Overview
Doha has grown from a quiet pearling town into one of the Gulf's most polished city breaks, and with fast direct flights from the UK it works well as a standalone trip or as a stopover en route to Asia or Australia. Expect a skyline of towers along the Corniche, world-class museums, sand dunes within easy reach and a walkable old souq. For current fares, see the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Doha
The comfortable season runs from November to April, when daytime temperatures sit in the low to mid-20s°C and evenings are pleasant for strolling the waterfront. December and January are peak for sunshine and events, so demand and fares rise — the When to book chart above shows how prices move through the year. From June to September the heat is intense, often above 40°C, though hotel rates ease and almost everything indoors is heavily air-conditioned. Spring and autumn are a good-value middle ground.
Airlines and routes
Qatar Airways is the main carrier, flying non-stop to its Hamad International hub from London Heathrow and Gatwick, plus Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. British Airways also flies London Heathrow to Doha. Direct flight time is roughly 6 hours 45 minutes from London and around 7 hours from Manchester. Connecting options via other European or Gulf hubs — for example with KLM, Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines — can cost less but add several hours.
Things to do in Doha
A compact city where culture, shopping and desert adventure sit close together.
- Museum of Islamic Art: I. M. Pei's landmark building and a superb collection, set in its own waterfront park.
- Souq Waqif: Restored market lanes for spices, textiles, gold and traditional Qatari dining.
- National Museum of Qatar: Jean Nouvel's "desert rose" design telling the nation's story.
- The Pearl-Qatar: Man-made island with marina promenades, boutiques and restaurants.
- Katara Cultural Village: Theatres, galleries, mosques and a public beach.
At Hamad International Airport (DOH)
The airport is about 15 km south-east of the city centre, typically 20–25 minutes by road. Metered Karwa taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem) wait outside arrivals, and many hotels offer transfers. The Doha Metro Red Line links the airport directly to downtown and is quick, inexpensive and air-conditioned.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Doha
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; last-minute Gulf fares are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK school holidays and the December peak — the price charts on this page show the cheaper windows.
- Keep your dates flexible by a day or two, and weigh the total cost of direct Qatar Airways or BA flights against one-stop alternatives.
- Set a fare alert and compare nearby departure airports if you have more than one within reach.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa in advance: a free 30-day entry waiver is granted on arrival and can be extended, provided your passport has at least six months' validity. The currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR), with ATMs widely available and card payment common. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, tap water is desalinated and generally fine for brushing teeth, and while Doha is relaxed, modest dress is appreciated in public and alcohol is served only in licensed venues.
