2026 Qatar Grand Prix Travel Guide

Attend the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix on November 27-29 Advice for F1 fans on buying tickets, where to stay in Doha and how to get to Lusail Circuit

Qatar F1 Tickets / F1 Experiences / Doha Hotels / Qatar F1 Facebook Group

The Qatar Grand Prix first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, as a late addition to replace the Australian Grand Prix, which had been cancelled for the second year in a row as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix marks Formula 1’s third visit to Lusail Circuit.

After a single year absence in 2022 – as a result of the country hosting the FIFA World Cup – the event returned to the calendar in 2023 as part of a ten-year deal. All three of F1’s visits to Qatar to date have brought action-packed race weekends. Lewis Hamilton (in 2021) and Max Verstappen (2023, 2024, 2025) are the only two Grand Prix winners to date at the track. Unlike the last three years, Qatar will not host an F1 Sprint in 2026.

Click the links below to read the different sections of our guide and scroll down to start planning your trip!

2026 Qatar Grand Prix Tickets

Learn more about buying F1 race tickets at Lusail Circuit for the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix on November 27-29

Where To Stay in Doha

The best places to stay in Doha & Lusail for F1 fans attending the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix on November 27-29

How to Get Around in Doha

How to get to Lusail Circuit for the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix. Advice & tips on flights, public transport, taxis & car hire in Qatar

TRAVEL ADVICE

Trackside at Lusail Circuit

Learn more about attending the Qatar Grand Prix. Information about entry, concerts, fan zone & the full weekend timetable at Lusail Circuit.

TRACKSIDE GUIDE

Qatar Grand Prix Facebook Group

Join our Facebook group for attending the Qatar Grand Prix. Have your questions answered by our friendly community of race-going F1 fans.

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP

Budget Planner

Work out the cost of F1 tickets, accommodation and spending money to attend the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail Circuit.

PLAN YOUR BUDGET

Race Facts & History

Learn more about the history of the Qatar Grand Prix, which joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2021.

What to See & Do in Qatar

From exploring Qatar’s history and landscapes to unique shopping experiences, here are the best things to do in Doha during your trip to the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.

QATAR’S TOP ATTRACTIONS

Race Week Events In Doha

From fan zones to motorsport exhibitions, car displays and art festivals, here are the top events happening in Doha during race week at the Qatar Grand Prix!

RACE WEEK EVENTS

Start Planning Your Trip to Qatar

Timezone: GMT + 3 hours
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Language: Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but English is widely spoken
Power Sockets: Type G
Driving: You drive on the right side of the road in Qatar. It’s illegal to drink and drive in Qatar.
Tap Water: Safe to drink in Qatar, but using bottled water is recommended.
More Info: Visit Qatar Official Tourism Website

Do I Need a Visa for Qatar?

Qatar is one of the easiest countries to visit in the Middle East, with visitors from more than 95 countries not requiring a travel visa to visit the country. The amount of time you can stay in Qatar varies by country – some will be able to stay for 90 days without a visa, while others can spend only 30 days. You can check visa requirements for your country on the Visit Qatar website. If your country is not included on the list, you can apply for an online visa to visit Qatar.

Doha’s Weather

After being staged too early in the year in October 2023, when temperatures were uncomfortably high for both drivers and fans, the Qatar Grand Prix has now moved to a new slot in late November. Temperatures are now much more comfortable and humidity is lower. In fact, some fans complained last year about cool trackside temperatures after the sun went down – pack a light jumper and/or jacket if you are planning to attend in 2025.

Staying Safe in Doha

Qatar often tops the list of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East and North African. Crime levels are low in Qatar and you are unlikely to be a victim of crime during your visit to the Qatar Grand Prix. You should remain vigilant, however. Only use licensed taxis and avoid unfamiliar areas at night. Pick pocketing and similar petty crimes are rare but be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded places.

Money

Thanks to its substantial oil and gas reserves, Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world. The currency used in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). The conversion rate between the Qatari Riyal and the US dollar has remained relatively consistent in recent decades. 1 QAR is the equivalent of around $0.28 USD. ATMs can be found in shopping malls, hotels and on streets.

Laws & Customs in Qatar

Qatar’s human rights record is poor, especially in relation to laws on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ communities and the treatment of foreign workers. While the governments’ laws are strict, those who live in Qatar are generally welcoming and tolerant. You should respect local customs and dress modestly in public. Women should cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts, while men should not wear shorts or sleeveless tops. You can be jailed or deported for using offensive language or making rude gestures. Be aware of cultural sensitivities when taking photos in Qatar, especially if you are at a religious building.

