Here’s how to get to Lusail International Circuit near Doha for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. Tips on using public transport, taxis and car hire.
- The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix takes place on Nov 29-Dec 1
- Tickets are now on sale. We also recommend F1 Experiences Ticket Packages
- The Editor attended the 2021 & 2023 Qatar Grands Prix.
- This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links
Losail International Circuit is located 10km north of Lusail, Qatar’s second-largest city. The country’s largest city, the capital Doha, is just 30km south of the track. Hamad International Airport, Qatar’s largest airport, is less than 50km south of the venue.
Lusail International Circuit opened in 2004. While MotoGP has raced in Qatar annually since then, Formula 1 visited Qatar for the first time in 2021 for the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix. The country returns to the calendar for the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, as part of a 10-year contract.
Despite hosting major international racing series, Lusail International Circuit is not well linked by public transport, meaning that shuttle services and taxis are the best ways of getting to the track.
Airports Near Losail International Circuit
Hamad International Airport (DOH) is Qatar’s main airport. It is located 15km southeast of Doha’s city centre, and a further 30km southeast of Losail International Circuit. Built at a cost of $15 billion, the airport is stylish and modern. It won the accolade of ‘World’s Best Airport’ in both 2021 and 2022.
Hamad International Airport is the home of Qatar’s flag carrier airline, Qatar Airways, which links a long list of international airports with Doha. Qatar Airways replaced Emirates as Formula 1’s new airline partner in early 2023.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the airport had an annual footfall of close to 40 million. Hamad International Airport replaced Doha International Airport as the country’s main hub for air travel when it opened in 2014. It was previously known as New Doha International Airport.
How to Get from Hamad International Airport to Doha
Travelling from Hamad International Airport into Doha and the surrounding area is easy thanks to multiple public transport links. Buses link the airport to various destinations in the city. The buses are run by Mowasalat, Qatar’s state transport company. Buses depart from the Bus Pavilion, located to the right of the arrivals hall.
Doha’s metro service, which opened in 2019, also operates from the airport, linking the airport to some of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. The three metro lines (Red, Green and Gold) cover a total distance of 75km, with 37 stations across the three routes.
Taxis are available from the airport, also operated by Mowasalat. You should hire taxis from the taxi pavilion. Taxis here are authorised. You can also book a transfer from the airport to the city via Uber.
If you want to drive yourself during your visit to Qatar, it is possible to rent a car from the airport. See below for further details.
Hotel Bookings & Circuit Transfers with F1 Experiences
Did you know that you can book both your hotel and circuit transfers for the Qatar Grand Prix via F1 Experiences? Circuit transfers are available for F1 Experiences guests who have booked their hotel together with an Official Ticket Package. F1 Experiences secures room allocations at some of the most sought-after hotels in Doha on race weekend, and return bus transfers from your hotel to the Lusail circuit can be added to your booking. View Qatar 2024 ticket packages & hotels
How to Get to Lusail International Circuit
By Public Transport
Doha has good public transport links, with buses, trams and metro all operating within the city. Doha’s metro system is recently built and was in operation for last year’s FIFA World Cup. It has three lines with Red, Gold and Green color coding.
Lusail Metro Station, 10km south of the circuit, is the northernmost stop on the Red Metro line which runs from South to North – see the Metro map above. Single journeys on the Doha Metro cost 3 Qatari Riyals (QAR), or approx. $0.80 USD. Please note that on Fridays, the metro only operates from 14:00.
On race weekend in 2023, Qatar Grand Prix ticket holders will be able to use a free shuttle bus service from the Lusail metro station to the circuit. The shuttles should take around 20 minutes but due to potential traffic delays at peak times, the organizers have stated that the ride can take up to 40 minutes.
Shuttles will operate from 14:00 to 02:30 on Friday Saturday and Sunday. The last train departing Lusail Metro station is at 03:00.
By Taxi
Taxi is one of the more convenient ways of getting to Lusail International Circuit. Taxis in Qatar are cheap and easy to use. Among the most trusted taxi firms in Doha are Karwa taxis. With their distinctive turquoise-coloured cabs, Karwa taxis are metered and operate 24/7. You can book a journey via the app.
There is a designated taxi drop off and pick up point near the main circuit gates. Taxis are available until 03:00. After this, you should use the Karwa taxi mobile application. Journey times from central Doha to the track should be around 30 minutes and you should expect to pay around 35 Qatari Riyals (QAR) or around $10 USD for a one-way fare with no traffic – be aware that the charge per kilometre increases by 50% at night. Race weekend traffic may also add time and money to your journey.
By Uber
Uber also operates in the Doha area and is a good option for getting to Lusail International Circuit. It is easy to request a ride with Uber up to 30 days before your journey. Please note that Ubers will not be able to drop off and pick up at the circuit; only at the Lusail Metro station. Rides from Lusail Metro station to the track and back should be taken using the Shuttle Buses (see above)
By Car
A wide range of car rentals are available at Hamad International Airport. Cars can be booked from a number of global brands, including Europcar, Hertz and AVIS, plus other reputable Qatari firms. We recommend booking your rental in advance of your arrival in order to minimise waiting times at the airport. Find more information about car rentals via the Hamad International Airport website.
If you’re just transiting to and from the circuit each day, it may be more convenient (and cheaper) to let someone else do the driving. Driving standards are not of the highest quality, especially in bigger cities like Doha, so take care on the roads.
Free parking is available at the circuit but parking space is limited. Race organisers recommend car sharing where possible. Your journey from central Doha to the track should take around half an hour, but be sure to allow time for heavier traffic over the race weekend. When driving to the circuit, you should exit the motorway at Exit 29B and follow the signs to the parking. No access to the circuit is available from Al Khor Coastal Road.
