Last edit by: remdk
Trip report of the tour with pictures and answers to some ambiguity.
http://focusedflyer.com/2016/01/06/qatar-airways-free-doha-city-tour-review/
In post 135 of this thread Brighterside suggests that the free tours have been replaced by tours costing QAR 40. This has yet to be confirmed but be warned that changes may be happening right now.
http://focusedflyer.com/2016/01/06/qatar-airways-free-doha-city-tour-review/
In post 135 of this thread Brighterside suggests that the free tours have been replaced by tours costing QAR 40. This has yet to be confirmed but be warned that changes may be happening right now.
Qatar Airways Launches Free Doha City Tour For Transit Passengers
#121
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold HH Diamond
Posts: 210
Thanks to all. Have booked a night at the Souq Waqif courtesy of +Qatar and so far (+48 hours) there's been no email telling me it's no go because of not meeting the 12 hour restriction. So it all looks good atm.
One more question, -is it quicker to go straight through immigration on arrival, ie not as a transit passenger? There is an argument for parking my carry-on in the lounge and then escaping via the 'backwards' route, as others have done, but it does seem a little convoluted and don't wish to spend anymore time in the terminal than is necessary.
One more question, -is it quicker to go straight through immigration on arrival, ie not as a transit passenger? There is an argument for parking my carry-on in the lounge and then escaping via the 'backwards' route, as others have done, but it does seem a little convoluted and don't wish to spend anymore time in the terminal than is necessary.
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 16,966
Thanks to all. Have booked a night at the Souq Waqif courtesy of +Qatar and so far (+48 hours) there's been no email telling me it's no go because of not meeting the 12 hour restriction. So it all looks good atm.
One more question, -is it quicker to go straight through immigration on arrival, ie not as a transit passenger? There is an argument for parking my carry-on in the lounge and then escaping via the 'backwards' route, as others have done, but it does seem a little convoluted and don't wish to spend anymore time in the terminal than is necessary.
One more question, -is it quicker to go straight through immigration on arrival, ie not as a transit passenger? There is an argument for parking my carry-on in the lounge and then escaping via the 'backwards' route, as others have done, but it does seem a little convoluted and don't wish to spend anymore time in the terminal than is necessary.
I can't see any point in milking the lounge experience when you've got a whole country waiting for you outside the airport
And on taxis, Uber works well from the airport.
#124
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
G-ARVE the fastest route would be if you arrive at a remote stand because it will drop you at the foot of the escalator up to arrivals/transit security. Follow the signs for arrivals and remember to use the airside arrivals lounge/immigration then when exiting customs follow the signs for taxis and you are through. If you arrive at a contact gate you will have a trek to arrivals.
#125
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,660
#127
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold HH Diamond
Posts: 210
G-ARVE the fastest route would be if you arrive at a remote stand because it will drop you at the foot of the escalator up to arrivals/transit security. Follow the signs for arrivals and remember to use the airside arrivals lounge/immigration then when exiting customs follow the signs for taxis and you are through. If you arrive at a contact gate you will have a trek to arrivals.
#128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 16,966
If you are booking a car by phone/app, it's less messy to arrange pickups at the further doors (Gates 3 and 4).
#129
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP (2.5MM), Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,859
Flying LAX-DOH-SIN, arrive DOH 21:55 and depart next day at 09:55. I'm guessing the tour is a no-go with my limited times.
Any other suggestions? My return trip has longer layover so I'm using the +Qatar free night on that overnight (Hear the IC Doha The City is the place to stay but also considering Marriott Marquis due to Plat status).
Any other suggestions? My return trip has longer layover so I'm using the +Qatar free night on that overnight (Hear the IC Doha The City is the place to stay but also considering Marriott Marquis due to Plat status).
#130
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
mikelat welcome to the QR forum.
I am afraid that you are out of luck with the free city tour. There are only four every day at 08.00, 11.00, 16.00 and 20.00.
However you may consider arranging your own tour as others have done. See QR free transit visa - DIY Doha night tour? for details.
I am afraid that you are out of luck with the free city tour. There are only four every day at 08.00, 11.00, 16.00 and 20.00.
However you may consider arranging your own tour as others have done. See QR free transit visa - DIY Doha night tour? for details.
#131
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,660
So you'll only be at a hotel from, say, 2300 to 0800, best case. With that kind of layover, I would (and did, last month), just stay in the airport. If it doesn't break your budget, use the airport hotel. It's airside, making it much easier. If it's too expensive for you (it is for me), you might just try the quiet area in Al Mourjan, colocated with the showers behind the deli. That's what I did; and it worked out perfectly. I slept well enough, got up, had a shower, then a leisurely breakfast in the upstairs dining room before making my way to the gate. No rushing at all, a very relaxing (and free!) experience.
#134
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Herts, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond.
Posts: 3,164
I saw the checkin open time, but didn't spot that there was an end time
#135
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: BA GOLD
Posts: 601
Is the free city tour still available I have used this link mentioned previously in this thread ....https://discoverqatar.qatarairways.c.../transittours/ ?
I have also found on the Qatar Airways website a tour which sounds identical but costs from QR40 and am unsure if one has superceded the other or if they are just different timings to the free one........https://discoverqatar.qatarairways.c.../transittours/
I have also found on the Qatar Airways website a tour which sounds identical but costs from QR40 and am unsure if one has superceded the other or if they are just different timings to the free one........https://discoverqatar.qatarairways.c.../transittours/