I’ve got about 4 hrs in Doha on a Friday afternoon during Ramadan, and travelling J with QR. Onward flight leaves about 8pm. Accept I won’t have time to really do much, but would it be enough time to jump in a taxi for a drive around town just to see what it’s like? Or is the traffic likely to be such it’s not worth it?
I’ve got about 4 hrs in Doha on a Friday afternoon during Ramadan, and travelling J with QR. Onward flight leaves about 8pm. Accept I won’t have time to really do much, but would it be enough time to jump in a taxi for a drive around town just to see what it’s like? Or is the traffic likely to be such it’s not worth it?
You really don't have enough time to leave the airport and see anything. Enjoy the lounge
Outside will be dry and hot. You will be discouraged from drinking or eating anything in public. The outside hotels and the airport lounges will not be serving any alcohol.Traffic may be less during Ramadan on a Friday afternoon than otherwise. I'd consider to visit the airport fitness centre, gym and/or have a swim in the pool, relax poolside and take a shower there (in the fitness centre), The Al Mourjan showers are sweat boxes! No exhaust fans - and the water from the cold water tap will be hotter than water from the hot water tap during your transit- due to the outside sun heating the water in the water storage tanks.
I did this in July last year during a 9hr stopover. Spent around 3 hours outside of the airport seeing the city via taxi (of which there is not a lot to see at street level) and stopped at a couple of shopping malls. If your stopover is early in the morning, a lot of shops don't open until 10 or11 am. As the others have said, the weather is generally unbearable for most of the year, 40-45 degrees and very high humidity.
Note that Australian passport holders no longer need a visa to enter Qatar (previously you had to pre-arrange one or pay for a visa on arrival at the border), so no need for a 'transit visa' as such: you can just enter the country.
My wife and I transited in late may last year. Travelling in first allowed free tour to some cultural places as well as the spectacular building designs. Yes it was hot but we felt it was worth it ..... once.
I have a STPC overnight stay in Doha next Month (arrive 1700 depart 0900) and staying at the Oryx Rotana
Being the first time I've stepped out of the transit area at ME 3 port, I'm thinking of having a look at the Souq, the Corniche and ride on a dhow. Reasonable? Anything else considered a must?
I don't want to over extend as the overnight stop is bookended by 2 13hr journeys.
Milo
Milo
Member since 02 Apr 2018
Total posts 5
I’ve got about 4 hrs in Doha on a Friday afternoon during Ramadan, and travelling J with QR. Onward flight leaves about 8pm. Accept I won’t have time to really do much, but would it be enough time to jump in a taxi for a drive around town just to see what it’s like? Or is the traffic likely to be such it’s not worth it?
james.smith
james.smith
Member since 22 Feb 2018
Total posts 1
Remain in the excellent Al Mourjan Lounge
GregXL
GregXL
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 26 May 2014
Total posts 322
The traffic might be less of a problem than immigration. My recent experience there made LAX look good!
hutch
hutch
Member since 07 Oct 2012
Total posts 772
If you're travelling J, there should never be a wait at Doha due to the dedicated area (at least in my experience)
hutch
hutch
Member since 07 Oct 2012
Total posts 772
You really don't have enough time to leave the airport and see anything. Enjoy the lounge
hakkinen5
hakkinen5
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 20 Aug 2014
Total posts 205
To be honest there's not a lot to see. In my opinion.
Milo
Milo
Member since 02 Apr 2018
Total posts 5
Thanks all for your comments - seems the lounge might be better use of time!
DWB6265
DWB6265
Member since 22 Oct 2014
Total posts 13
Having stopped over for 2 nights in Sep 2017 the lounge is the way to go.
aviatorpj
aviatorpj
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 03 Nov 2013
Total posts 4
Outside will be dry and hot. You will be discouraged from drinking or eating anything in public. The outside hotels and the airport lounges will not be serving any alcohol.Traffic may be less during Ramadan on a Friday afternoon than otherwise. I'd consider to visit the airport fitness centre, gym and/or have a swim in the pool, relax poolside and take a shower there (in the fitness centre), The Al Mourjan showers are sweat boxes! No exhaust fans - and the water from the cold water tap will be hotter than water from the hot water tap during your transit- due to the outside sun heating the water in the water storage tanks.
pdiony
pdiony
Member since 30 Apr 2018
Total posts 1
I did this in July last year during a 9hr stopover. Spent around 3 hours outside of the airport seeing the city via taxi (of which there is not a lot to see at street level) and stopped at a couple of shopping malls. If your stopover is early in the morning, a lot of shops don't open until 10 or11 am. As the others have said, the weather is generally unbearable for most of the year, 40-45 degrees and very high humidity.
Transit visa however is only granted if the stopover is a minimum of 5 hours long.
https://transitvisa.qatarairways.com/transitvisa/online/qrvisa/applyVisa/search
Enjoy the airport though, it is fantastic.
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
Note that Australian passport holders no longer need a visa to enter Qatar (previously you had to pre-arrange one or pay for a visa on arrival at the border), so no need for a 'transit visa' as such: you can just enter the country.
PPP1
PPP1
Member since 02 May 2018
Total posts 1
the most boring city I've ever travelled to. There's good food at Lebanese restaurants but that's about it for me.
Harryt
Harryt
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Feb 2017
Total posts 1
My wife and I transited in late may last year. Travelling in first allowed free tour to some cultural places as well as the spectacular building designs. Yes it was hot but we felt it was worth it ..... once.
BatteryBen
BatteryBen
Member since 08 Aug 2017
Total posts 46
4 hours is not enough for it, but the Museum of Islamic Art is well worth exploring if you find yourself in Doha.
Warragul
Warragul
Member since 22 Jan 2019
Total posts 17
I have a STPC overnight stay in Doha next Month (arrive 1700 depart 0900) and staying at the Oryx Rotana