How do I get from Doha to Lusail International Circuit?

By hire car or taxi: 20–25 km north of West Bay via the Lusail Expressway — 25–35 minutes without traffic. Depart by 18:00 for a 20:00 race. By official shuttle: buses from West Bay, Souq Waqif, and the airport on race weekend — check circuit official channels for bookings. By Doha Metro: Gold Line north toward Lusail — check Qatar Rail for current coverage and race weekend enhanced services.

Which airport serves the Qatar MotoGP?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha — one of the world's busiest hub airports, the home of Qatar Airways. Direct connections from virtually every major city on earth. The airport itself is worth arriving early for: the giant yellow Lamp Bear sculpture, the excellent terminal shopping and dining, and the Oryx Airport Hotel for long layovers. DOH is 30 km south of the circuit — 35–45 minutes by hire car.

Is alcohol available at the Qatar MotoGP?

Alcohol is available in licensed hotel bars and restaurants throughout Doha's hotel district (West Bay, The Pearl, Souq Waqif area hotels). At the circuit, availability depends on the specific event licence — check the official race website for Qatar 2026. No alcohol is available in public spaces, the souq, or unlicensed venues. Qatar significantly expanded its licensed hospitality offer after the 2022 World Cup.

What Qatari food should I try in Doha?

Machboos (slow-cooked spiced rice with lamb, chicken, or fish — Qatar's national dish), harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge, rich and comforting), luqaimat (fried dumplings with date syrup and sesame), and fresh Qatari dates. In Souq Waqif: mezze at Lebanese and Syrian restaurants, grilled lamb, and Arabic coffee (cardamom-spiced, served with dates). For late-night food after the race: the Souq Waqif restaurants stay open past midnight.

🏨 MotoGP · Lusail

Where to Stay in Lusail

Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar · 2026-11-08

Race weekends sell out fast. Here's where to stay near Lusail International Circuit — from party-central neighbourhoods to quieter spots with easy transport links.

Neighbourhoods

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West Bay (Recommended — Doha's Hotel District)

West Bay is Doha's luxury hotel centre — towers rising from the bay with extraordinary views. Four Seasons Hotel Doha (on the bay, the grandest address in Doha), St. Regis Doha (West Bay — landmark building, exceptional), W Doha (bold design hotel, rooftop pool and bar with bay views), Hilton Doha The Pearl (Pearl-Qatar island, excellent marina location), InterContinental Doha (West Bay, business hotel with large pool complex). November is shoulder season for Doha — prices are lower than peak (Dec–Feb) but comfort is perfect. Book 2–3 months ahead for race weekend.

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Souq Waqif Area

Staying near Souq Waqif puts you in the most atmospheric part of old Doha. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels (a cluster of boutique properties within the Souq itself — traditional architecture, authentic location, the best address in Doha for cultural immersion), Marriott Marquis City Center Doha (adjacent to City Center mall), and several mid-range hotels. Easy Corniche walk to the MIA.

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The Pearl-Qatar (Luxury)

An artificial island development 5 km north of West Bay — marinas, luxury apartments, and hotel residences. Hilton Doha The Pearl and Al Messila Luxury Collection are exceptional. Quieter than West Bay but closer to the circuit (15 km).

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Near the Circuit (Lusail)

Lusail has new hotels in the development district — Lusail Hotel and several serviced apartment complexes. The most circuit-proximate option (10–15 minutes) but the area is still developing and lacks Doha's city atmosphere. Practical for those doing a short race-only trip.

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Booking Strategy

Alcohol: hotel bars only — no public drinking

Alcohol is available at licensed hotel bars and restaurants throughout Doha's 5-star hotel belt — Qatar introduced more flexible licensing ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Beer, wine, and spirits are served normally in hotel venues. On the circuit, alcohol may be available in specific hospitality areas — check the race-specific information. No alcohol in public spaces, souqs, or unlicensed restaurants. Budget options in the city are generally dry.

Dress modestly outside the circuit and hotel zone

Qatar is welcoming to international visitors but is a Muslim country with social expectations outside the tourist zone. Cover shoulders and knees in the souq, museums, and general public spaces. The circuit itself is fully relaxed during race weekend — normal race fan attire is fine. Hotel pools and beach clubs operate with international standards. Respectful awareness of local culture is appreciated and reciprocated with extraordinary hospitality.