Cheap flights to Qatar

Qatar is a relatively new tourist spot (it’s only been issuing tourist visas since 1989), but travelers boarding flights to Qatar arrive in a country full of lavish new hotels, ancient architecture and some of the best scenery in the Middle East. Historically a country that kept to itself, Qatar witnessed the money that tourism brought its neighboring destinations and decided to open its doors to travelers.

Qatar’s capital city Doha is less traveled and remains a quiet location in the Middle East. Travelers heading to Doha should visit the National Museum before heading back to their resort towns. The museum is located inside the palace of former ruler Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed and boasts a large aquarium and Qatar artifacts that tell the story of this quiet country.

Today, Qatar has become a popular Middle East tourist destination thanks to the five-star hotels and tax-free shopping available to travelers. As the country boasts its tourism industry, new hotels and attractions are constantly being built and cheap flights to Qatar are always available.

Find cheap flights to Qatar

How long is the flight to Qatar from the US?

A direct flight to Qatar from the US typically has a travel time of approximately 16h from LAX, while a flight from New York or Boston may only take about 12h 30m travel time. Flights that include stopovers may experience substantial additional travel time depending on the number and length of stops. Qatar Airways has a huge selection of direct routes to the country, however, so even Qatar travel deals should have reasonable fares and/or direct flight options available.

Which cities offer direct flights to Qatar from the US?

There are a number of direct flights to Qatar from the United States, including service from all major cities. Travelers can book flights from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, among other cities, and most cities offer multiple flights per day. Flights are typically provided by Qatar Airways. Other airlines offering indirect service with one or two stopovers include United, American Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Kuwait Airways, Iberia, and Turkish Airlines.

What is the best way to travel around Qatar?

Tourists visiting Qatar will find that driving around the country is fairly easy, as the entire country only runs about 100 miles from north to south. Most of the roads lead in and out of Doha, making it easy to get to and from the major hub of the country. Driving can be confusing and competitive, however, due to local drivers and ongoing construction and road improvement projects. Those travelers who don’t feel up to the risk can hire a taxi. Taxis are available on an hourly basis or with meters, but it’s best to negotiate the charge in advance to avoid any confusion. Mowasalat also offers public bus transportation from Doha to other areas of the country. If you do drive, be sure to buckle up and carry your driver’s license, or huge fines could be imposed on the spot by law enforcement.

What are some things to do in Qatar?

Doha is the main city in the country and home to a lot of attractions, including the Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M. Pei and the Doha Golf Club, which offers a 9-hole course and an 18-hole championship course that hosts the Qatar Masters every March. A new cultural attraction worth exploring is the Katara Cultural Village, located on the beachfront with an amphitheater, art galleries, theatre, and restaurants. 4×4 adventures through the dunes are popular and guests can also check out the Lost City of Zekreet and the Sheikh Feisal Museum just outside of Doha, as well.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Qatar?

US citizens will need a valid US passport to fly to Qatar. This document should have at least six months of validity from the time of travel. Those traveling with a US passport can obtain a 30-day visa waiver with proof of return or onward travel, which is valid for multiple entries. Anyone on a visa or waiver needs to leave before their departure date, as fines of $55 USD per day are assessed for each day you overstay your visit.

Qatar climate

Qatar is very sunny and sees very little rain, averaging only 3 inches each year. Summer temperatures can reach 104 F and it doesn’t get much cooler in the winter. You’ll notice the days become a bit cooler and the nights cool to a slight chill, but that’s the only difference.

Best Time to Fly to Qatar

While summer time can bring humidity and sandstorms, fall and winter are the perfect times to book flights to Qatar.

Peak Season: Most vacationers plan flights to Qatar between October and April, (except for Ramadan) when mild temperatures and cooler conditions are constant. Snorkelers and divers beware – the ocean is at its coolest between December and January.

Off-peak Season: Although people rarely consider it an off season, there are fewer travelers booking flights to Qatar between May and September because of the increased humidity. Another low travel time is between December and January, when the few annual raindrops make their appearance. If the wet weather doesn’t scare you, the winter months are the best times to find cheap flights to Qatar.

Getting around Qatar

Although there is only one airport in the country, it’s unlikely you’ll need any domestic Qatar flights with the easy network of public transportation. The Qatar Transport Company (called Mowasalat) operates taxis (karwa) in Doha. For tourist convenience, they can be booked in advance, hailed from the street, or acquired at a hotel platform.

If you’re interested in more independent forms of Qatar travel, renting a car or a 4X4 is easy to do once your flight to Qatar arrives at Doha International Airport. Companies like Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, Budget, Europcar, and Mustafawi handle all the details, and since gas is so inexpensive, it the cost of petrol won’t make a big dent in your budget. Drive on the right side of the road, and be very mindful of all road laws. Police are known to stop incessantly for speeding, lack of seat belts, and suspected drunk driving. Lastly, make sure your driver’s license is on you at all times. If the rules and regulations seem too much to handle, you can also hire a driver.

Outside of taxis, cars, and 4X4’s, Qatar is in the process of developing a new bus system that will center many air-conditioned buses around the Central Bus Station in Doha.

Qatar Travel Information

• Annual Doha Cultural Festival: If you’re booking flights to Qatar in March, you’ll be able to see the Annual Doha Cultural Festival, which is the biggest celebration of the year. Filled with music, poetry, theater, and dance, the cultural promotion revolves around photography and art galleries that brim with tourists and locals alike. If the kids are in tow, be sure to see one of the many theater performances that explain the history and culture of Qatar at a level for children to understand and appreciate.
• Corniche Bay: Stretching 4 miles along the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Corniche Bay is the perfect play to walk, cycle, or rollerblade while catching amazing views of the horizon. With close proximity to Palm Tree Island, it’s easy to take advantage of water sports, shoreline activities, and seafood restaurants. If you’re looking for a little tranquility in your Qatar travel, head to the nearby Al-Rumaila Park, where fresh air and greenery creates the perfect peaceful space to avoid the buzz of the city. 
• Qatar National Museum: On the eastern end of Corniche Bay is the Qatar National Museum, which won the Aga Khan award for its Islamic architecture restoration. The largest museum in the country, it has an exclusive collection of Islamic artifacts and relics that delve deep into the history of early oil exploration and the start of its maritime economy. Open 7 days a week, history buffs planning flights to Qatar should head straight for this well-known attraction.
• Al Bida Park: If you’re looking for an outdoor fitness area during your travel to Qatar, head to the Al Bida Park, where the lush span of greenery and paved pathways allow for walking, jogging, and cycling overlooking the Doha seafront. Much quieter than the rest of the city, the remote space attracts runners and outdoor yoga advocates alike, and if you work up an appetite during your workout, various food options are just around the corner.