Traveling To Qatar For The World Cup On A Budget

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is expected to attract 1.2 million visitors, representing over half the population of this small, energy-rich Arab nation. With such high demand, travelling to Qatar cheaply may be a challenge. However, there are ways to save money on flights, accommodation and transportation. Here are some tips to help you travel to Qatar for the World Cup cheaply:

- Flights: Consider using airline points or miles to book your flight to Qatar. If you have flexibility, look for flights with layovers or unconventional routes, which tend to be cheaper. Flying during off-peak hours or days can also help you find lower fares.

- Accommodation: Instead of staying in traditional hotels, explore alternative options such as cruise ships, fan villages, serviced apartments or villas. These options can offer more affordable rates than standard hotels. Additionally, consider sharing a room with friends to further reduce costs.

- Transportation: Qatar will provide free bus and metro travel for all World Cup guests with a Fan ID. Using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber can also be more cost-effective than renting a car.

- Packages: Look for travel packages that bundle flights, accommodation and match tickets together. These packages can sometimes offer better value than booking each component separately.

- Planning: Start planning and saving early. The earlier you book your travel and accommodation, the more likely you are to find cheaper options.

Flights: Direct flights from the US range from $1,900 to $2,800

When it comes to travelling to Qatar for the World Cup, flights are a significant consideration. While there are various airlines to choose from, the prices are not budget-friendly.

Direct flights from the US to Doha, Qatar, range from $1,900 to $2,800, depending on the departing airport. These flights are offered by Qatar Airways, with more than 100 weekly flights from 12 cities in the US. These cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

If you're travelling from New York, there are also direct flight options with American, Finnair, Turkish, and Royal Jordanian airlines. However, a direct flight from New York to attend the entire tournament is estimated to cost around $2,200, which is a significant expense.

For those travelling from the East Coast of the US, Qatar Airways offers direct flights, but the prices are considerably higher. Additionally, if you're travelling from South America, flight prices can be even more expensive.

It's important to note that the World Cup is expected to increase demand for flights to Qatar, which may further impact prices.

To save on flight costs, you could consider travelling with airlines that offer more affordable options, such as Flydubai. They offer return flights between Dubai and Doha for the World Cup, with prices ranging from USD 258 to USD 998. However, these flights may not be as convenient or direct as the options provided by Qatar Airways.

Another strategy to consider is booking flights further in advance, as prices are likely to increase as the World Cup approaches. Additionally, you could look into travel packages that include flights, accommodation, and match tickets, as these bundled deals may offer some savings.

Remember to factor in the cost of a Hayya Card, which is mandatory for entry into Qatar during the World Cup period and for attending the matches. This card provides free public transport on match days and costs vary depending on your country of origin.

Overall, while there are options for travelling to Qatar for the World Cup, direct flights from the US are notably expensive, and exploring alternative airlines or travel packages may be necessary for a more affordable trip.

Accommodation: Rooms from $84 a night

Accommodation is scarce in Qatar, with demand far outstripping supply. The country has just 130,000 rooms for the 1.5 million visitors expected over the tournament.

The Qatar 2022 website has an accommodations portal that is the best place to start your search for lodgings. The website features listings at hotels, apartments and villas or aboard two large cruise ships docked at Doha for the duration of the tournament. There is also an option to stay at "fan villages", which the site describes as "a variety of casual camping and cabin-style accommodation for the avid fan".

A recent search on the site for hotel rooms showed nothing available. However, some apartments and villas were available. On the low end was an apartment in Al-Wakrah, a suburb of Doha, for $84 a night. On the high end, a villa in Doha was going for $920 a night.

Cabins aboard the MSC Poesia, moored at Doha port, start at $179 on the website; aboard the MSC World Europa they’re $347.

Airbnb had some bookings in Qatar for the World Cup, with tents going for $100 a night or apartments starting at $500 a night.

Some fans may have to resort to staying in the United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi, 330 miles from Doha, or Dubai, 390 miles away, and take a car, bus or plane to the game.

A strategy to book inexpensive and budget options is to seek accommodation options outside the city centre, and/or at a little distance away from the stadium.

Accommodation options nearer to the stadium would invariably tend to be booked well in advance and cost a lot.

The cities where World Cup matches are scheduled, such as Doha, Lusail, Al Khor, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah already attract several tourists and have a strong infrastructure to support visitors.

Authorities will beef up public transportation during the World Cup, making it possible to commute to the stadium even from afar. The caveat is to be prepared to be put up with delays and jostle with the crowd.

Transport: Free on game days

Public transport is free on game days for those with a Hayya Card, which is a form of fan identification required to enter the country and attend matches during the tournament. The Hayya Card can be used on the Doha Metro, which has stops from the airport into the capital and connections to several of the stadiums. The metro will run until 3 am every day during the tournament.

The Hayya Card can also be used on shuttle buses, which will begin operating 4 hours before each match and end 1.5 hours after the final whistle. These shuttle buses will be useful for getting to and from the stadiums, as well as for travelling between entertainment areas.

There are also dedicated Stadium Express bus services, which will provide direct services between 5 different hubs and each stadium. These buses will operate from dedicated Stadium Express Bus Hubs and bring fans within a 6-26 minute walk from the stadium.

For those who prefer a more private way to get around, Uber is an option, but prices may be higher due to increased demand during the tournament.

Tickets: $70 to $220 for group matches

Tickets for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar have been sold in four categories, with Category 1 being the most expensive and Category 4 reserved exclusively for residents of Qatar. Ticket prices for group matches range from $11 to $220.

For the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, tickets were sold for $55 in Category 3 and $618 in Category 1. Other group matches range from $11 to $220 across the categories.

Round of 16 matches are priced from $19 to $275, while quarterfinal matches range from $82.50 to $426. Semifinal tickets are priced between $137 and $956.

The final will be the most expensive match, with tickets costing between $206 and $1,607.

It is important to note that these prices are in U.S. dollars and that all tickets are sold in Qatari riyal. There may also be additional fees or taxes associated with purchasing tickets, and prices may vary depending on demand and the method of purchase.

Fans interested in purchasing tickets are encouraged to do so in advance through official channels, such as FIFA's ticket portal or the Main Ticketing Centre at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

COVID-19: Negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure

To enter Qatar for the World Cup, all visitors aged six and over must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before their departure. This is required regardless of vaccination status. Results of rapid antigen tests will only be accepted if they are from official medical centres and not self-administered.

In addition to the negative PCR test, visitors must also download a government-run contact tracing phone application called Ehteraz. A green Ehteraz status, which indicates that the user does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, is required to enter any public closed indoor spaces.

Please note that visitors who test positive for COVID-19 while in Qatar will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines.

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