How long should I plan for a layover in Doha?

The best layover in Doha is 4–12 hours. This gives you enough time to reach the city, see the highlights, and return to the airport with buffer time.

Do I need a visa for a layover in Doha?

US passport holders can get a visa on arrival for a layover in Doha.

Is Doha a good layover city?

Doha scores 70/100 on the LayoverScore™. It is a solid layover option, especially if you have 4+ hours.

Doha layover (DIA). 12h. LayoverScore™ 70.

DohaDIA6h on the groundScore 70

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Doha

30 minutes to city center. 4–12 hours of layover time.

Visa on arrivalTransit hubData may vary

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🌡 30°C · clearAir: good (AQI 18)

One perfect thing

Bole Shopping Area

38-min walk from the airport

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Layover plan

How long at Doha?

YOUR 12H LAYOVER

What 12 hours in Doha gets you.

Souq Waqif. Labyrinthine old market with spices, falcons, and shisha cafes. Museum of Islamic Art on the Corniche waterfront. Al Corniche promenade with views of the West Bay skyline.

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Planning guides

How to plan a long layover How to save money with layovers Best layover cities ranked

More Middle East layovers

DubaiDXB · 91/100Old Dubai in 6 hours: gold souk, spice souk, $3 shawarma. No visa needed.Abu DhabiAUH · 86/100Sheikh Zayed Mosque in 4 hours: 82 domes, marble courtyards, free entry.DohaDOH · 85/100Souq Waqif in 4 hours: falconers, clay pots, the best machboos you'll have outside a Qatari home.JeddahJED · 85/100Explore UNESCO-listed coral-stone towers and a mosque floating on the Red Sea.

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Doha

How long at Doha?

What 12 hours in Doha gets you.

Doha's glittering Corniche and ancient souqs reward even a short escape from the gate.

Highlights nearby

Where to shop in Doha

Getting around

Plan your 6h

Get scored routes through DIA.