Top 5 Road Trips from Doha You Can Take in a Day
There is something magical about the open road, especially if one's tank is full, good music is on, and the car one is driving is something one dearly loves. Whether you'd want to feature a taste for short weekend getaways or a tourist arriving for a brief holiday, Qatar offers endless hidden points of interest and scenic locations to explore just a few hours' drive away from the capital.
At Al Muftah Rent-a-Car, we think the journey is just as exciting as the destination. So start your car, roll those windows down, and let's check out the five fantastic road trips you can do from Doha in a day!
1. From Doha to Zekreet – Where The Desert Meets The Sea
Distance: ~80 km | Drive time: 1 hour 15 mins (one way)
Why go: Because where else can you see wild-looking rock formations, abandoned movie sets, and exquisite desert landscapes all in one?
Zekreet feels like another planet. The drive itself takes you westward through Qatar's rugged interior. On the way, you will be witnessing limestone formations carved by the winds; perhaps you even catch sight of a few gazelles! Be sure to stop at Film City, a replica traditional village created for a television production, and Umbrella Rock—what a sight!
What to pack: Sunscreen, water, snacks...oh, and willingness to be amazed.
2. From Doha to Al Wakrah Beach and Souq – Sun, Sand, and Seafood
Distance: ~25 km | Drive time: 30 mins
Why go: An ideal choice for a breezy afternoon trip, especially if you adore listening to waves and enjoying grilled hammour.
Al Wakrah has truly shed the cloak of a sleepy fishing village. It's beach now caters to families with shaded huts and barbeque pits. Post the beach time, head to Al Wakrah Souq-a quaint coastal market brimming with cafés, shops, and sea views. A refreshing change from urban Doha!
Perfect with: Friends, family, or someone who appreciates a good sunset.
3. Doha to Al Zubarah Fort – For the History Buffs
Distance: ~105 km | Drive time: 1 hour 30 mins
Why go: One of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Al Zubarah Fort is the place where you interact with the story of Qatar amid old walls and silence in the desert.
Al Zubarah Fort is a beautifully restored 18th-century governor's fortress of one of the most important trading towns of Qatar. The drive itself is equally calming and picturesque and gives you an actual feeling of the vast open spaces that Qimcar represents. This site is a step back into history—a perfect pit stop for a road trip coupled with culture.
Don't forget: Bring your camera. The interplay of sunlit sand with azure blue sky is surreal.
4. Doha to Sealine Beach & Inland Sea – The Iconic Desert Drive
Distance: ~65 km to Sealine | ~100 km to Inland Sea
Drive time: 1 to 2 hours
Why go: Dune, camel, and beachtimes!
Commence your journey to Sealine Beach in Mesaieed, where you can have a camel ride or rent a dune buggy. If driving a 4x4, complete the journey all the way to Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)—a natural beauty where the sea meets the desert- one of the very few places on earth where you can watch the sun set over sand and water simultaneously.
Pro tip: Rent an SUV from us; you'll be glad later.
5. Doha to The Pearl & Lusail – For a Glamorous Urban Chase
Distance: Around 20–25 km | Timing: 20–30 mins
Why go: Because sometimes, there’s just a need to feel fancy.
This one doesn’t really qualify as your garden-variety road trip; on the contrary, it’s much more of a drive-and-dine experience. Begin at The Pearl-Qatar, home to luxury marina views and the best of cafes. Maverick your way down to Lusail City, the futuristic district palm-lined with roads and high-end restaurants. Park your ride and sip Karak for the best bougie life experiences.
Best for: Romantic date nights or when tourists feel like playing.
Final Thoughts
Who needs a vacation to take a road trip? Spot after spot lies so close to Doha that adventure is literally at its doorstep. Searching for history? Or nature? Or just groovy vibes? Whatever it is, just have the right wheels.
And all in all, we can offer the whole range, from minicars to SUVs ready for your desert escapades. So, for once this weekend, ditch the malls and hit the road. We promise that's where memories are made.
Prepared to cruise? Book your self-drive with Al Muftah today!