Airport Transfers in Qatar

Catching connecting flights can sometimes be a laborious process. However, since arrivals, transfers and departures are all in one terminal at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA), the process is a relatively relaxed affair. Likewise, HIA’s terminal building offers numerous services and facilities to make transferring from one flight to another, and the time in between, as comfortable and as stress-free as possible.

On departing from an inbound flight, passengers are directed straight to the nearest of the airport’s Transfer Halls. The way to each Transfer Hall is well signposted and signage includes estimated walking times. There are toilets and bathrooms along the way should you need them.

Transfer Halls

At each Transfer Hall, you will be directed through Security Screening before being able to enter the Departures Hall.

Baggage is screened for prohibited items:

• Liquids over 100ml - liquids 100ml or less must be in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Complimentary bags are available. Liquids, aerosols and gels over 100ml, bought in duty-free at other airports must be sealed in tamper-evident bags and proof of purchase (receipt) provided.
• Firearms (including toys and replicas) and weapons (including items capable of causing injury i.e. blunt instruments, workman’s tools, etc.);
• Objects and items with sharp points and edges - blades over 6cm;
• Explosives and incendiary substances and devices.

All passengers must also walk through a metal detector. Remove all metal items (i.e. keys, coins, watches, belts, phones, etc.) from your person before you walk through the metal detector.

Transfer Desks are located in all Transfer Halls. Staff at the desks are able to assist with any questions you may have. They will also provide help in rescheduling/rebooking flights, upgrading seats, printing boarding passes, and enabling you to exit the airport if you plan a stopover in Doha.

Stopovers

If you are travelling with Qatar Airways and have between 5 and 96 hours between connecting flights, or you just want to make the most of your travels, you could plan a stop-over in Doha. All you need to do is apply for a Transit Visa before you travel, then you can explore the city's delights to your heart’s content in between flights.

To find out how to obtain a Transit Visa, take a look at our article on Visas.

To exit the airport, approach the Transfer Desk in the Transfer Hall you are directed to and they will guide you through the relevant processes and procedures.

Alcohol Abroad

If you intend to stopover in Doha during your transfer and you have bought alcohol in another airport’s duty-free, please be advised that you will not be able to take it with you when you leave the airport. Outside of licensed establishments (hotel restaurants, bars, etc.), Qatar is a dry country.

If you do have alcohol in your hand luggage, you will need to declare it to security staff once through Immigration. The alcohol can be deposited with customs staff who will present you with a receipt for collection within 14 days. When you return to the airport for your connecting flight, proceed through Passport Control and Security and head to Concourse B in the Departures Hall. Go to the Customs Retained Goods Office and present your receipt to the customs officer who will return your items.

While You Wait

Once you have exited into the Departures Hall, you will either be waiting for your connection or heading to the Departures Gate to catch your next flight - in which case check the Flight Information Boards around the airport for your Gate number and present yourself for boarding.

Don’t Be Late

Avoid missing your connecting flight, be at your Departure Gate in plenty of time to be processed. Boarding gates close 20 minutes before flight departure time.

If you do have time before your connecting flight departs, there is plenty to do at the airport to keep you busy, to ensure you’re entertained, or to help you recharge and relax.

Located inside the terminal building, on the 4th floor is the 5-Star Oryx Airport Hotel. Built for transiting passengers, the hotel offers accommodation for as little as 5 hours up to 24 hours. Customers staying at the hotel also get free access to the hotel facilities, which include the swimming pool and gym at the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre. The wellbeing and fitness centre is open 24 hours a day and may also be accessed by passengers without a room booking for a fee. Spa treatments, the use of a golf simulator and access to squash courts are also available for both hotel customers and walk-in passengers for an additional fee.

For more details and booking information, delve into the Oryx Airport Hotel website.

The airport also has:

• Numerous lounges, spa and shower facilities, and quiet rooms to refresh and/or relax in;
• A number of family rooms and children’s activity nodes, complete with play areas, TV and internet desks, for keeping kids entertained;
• Internet kiosks, throughout the Departures concourses to keep adults connected and entertained;
• A myriad of duty-free shops;
• A host of cafes and restaurants;
• Art exhibitions, temporary and permanent, for art lovers, culture vultures or just for fun.

To discover in detail what the Departures Hall at Hamad International Airport has to offer its discerning guests, read through the Departing from Qatar article.

Special Assistance

If you require special assistance during your transfer, Hamad International Airport provides ‘barrier-free’ access and a variety of facilities and services to support disabilities. From the minute you arrive at the airport, to the moment you board your plane, the building is designed to be accessible, and staff are trained to make the airport experience more comfortable.

To find out more about how HIA can assist you on your journey, read our Special Services article.