The stunning capital of Qatar awaits you with regular flights from Istanbul to Doha with Qatar Airways, transporting you in comfort to the pearl of the Gulf. Our luxury fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft have been designed with your comfort in mind, and you’ll be delighted not only at the space you have available, but also at the sheer quality of our in-flight award-winning services.
Doha, with its famously futuristic skyline, has a beautiful natural setting, with many sandy beaches and an exotic desert surrounding its city limits. The green oasis of Aspire Park is perfect for a stroll, and landmarks such as the stunning Barzan Towers and the historic Doha Fort are very popular with visitors. Home also to many jazz and sport centres, restaurants and shopping malls, Doha is a vibrant and exciting city to visit.
If you are seeking adventure, dreaming of immersing yourself in culture and art or longing to visit your family and friends, Qatar has something for everyone. Now is the perfect time to plan your next holiday and discover an authentic Arabian treasure in the heart of the Gulf.
Qatar warmly welcomes visitors from around the world. Visitors from 102 countries can enter visa-free. Find more information here.
Flying from Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is one of two airports serving the Turkish city of Istanbul, so it is important that passengers flying from Istanbul make sure they are at the right airport for their flight.
Located 22 miles from the centre of the city on the Asian side, this modern, efficient departure point serves international destinations across the globe and is a relaxed and memorable start to any journey. Staff are friendly and focused on delivering a truly outstanding passenger experience.
Parking and transportation
There are regular buses between the airport, the nearest Metro station and the city centre, and take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the time of day. Note that during particularly busy times that journey time can increase.
Taxis are plentiful, but it is advisable to ask your hotel concierge to book one for you so that you are taken to the airport in a metered, official taxi. SAWKOOP taxis offer fixed-price city and hotel transfers to the airport.
An alternative route is by water bus, and the IDO Sea Bus Port is five miles away and provides links to other parts of the city and further afield. Parking is provided by a four-storey car park next to the terminal, which has capacity for 4,700 vehicles. Spaces fill up quickly.
Arriving in Istanbul
Passengers flying from Istanbul with Qatar Airways will depart from the main terminal Departures area. It is well signposted and has 112 check-in desks and 24 online check-in counters.
There are a number of VIP and business/first-class passenger lounges.
Be aware that security at the airport is particularly tight, so allow at least one and a half to two hours before your flight is due to board to check in and clear security and customs checks.
Facilities and amenities
Apart from the VIP lounges, there are spacious waiting areas for passengers that are comfortable. Mother and baby rooms are available, as are prayer rooms for devotions.
Wi-Fi internet connectivity is available throughout the airport for a fee, and there are fixed internet kiosks in both Arrivals and Departures.
Food outlets include the usual fast food options, as well as some vendors selling Turkish specialities, and the shopping area houses several high-quality outlets selling watches, perfumes, leather goods and accessories.
Arriving in Doha
Book a flight to Doha with Qatar Airways and fly to our hub, Hamad International Airport.
Doha is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Arabian Gulf, where modern innovation meets traditional culture. It is home to an abundance of captivating attractions including mosques, museums, shopping malls and more.
Marked by its crescent-shaped bay, Doha was originally a collection of fishing and pearl diving villages. Today, it boasts a skyline of architectural marvels seen nowhere else in the world.
Tourist attractions
Discover the story of Qatar at Msheireb Enrichment Centre – a barge docked at the Doha Corniche nearby the Sheraton Hotel. It features unique displays that chart the country’s fascinating history and its ongoing plans to build a bright future.
Qatar is also brimming with creative masterpieces, some of which you will find at the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. Meander through its hallways to admire a collection of contemporary works from across the Arab world.
Continue exploring Middle Eastern treasures when stopping by Souq Waqif – a charming market at the heart of Doha. Here, you can capture memories at the ancient Al Koot Fort, constructed in 1880.
To bask in panoramic views of the Corniche and beyond, make your way to The Clock Tower, located next to the Grand Mosque. Don’t forget to visit Doha Heritage Village in Al Rumeilia Park, to experience Arabian life in the past.
Travel considerations
Qatar Airways flights to Doha land at Hamad International Airport. You may need a visa depending on your country of origin, length of stay and purpose of travel. Before you fly, check that you comply with all Qatar’s travel and entry requirements.
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