport replaced the Doha International Airport which served as the principal airport in Qatar in the past.

HIA aka Hamad International Airport Code: DOH

Hamad International Airport Exterior
Hamad International Airport Exterior | Courtesy – HOA

Where is Hamad International Airport in Doha?

Hamad International Airport is situated in the southern part of the Doha city in Qatar. The address is 7J67, Doha, Qatar.

Hamad International Airport Luxury Travel Guide

Business Class and First Class passengers can avail an exceptional experience at the Hamad International Airport, especially when they travel with Qatar Airways.

Luxury guide for Qatar Airways Passengers on Arrival:

  1. After exiting the aircraft, find the Transfers hall where you’ll find separate security check lanes and passport counters for first class and business class travelers.
  2. After the security formalities are over, you can claim your baggage
  3. Then you can go to the first class lounge of Qatar Airways and relax.

Luxury guide for Qatar Airways Passengers on Departure:

  1. Separate entrance to the airport’s Departure hall is there for Business Class and First Class travelers where a concierge will be waiting for you who’ll escort you to the check-in desk as the porter carries your luggage.
  2. After completion of security and immigration formalities, your agent will escort you to the first class lounge of Qatar Airways.
Inside Hamad International Airport
Inside Hamad International Airport | Courtesy – HOA

Hamad International Airport Lounges

Whether it’s an early arrival or a long layover, the exotic Hamad International Airport has several luxury lounges where you can rest and enjoy:

  • Al Safwa First Lounge- With private gathering zones to cozy chairs, this lounge is meant only for first class passengers on Qatar Airways.
  • Oryx Lounge- Passengers traveling by any airline can unwind at this amazing lounge only if they have a business or a first class ticket.
  • Al Maha Lounge- It is open to anyone who books in advance and the traveler doesn’t require a first class ticket to have access to this lounge offering complimentary drinks and snacks.
  • Business and First Class Arrivals Lounge- The fashionable lounge is for lucky business and first class passengers flying with OneWorld Alliance and Qatar Airways.
  • Al Mourjan Business Lounge- With five-star amenities like private showers and family rooms, this enormous lounge offers once-in-a-lifetime experience to travelers.

Hamad International Airport Hotels

Oryx Airport Hotel:

Convenient and welcoming, the Oryx Airport Hotel is inside the Hamad International Airport and offers exceptional hospitality to guests as they rejuvenate and relax while awaiting their next flight. This luxury hotel gives passengers everything they need for a memorable stay without leaving the airport. The premium hotel has different categories of rooms (superior room, family room, presidential suite, deluxe room and executive room), an in-house restaurant and is equipped with all modern amenities.

Hamad International Airport Restaurants

To satiate the culinary needs of every passenger, Hamad International Airport has various excellent restaurants specializing in diverse cuisines from around the world:

  • Harvest Market Restaurant is famous for its English breakfast, beef steak, chicken pizza, beef thapa and several other non-veg items.
  • Le Grand Comptoir is a fine place to have mijitos, coffee and a variety of alcoholic as well as refreshing beverages.
  • Qataf Café welcomes passengers to taste delectable Arabic coffee, falafel sandwich and Baklava.
  • Azka Restaurant specializes in Indian delicacies such as shawarma, chicken biriyani, lamb biriyani, chicken fried rice and more.

Hamad International Airport Duty-Free Shops List

To enjoy a memorable duty-free shopping experience, you have to spend some time at the Hamad International Airport duty free shops and explore its renowned stores on the following categories:

  • Beauty, perfumes and skincare: Al- Jazeera Perfumes
  • Watches, jewelry and gold: AU Gold, BVLGARI, Hermes Paris, Mont Blanc, Hublot, Omega
  • Magazines, toys, books and souvenirs
  • Accessories and Fashion: Burberry, Bally, Chloe, Fendi, Michael Kors, Hermes Paris, Gucci, Almotahajiba, Dolce & Gabbana, and Mont Blanc
  • Tobacco and Liquor
  • Tours and Travel Essentials
  • Electronics and Gadgets
  • Confectionary, Beverages, and Food
  • Sports Merchandise and Sportswear

View HIA Duty Free Plaza Map – Here

Hotels near Hamad International Airport

  • Premier Inn Doha Airport- 14 km from HIA, the hotel is in a prime location at Al Yass Street and offers free pick up and drop to the airport.
  • Golden Ocean Hotel- Golden Ocean Hotel at Al Meena Street, 13 km from HIA, is committed to providing guests the best comfort and is at a walking distance from Souq Wafiq.
  • Millennium Central Doha- Millennium Central (address: Al Matar Service Street) is just 14 km from the Hamad International Airport and is at a close proximity to multiple tourist destinations.
  • Plaza Inn Doha- Located at Al Meena Street and13 km from HIA, Plaza Inn Doha is a 4-star accommodation with 24-hour front desk, room service, security and a wide range of amenities.

