Getting Around Bahrain
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses and taxis for Manama and Muharraq. Rural: Rent a car for island exploration. Coast: Ferries and coastal roads. For convenience, book airport transfers from Bahrain International to your destination.
Bus Travel
National Bus Network
Efficient and affordable bus system connecting major cities and islands with frequent services.
Cost: Manama to Riffa 0.3 BHD ($0.80), journeys under 30 minutes between most areas.
Tickets: Buy via MTT app, website, or onboard. Contactless payments accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better seating and less crowding.
Bus Passes
Daily pass offers unlimited rides for 0.5 BHD ($1.30), weekly pass 2 BHD ($5.30) for frequent users.
Best For: Multiple stops over a day, significant savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus stations, MTT website, or official app with instant activation.
Cross-Border Options
Shuttle buses via King Fahd Causeway connect to Saudi Arabia, ferries to Qatar and Saudi islands.
Booking: Reserve seats in advance for causeway buses, fares from 1 BHD ($2.65).
Main Hubs: Manama Central Bus Station, with connections to Muharraq and airport.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring islands and rural spots. Compare rental prices from $25-45/day at Bahrain International Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage advised, often included in rental packages.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Electronic tolls on major roads like causeway, about 1 BHD ($2.65) per crossing.
Priority: Roundabouts common, yield to traffic already in circle, no tram priority needed.
Parking: Free in many areas, paid lots $1-2/hour in Manama city center.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations abundant at 0.16 BHD/liter ($0.42) for petrol, subsidized and cheap.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both excellent with offline modes.
Traffic: Moderate congestion in Manama during rush hours and weekends.
Urban Transport
Manama Buses & Shuttles
Comprehensive network covering the capital, single ticket 0.3 BHD ($0.80), day pass 0.5 BHD ($1.30).
Validation: Pay onboard or use app, no formal validation but fines for evasion.
Apps: MTT app for routes, real-time tracking, and mobile payments.
Bike Rentals
Bahrain Riffa Views bike-sharing in Manama and coastal areas, $4-8/day with stations available.
Routes: Dedicated paths along corniche and in parks, safe for short urban trips.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in souks and modern districts for sightseeing.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Careem and Uber operate alongside yellow taxis, flag fall 1 BHD ($2.65), per km 0.2 BHD ($0.53).
Tickets: App-based for ride-sharing, cash or card; taxis accept cash only.
Airport Link: Fixed fare taxis from BAH to Manama 5 BHD ($13.25) for convenience.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near corniche in Manama for easy access, central areas for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for winter (Nov-Apr) and major events like Bahrain GP.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for event-driven travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities and islands, 4G reliable throughout Bahrain including remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Batelco, Zain Bahrain, and STC offer prepaid SIMs from $7-13 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $10, 10GB for $18, unlimited for $25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, malls, cafes, and public spaces like souks.
Public Hotspots: Airports, bus stations, and tourist sites offer free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-200 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Bahrain International Airport 7km from Manama, taxi $10 (10 min), bus 0.3 BHD, or book private transfer for $20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport and malls ($3-5/day) and dedicated services in Manama.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis mostly accessible, modern sites wheelchair-friendly, older souks vary.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in taxis (extra fee $5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for 0.2 BHD, e-bikes common for rentals.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bahrain
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Bahrain International (BAH): Primary gateway, 7km from Manama with taxi and bus connections.
Isa Air Base (nearby): Military-focused, limited civilian use; main traffic at BAH.
Regional Access: Small fields for charters, but BAH handles all international flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Nov-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Dubai or Doha and driving/taking bus to Bahrain for savings.
Budget Airlines
Gulf Air, Flydubai, and Air Arabia serve BAH with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and short transfer times when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees minimal.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 1 BHD ($2.65), use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express common in hotels and malls.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Needed for taxis, markets, and small shops, keep 20-50 BHD in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated, add 10% in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.