Stopping over in Doha for 6 hours? If you have a budget and you like to stick to it when you're travelling, don't worry. We have put together a bunch of budget friendly places in Qatar you can visit while you are on a 6-hour layover in this fabulous country.
This layover plan is based on an arrival time of 9 am (Qatar standard time). If your arrival time is different, you may consider rearranging the order of the places to visit depending on the opening hours of each location.
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers you a wide variety of transport options, including car rental, limousine, taxi, bus and metro services.
Hiring a taxi: All airport taxis are operated by Mowasalat; a Qatari state-owned company. You can board a taxi at the Taxi Pavilion located at the left end of the Arrivals hall. All taxis are metered and the minimum flag down fare at the airport starts at Qatari Riyal (QR) or USD 7 and QR 1.20 per kilometre between 5 am to 9 pm and QR 1.80 per km between 9 pm to 5 am.
Bus service: Doha’s bus network connects HIA to various destinations across the city, offering a convenient transport option. You can buy or top-up the Smartcard at ticket vending machines located at Arrivals, Ground Floor, Bus Pavilion at HIA. The machine only accepts Cash – QR 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 currency notes. Since it does not have a refund feature, you are advised to pay using the exact amount. There are three types of Karwa Smartcards to choose from:
- Classic Card: QR 30 (USD 8): rechargeable card for long term / future journeys.
- Limited Card: QR 10 Card (USD 3): two inner-city trips within a 24 hour period
- Unlimited Card: QR 20 Card (USD 5): unlimited trips across Qatar within a 24 hour period
Doha Metro: The Doha Metro is fully functional with all stations now open with HIA being accessible to Qatar residents and visitors through Doha Metro’s Red Line. A single journey costs QR 2 for Standard cardholders (including Family Class), while a day pass costs QR 6. A single journey costs QR 10 for Gold Club members, while a day pass costs QR 30. You can top up you reusable cards with Travel Credit, which can be purchased at ticket vending machines in all Doha Metro stations. There is also a free MetroLink service to different locations from all Doha Metro stations.
Check out the map below:
Please ensure you are carrying enough Qatari Riyals to pay for your trip as taxis and buses only accept cash payments in local currency. ATMs are located in proximity to the taxi pavilion for your convenience.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of Qatar’s most iconic buildings and is world famous for its exotic collection of Islamic masterpieces from different Muslim countries and across three continents, reaching as far as China, India and Spain. The collection is made up of precious stones, jewellery, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, textiles and manuscripts from hundreds of years ago dating from the 7th to the 20th century. Thousands and thousands of visitors pass through its doors every year to witness the marvel and splendour that make up the Islamic world through art pieces collected over the years and carefully conserved so visitors can understand the Islamic traditions, culture and heritage through the centuries.
For more information, visit: https://www.iloveqatar.net/guide/places/all-you-need-to-know-about-qatars-museum-of-islamic-art-mia-and-more
Location: Corniche Street, Doha - Qatar
Museum cost: QR 50 (visitors); Qatar residents: free; children (age 16 and under): free
Culture Pass Basic (Free membership): Entry to all Qatar Museums: QR 50 (visitors); children (age 16 and under): free +discounts on gift shops and museum eateries (upon presentation of valid Culture Pass Basic membership); For more information on the Culture Pass and how to join, click HERE.
Distance from airport: 18 minutes (13.9 km)
Average taxi fare: QR 30
Opening hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 9 am - 7 pm, Friday: 1:30 pm - 7 pm
Phone: +974 4422 4444
Right across from MIA is Qatar’s traditional market - Souq Waqif (which means the 'standing market' in Arabic). Why not walk around this beautiful must-visit attraction in Qatar that isn’t to be missed, and through its twisting alleyways where you can buy all sorts of goods from saffron, traditional Qatari spices, nuts, perfumes, household items, traditional Qatari clothing, ready-to-wear clothes, fabrics, shoes, toys, sweet and so much more. And, when you’re tired and want a bite to eat, take a seat at one of the many local restaurants and enjoy the Qatari cuisine on offer, but if you’re looking for something else to soothe your hunger, there are many other international cuisines on offer, too.
Location: Souq Street, Al Jasra, Doha - Qatar
Cost: Depends on what you buy; prices start from QR 2
Distance from airport: 18 - 20 minutes (14 km)
Average taxi fare from airport: QR 25
Distance from MIA: 1.5 km (10 minute walk)
Average taxi fare between MIA and Souq Waqif: QR 10
Opening hours: 24/7, although some shops will be closed late at night.
Um Abdelaziz / Al Refaa (Qatari cuisine)
Location: Near Gold Souq, Souq Waqif, Doha
Opening hours: 4 pm - 12 am
Cost: QR 35 for two people (approx.)
Shay Al Shoomos (Qatari cuisine)
Location: Beside Qatar Airways, Al Jasra Street, Souq Waqif, Doha
Opening hours: 8 am - 1 pm; 6 pm - 10 pm
Cost: QR 60 for two people (approx.)
Al Aker Sweets (Qatari desserts)
Location: Near Qatar Police, Souq Waqif, Doha
Opening hours: 9 am - 12 am
Cost:
QR 65 for two people (approx.
Shujaa Restaurant (Afghani BBQ)
Location: The Bird Souq, Souq Waqif, Doha
Opening hours: 4 pm - 12 am
Cost: QR 35 for two people
A trip to Qatar wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along Qatar’s beautiful Corniche. Watch the waves as they crash against the shore and enjoy Doha’s spectacular skyline that will take your breath away. You can also see Orry the Oryx, one of Qatar’s iconic landmarks that stands tall over the Corniche and was the official mascot at the Asian Games 2006 held in Doha.
As you drive or walk done the Corniche Promenade, you can also see the Amiri Diwan which is the seat of the government from where Qatar’s Amir His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani leads the country on the opposite side. Among its manifold tasks and responsibilities, it keeps H.H. The Amir abreast of the most important developments locally and internationally, submits to him draft laws and other legislative instruments for perusal and approval, and delivers his instructions to the concerned authorities. The Amiri Diwan is next to Souq Waqif and opposite to the Corniche, so you can’t miss it.
Note: The Amiri Diwan is not open to the public, and taking pictures of it is also prohibited.
Location: Corniche Street, Doha - Qatar
Cost: Free
Distance from airport: 20 - 22 minutes (17.8 km)
Average taxi fare from airport: QR 25
Distance from Souq Waqif: 0.5 km (5 minute walk)
Opening hours: 24/7
What do you think of our things to do in Qatar on a 6-hour layover? Will you try them out when you are transiting through Qatar? Do let us know your thoughts in our Comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!
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