Doha

Departing from Birmingham Airport

You’ll find top notch facilities and excellent customer service when you fly from Birmingham Airport. With shops and restaurants, as well as a range of other amenities such as lounges and a prayer room, our international airport has everything you need before you fly.

The airport’s convenient location makes it easy to reach by every mode of transportation. If you’re travelling to the airport by bus, you can be dropped off right at the terminal. If you choose to travel by train, you will disembark at Birmingham International train station. From there, free and frequent transport takes you to the terminal in just a few minutes.

Those driving will find a choice of 7 car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via a courtesy shuttle bus. Book a car park space online in advance and save up to 70%.

If you fancy doing a bit of shopping before your flight, we’ve got lots of shops for you to browse. Browse our fashion stores like Superdry and Kurt Geiger.  Visit JD Sport, Sunglass Hut, InMotion and Boots for those last minute essential holiday items. 

All that shopping might leave you feeling peckish, so we’ve got a selection of great cafés, bars and restaurants for you enjoy. You’ll find all your favourite coffee shops like Costa and Caffé Nero, as well as sit-down meal options like Factory Bar and Kitchen and Giraffe. Running a bit late? Grab something on the go for the plane: Wrapchic serve authentic Indian Grab & Go options, Pret a Manger has everything from sandwiches to soups, and Burger King gives you indulgent fast food fare.

We’ve got five fantastic airport lounges, where, for a small fee, you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, unlimited WiFi and great runway views. If you’re travelling on business, book into the Regus Express Lounge, which includes workstations (ThinkPods), comfy seating, laptop stands, secure Wi-Fi and printers and scanners.

Need currency for your trip abroad?  Look no further.  It's easy to pick up before your long-haul flight at one of our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge.  Specialising in 50+ currencies and knowledgeable staff can advise you on the most suitable currency. If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport. 

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page. Whether you like to get through the airport as quickly as possible or you enjoy browsing in the shops and having something to eat, check out our ‘Plan your Journey’ articles for the speedy and leisurely traveller.

Arriving at Doha Airport

Hamad International Airport is the international airport of Doha, and one of the most luxurious airports on the planet. The airport only opened in 2014 and is spotlessly gleaming and ultra-modern.

As you would expect, Hamad International Airport offers you a wide variety of transport options, including a limousine service!

Doha’s bus service connects Hamad International Airport to various destinations across the city, offering a convenient transport option. If you want to take the bus, you will need to purchase a Karwa Smartcard from the Mowasalat Information Desk near Baggage Claim Belt 5 & 6. Without one, you will not be able to pay your fare. All buses depart from the Bus Pavilion, located to the right of the Arrivals Hall.

To take a taxi, head to the left of the Arrivals Hall where you will find a line of Karwa taxis at the airport’s Taxi Pavilion. All taxis are metered. Alternatively, hire a car and explore Qatar yourself; pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Doha

From pristine beaches and graceful sand dunes to busy souks, forts and museums, Qatar offers an endless variety of things to do. Originally a collection of fishing and pearl-diving villages, Doha is now Qatar’s capital city with an impressive skyline.

The official language in Doha is Arabic but business is conducted in English, so you’ll be able to communicate with locals easily. Learning a few Arabic words is always helpful, however.

In Qatar, the working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, so you’ll find your weekends a little different.

Doha enjoys year-round sunshine with a subtropical desert climate. Annual rainfall is low, and the summers are hot and humid. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as they offer pleasant daytime temperatures and cool, refreshing evenings.

Culture in Doha

Home to museums and cultural attractions, souks and shopping malls, and much more, Doha is a surprisingly varied destination. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you’ll enjoy your time in the capital of Qatar.

Qatar is an Islamic state and being respectful to its culture will help you enjoy your stay. There is no dress code for visitors, but dressing respectfully is recommended. Women should dress modestly, and men should not be shirt-less in public. Public displays of affection and intimacy are strongly discouraged and could lead to arrest. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited, unless you are inside a licensed restaurant or bar.

If you want to know more about things you do can do in the city, check out our Doha travel guide.