Drinking Alcohol in Qatar

There are strict rules on the consumption of alcohol in Qatar. You are able to drink alcohol, but only in licensed locations. At the Qatar Grand Prix, alcohol is only available in hospitality venues. It is not served in the Fan Zones. The legal age for alcohol consumption in Qatar is 21. Drinking in public can result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months.

Qatar Grand Prix FAQ

The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27-29. Qatar is the penultimate race of the season, and will be followed one week later by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Tickets for the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix went on sale from February 15. A 10% early-bird discount applies to all 3-day grandstand and general admission tickets until March 15. Learn more in our Ticket Buying Guide.

The nearby city of Lusail has an increasing supply of accommodation and easy access to the circuit, but there’s much more choice in West Bay and central areas of Doha. Learn more in our Accommodation Guide.

Doha is very well connected to all parts of the world via local flag-carrying airline Qatar Airways. It’s possible to get to Lusail Circuit via a combination of the metro and shuttle bus. Taxis and ride share vehicles are also good options for getting to the circuit, or you can drive yourself. Learn more in Getting Around.

Ticket prices are relatively affordable in Qatar, as are prices for accommodation. As with most races in the Middle East, however, prices for hospitality suites at Lusail Circuit are higher than average. Learn more in Budget Planner.

Yes, there is normally a public pitlane walk on Thursday afternoon at the Qatar Grand Prix. It has previously taken place from 13:00-14:45 for 3-day ticket holders. Free pit lane walk tickets are offered via email to buyers of tickets for the race weekend. Details about the pit lane walk have not been confirmed for 2026. Learn more in Trackside.

Qatar will not host an F1 Sprint in 2026.

Formula 2 is confirmed as a support category at the 2026 Qatar GP. Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East has also raced at recent editions of the race in Qatar, but has not yet confirmed its calendar for 2026. Learn more in Trackside.

Yes, but headliners have not yet been announced. In 2025, Seal performed on Friday night, Algerian singer Khaled on Saturday night and Metallica on Sunday night. Learn more in Trackside.

Qatar Grand Prix News

Over 160,000 Attend 2025 Qatar Grand Prix Weekend

The fourth running of the Qatar Grand Prix attracted a weekend attendance of 162,972 according to local media reports. It is the highest figure in the event’s history.

The Best Race Week Events at the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix

From fan zones to motorsport exhibitions, car displays and art festivals, here are the top events happening in Doha during the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix!

Metallica and Seal to Headline 2025 Qatar Grand Prix

2025 Qatar Grand Prix organisers have announced Seal and Metallica as the headline acts who’ll perform at Lusail Circuit on November 28-30

F1 Garage – Formula 1’s Most Exclusive VIP Hospitality

Learn more and find out how to purchase access to the F1 Garage, which offers pit lane views & gourmet food prepared by Gordon Ramsay’s culinary team

The Definitive Ranking of 2026 Formula 1 Ticket Prices

China continues to sell the cheapest on the F1 calendar in 2026, data from our extensive annual analysis of Formula 1 ticket prices shows.

RANKED: The Top F1 Races to Attend for Trackside Concerts

Which F1 circuits host the biggest concerts over Grand Prix weekends? Learn about where to go for the best trackside concerts.

Meet the Aussie Who Traveled to Every F1 Race in 2024

Anthony, who attended all twenty-four Formula 1 races in 2024, tells us how he planned the trip and shares his highs and lows from an epic year of motorsport travel.

Readers’ Experiences at Lusail – 2024 Qatar Grand Prix

Readers who attended the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail Circuit share their experience of attending Formula 1’s newest Middle Eastern race

Meet the Couple Who Traveled to Every F1 Race in 2023

What’s it like to attend every single race in a Formula 1 season? We caught up with David and Michelle from New Zealand, who did just that last year.

About Doha & Qatar

Qatar is situated on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. Its only land border is shared with Saudi Arabia, which coincidentally also hosted its first Grand Prix in 2021. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain – which host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Bahrain Grand Prix – are also nearby. Lusail Circuit is located around 30km north of Qatar’s capital city Doha and around 40 km north of Hamad International Airport, the main gateway into the country.

Qatar ranks among the world’s richest countries, thanks to its wealth of oil and gas reserves. The country has a population of close to 3 million, with around a third of its inhabitants living in Doha. Qatari nationals account for only 10% of the country’s population. The majority of the population is made up of migrants, most of whom have moved to Qatar for work.

In 2022, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup, which took the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix’s title as the biggest sporting event that the country had ever hosted. Lusail Stadium, which hosted the World Cup final, is just 10km south of Lusail Circuit. MotoGP also makes an annual trip to Qatar, with the Qatar Grand Prix having been held annually at the circuit since 2004.

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