Qatar Airways Privilege Club - Transfer in Qatar - what to do for 16h

Hi

My little brother, 18, is flying CPT - DOH - FRA in a couple weeks and will arrive in DOH at 7am leaving at 0.05am the following day. (Qatar Airways)

I searched the forum and got the impression that there is not much to see/do at DOH airport thus I thought he might be able to visit the city and malls a little.
Does anyone know if there is a bus to the malls where he could spend some time or would it be better to book a cheap hotel for the day where he could use the pool and relax/sleep a little?

He has a EU passport so, from what I read, he'll get a free visa at the airport?

Also, he's flying on a discount economy o/w ticket.

Thanks a lot for your help guys! :)

jackthebox

There is no way you can spend 16 hours at that airport without going nuts, I am afraid. As has been mentioned elsewhere Doha airport resembles a train-station from the 50's unless you are in the Premium Terminal.

I don't know if there is a bus service into town but the airport is very close to the centre and a taxi doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

I wouldn't spend 16h at DOH airport, even in the Premium Terminal.
My recommendation would be to get a hotel room to spend time there.

He also qualifies for some free things if his layover is more than 8 hours (snack/drink vouchers). Upon arrival, he should contact the transfer desk and tell them that his layover is over 8 hours.

Also, in another threat, there is an ongoing discussion about a 20 pound discount vouchers for hotel booking. So, if you need such a voucher, PM me. It can save you/him some cash on hotel booking.

Please contact the QR ticket office in CPT BEFORE he travels to see if he qualifies for a STPC hotel stay or layover hotel.

The ground staff in DOH are quite clueless in all of this so it is best if everything is arranged before your brother lands there.