The airport is one of the busiest in the world, yet it uses only one terminal, which is spacious and very well laid out.

The old airport terminal is not used for passenger check-in.

The central check-in hall has the arrivals floor on the ground floor, while departures are located on the first floor.

Behind the security checkpoint, the terminal is divided into 4 parts, the so-called "Concourse": A, B, C, D and E. These concourses converge in a central area with shops and food courts.

The central area is dominated by the iconic yellow bear with a lamp.

From the central area, you can use the free automatic train that runs 24/7 every 3 minutes to the furthest departure gates D and E after security check.

The distances from security are roughly as follows:

• Departure gates A - 5 to 10 minutes on foot
• Departure gates B - 5 to 10 minutes on foot
• Departure gate C - 5 to 15 minutes on foot
• Departure gates D, E - 5 to 10 minutes by automatic train or 15 to 20 minutes on foot

Security and passport control

Security and immigration checks tend to be very efficient at Doha Airport.

Upon arrival, expect lines for passport control between 5 and 30 minutes.

Pre-departure queues for security and passport control usually last no longer than 10 minutes.

Find a hotel near Doha Airport

Transfer between flights

Doha serves mainly transfer passengers and the airport is designed for this purpose.

The transfer process is very efficient and straightforward. Upon exiting the aircraft, you will first be directed to the security checkpoint, through which you will go straight to the departure transit area.

There is no passport control during the transfer.

Queues for security check are not longer than 20 minutes even at peak times.

If you have a tight connection with Qatar Airways, staff will be waiting for you as you exit the aircraft and will guide you through the fast-track straight to your onward departure.

Buy your ticket via Doha at qatarairways.com

The minimum transfer time is 45 minutes, and 60 minutes for flights to the US , it all depends on the airline, any transfer on one ticket is sufficient.

Airport map

Maps of the different parts of the terminal are available for download on the airport's official website.

City tour

A break of about 6 hours between flights will be enough to explore the city, but ideally more, and if you are interested in exploring Doha in more depth, plan a one or more day stop-over when you buy your ticket.

You can get a free visa to Qatar upon arrival at Doha airport for 90 days.

Airport overnight stays - opening hours

The public and transit section is open 24/7.

However, the earliest you can get past security is 3 hours before departure as this is when check-in opens for most airlines.

You will not find any comfortable areas or overnight seats in the public section.

There are plenty of seats in the transit area, but they are all with armrests and sleeping is not comfortable.

See where to stay comfortably in an airport hotel.