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Hamad Airport Al Maha Service

Whether you are departing or arriving, Al Maha Service is always there to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Visit the official website of Al Maha Services to book your preferred experience:

  1. Transfers Gold Services- Al Maha Service attendant will receive you at the aerobridge with a name board and assist you until you are at the boarding gate.
  2. Family Package- These packages are available for two adults and 1-3 kids and the Al Maha Service agent will help with arrival or departure formalities as you relax at the lounge with family.
  3. Arrivals Gold Services- Approach the Al Maha Service person at the Arrival Lounge to proceed with immigration clearance and get assistance during custom clearance as well as luggage assistance.
  4. Departures Gold Services- Al Maha Service candidate will see you at the departure hall and help you with luggage, check-in formalities, immigration clearance, and priority boarding.
  5. Platinum Services- Al Maha service attendant will receive you at the aircraft and help you with transit formalities, custom clearance, and luggage while you get six-hour access to the Oryx Lounge.
  6. Al Maha Lounge- The exclusive lounge has 6 hours of access, smoking room, complimentary Wi-Fi, television areas, luggage lockets, beverages and eatables, quiet areas and shower facilities.

Guide to Hamad International Airport traveling with pets:

If you are traveling to Qatar with your pet, contact your airline well in advance to have a smooth journey will your four-legged companion. Your airline will give you a clear idea on necessary documentation (like vaccination records, medical certificates etc.) and the latest rules and you on the day of travel, you must have all required documentation to be able to board the flight with your pet.

  1. Service Animals- Only a service dog can be with you in the passenger cabin whereas other service animals are considered as ‘checked baggage.’
  2. Household Pets- Usually, pets are not allowed to be in the passenger cabin and they board the flight as ‘checked baggage’. Protected or fragile species aren’t allowed to travel via flight.
  3. Falcons- Qatar Airways and some other airlines allow falcon owners to fly to the Hamad International Airport together with the falcon in the passenger cabin (Economy Class only).

Points to remember:

  • Please reach out to your airline in advance for finalizing documentation and travel arrangements for your pet.
  • All pets flying to/ from Hamad International Airport are looked after by trained animal handlers while they await their departing or connecting flight.
  • On reaching your destination, an airline representative will personally hand over your pet to you.

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Car Rental from Hamad International Airport

The distance between Souq Waqif (Doha’s centre) and the Hamad International Airport is 8.7 miles/ 14 kilometers and the travel time by car is about 20 minutes. There are several reliable car rental companies at Hamad International Airport. You can lease a car from any of these agencies for short-term or long-term and enjoy traveling in the beautiful Doha city:

  • Al Muftah- Located at HIA’s counter no. 7; this is the first and the largest car rental agency in Qatar and has all sorts of cars from luxury vehicles to economy sedans.
  • AVIS Qatar- A award-winning and trusted brand in the car rental agency, AVIS’s counter is no. 2 on the Ground Floor of HIA.
  • Europcar- A global Car Rental Company with 60+ years of experience, Europcar is situated at Counter no. 1.
  • Hertz- With a worldwide market since 1918 and serving 8,000+ locations, Hertz offers rental solutions in Qatar as well and you can approach them at Counter no. 3 of HIA.
  • Budget Qatar- Situated at Counter no. 4 and founded in 1982, this leading car rental agency operates trucks, buses and a variety of cars in Doha.

View HIA Hotels & Car Rental Map – Here

Hamad International Airport nearest Public Transport

The Hamad International Airport is accessible by public transport and there are multiple options for travelers to reach their destination conveniently:

  • Metro- The metro started operating in 2019 and it takes just 15 minutes to reach Doha’s centre from HIA by taking the Red Line towards Lusail. Situated beside the West Short Term Car Park, the metro station is at a 5-min walking distance from the terminal. Visit the official website of Doha Metro to get detailed information on ‘Travel Card’ and price of metro tickets.
  • Bus- Multiple buses run to and from the Hamad International Airport and you’ll find a bus in every 20 minutes. To reach the heart of the city, you can take the Bus Route 747 or the Bus route 777.

View HIA Metro Station Map – Here

We may conclude by saying that Hamad Airport is not just Qatar’s biggest passenger airport but also one of the biggest tourist attractions in Doha. The airport is an embodiment of classic Qatari hospitality and features two hotels, a mosque, 12 lounges, shopping areas, 2 squash courts, a spa, a swimming pool, a health club and a gym. The terminus is designed in such a way that it leaves a lasting and spectacular impression of the nation on its visitors. So, what are you waiting for? Plan you Qatar 2022 World Cup trip and do write in the comments section about your queries regarding the Hamad International Airport.

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