Qatar Grand Prix™ Travel Guide
Your guide on how to get to Lusail International Circuit, where to explore & other important information to know before you go.
Practical Information
- Visa: Citizens from over 100 countries can enter Qatar without a visa, making it the most open country in the Middle East. The length of time you are allowed to stay in Qatar without a visa is dependent upon the country of origin. For all information regarding visa requirements, click here.
- Currency: Qatari Riyal, or QAR. You can pay for most items with a card, but it's always worth bringing along some cash. Most ATMs in Qatar are accessible 24/7 and take both national and international cards. Tipping is not expected but can be nice when receiving exceptional service.
- Language: Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but English is widely spoken, especially in the service sector and at Lusail International Circuit.
- Time Zone: UTC +3 hours
- In an Emergency: Dial 999 to be connected to Police, Ambulance or Fire services.
- Power Sockets: Type D and G, with a standard voltage of 240 V and 50 Hz. European plugs should work in Qatar, but it's always safer to carry a good-quality international adapter.
- Weather: For the Qatar Grand Prix™, temperatures should range from around 37°C (98°F) during the day to 24°C (76°F) at night. The weather in Qatar is sunny and hot all year round, with very little rainfall.
- Law & Order: Visitors to Qatar should be aware of the country's laws, which are especially strict when it comes to displays of drunken behavior, using hand gestures and obscene language.
Arrival & Getting around
Flights to Qatar
Doha International Airport (DIA) and Hamad International Airport (DOH) are situated adjacent to one another and are both under 50.0 km (31.1 miles) from Lusail International Circuit. Doha International Airport is typically used for private travel instead of domestic flights, as the airport was not built for the amount of air traffic that Qatar sees on a daily basis. Meanwhile, Hamad International Airport is home to Qatar Airways, the flag carrier for Qatar and the title sponsor of the Qatar Grand Prix. This airport has been voted one of the best worldwide and offers the widest range of international flights when travelling to Qatar. There are more than 40 airlines that offer direct flights to Hamad International Airport from destinations all over the world.
For more information about both airports, see here.
Where to stay
We highly recommend staying in Doha, where you will be able to take in all the sights and sounds of Qatar while visiting for the race weekend. Plus, the commute to Lusail International Circuit from Doha is convenient due to the vast amount of transportation options with relatively reasonable price option. There are numerous luxury hotels in the city centre and many hotel offerings at a variety of price ranges.
F1® Experiences offers a selection of the best hotels in Doha. If you are still looking for accommodation, contact your Sales Representative for more information about available hotel options.
How to get to Lusail International Circuit
Public Transportation
For people using the Metro, there will be frequent shuttle buses running between Lusail Metro Station and Lusail International Circuit. The expected shuttle travel time from Lusail Metro Station to Lusail International Circuit may take up to 40 minutes. On Fridays, the Metro only operates from 14:00 so you will need to plan accordingly to not miss any on-track action.
There is also a public bus that can take you to more locations outside of the above Metro routes. For all bus information, see here.
Taxi and Ridesharing
There will be a designated taxi/Uber drop-off point at the circuit. A taxi from the West Bay area of Doha to Lusail International Circuit will take approximately 25 minutes, but you will need to prepare for increased travel times due to the amount of traffic heading to the circuit.
Hire a Car
Driving to Lusail International Circuit is an option but is not encouraged due to high traffic volume throughout the race weekend, especially at the end of track activities each day. If you choose to drive, free parking will be available for a limited number of cars so you will need to plan to arrive early with the anticipated traffic congestion and road closures.
F1® Experiences
Booked accommodation along with your Official Ticket Package from F1® Experiences? Daily transfers to and from the circuit can be added to your Official Ticket Package for an additional cost.
What to see & do in Qatar
Take a Desert Safari Tour
A trip to Qatar is not complete without exploring the sandy dunes of Doha’s desert. There are many tour options to choose from, depending on how adventurous you are willing to be! Explore the desert with a driving tour, by riding on a camel’s back, taking a sandboard, and more. Tours take place from sunrise to sunset, and you can choose your desired duration including half-day, full-day, and overnight tours.
Immerse yourself during a Sightseeing Cruise
To see all the best parts of Doha’s skyline, there’s no better option than a sightseeing cruise. Aboard a traditional Qatari boat, you will enter the Arabian Gulf to see the gorgeous skyline and Al Safiya Island. Some tours offer the opportunity to swim, sing karaoke, or indulge in food & beverages. Cruise times range throughout the day but longer tours can include a sunset ride with dinner and entertainment.
Visit the historic Souq Waqif
Known to be the most historically rich location in the centre of Qatar, the Souq Waqif carefully articulates the architecture, customs and traditions dating back over 100 years. With numerous markets offering locally made items making for the perfect souvenirs and delicious food options so you can take in all the tastes of Qatar. We recommend visiting in the morning when limited tourists are wandering the market.
Experience luxury at The Pearl-Qatar
Visited by more than 15 million people a year, The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island that is home to one of the most luxurious areas in all of Doha. With the longest walkway in the world, you'll be able to take in the amazing views over the marina and experience the fabulous dining options and outstanding shopping. This is the perfect place to spend a free afternoon to see all the recent growth, rich history, and spectacular environment in Qatar.
