Exploring Bahrain: City Center Cruise Port Distance

The distance between the cruise port and the city centre is an important consideration when planning a trip to a new place. In the case of Bahrain, the cruise port is not located right in the heart of the city, as some other ports are. Khalifa Bin Salman Port, where most cruise ships dock, is approximately 13 kilometres or 8 miles from Manama, the capital of Bahrain. This distance can be covered by shuttle or taxi in around 45 minutes, for a cost of around $10. Mina Salman Port, which is closer to the city centre, is sometimes used for cruise ships and is linked to Khalifa Bin Salman Port via a 5-kilometre-long causeway.

The distance between the cruise port and the city centre is 13km or 8 miles

The distance between the cruise port and the city centre in Bahrain is approximately 13km or 8 miles. This distance is important to note when planning a trip to the country, as it will impact your transportation options and travel time.

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port, located 13km from the city centre, is the main cruise port in Bahrain. It boasts a modern cruise terminal, duty-free shopping, and other services for travellers. This port is situated in the Hidd Industrial Area and is linked to the old port in Manama, Mina Salman, by a 5km long causeway.

Mina Salman Port is the other port sometimes used for cruise ships. It is closer to the city centre than Khalifa Bin Salman Port, but it does not have the same modern facilities.

When travelling between the cruise port and the city centre, it is recommended to use taxis or other provided transportation options, as the public bus system can be difficult to navigate for visitors. Shuttles to downtown Manama typically cost around $10 and take about 45 minutes, making them a convenient choice.

Whether you are arriving at Khalifa Bin Salman Port or Mina Salman Port, the distance to the city centre of Manama remains roughly the same, allowing easy access to the attractions, culture, and history that Bahrain has to offer.

Shuttles to the city centre cost around $10

Shuttles to the city centre of Manama, Bahrain cost around $10. This is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the cruise port and the city, especially if you are travelling in a group. The shuttles are provided specifically for cruise passengers and offer a direct and cost-effective transport option.

The distance from the cruise port to downtown Manama is approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles). This journey usually takes around 45 minutes by shuttle. The shuttles typically depart from the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, which is the main port for cruise ships in Bahrain. This port has a modern cruise terminal, a duty-free store, and other facilities for passengers.

The shuttle service offers a comfortable and stress-free way to get to the city centre. It is a good alternative to taxis, which can be very expensive in Bahrain, and public buses, which can be difficult for visitors to navigate. The shuttle service also saves you the hassle of negotiating taxi rates or figuring out complex bus routes, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

When planning your journey, it is important to be aware of the local currency, the Bahraini Dinar, which is worth approximately $2.66 USD. This knowledge will come in handy when paying for the shuttle service and for any other transactions during your visit to Manama.

A taxi is another option, but they can be very expensive

Getting from Bahrain Cruise Port to the City Centre

While it is possible to get a taxi from Bahrain Cruise Port to the city centre, it is worth noting that taxis in Bahrain can be very expensive. The country's taxis are metered, but these are often missing or broken, so for longer trips, you may need to negotiate an hourly rate. This can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the local rates and do not have a good sense of the distance you are travelling.

If you do opt for a taxi, it is recommended that you insist the driver uses the meter to avoid being overcharged. It is also worth noting that it can get very hot in Bahrain, so if you are travelling any distance, you may want to consider a taxi with air conditioning, which will add to the cost.

Taxis are a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group, as they offer a direct and private journey. However, given the potential cost, it may be worth considering other transportation options, such as shuttle services, which are often provided by cruise lines and can be a more cost-effective choice. These shuttles typically take around 45 minutes to reach downtown Manama, the capital of Bahrain, and cost around $10.

Therefore, while a taxi is a viable option for getting from Bahrain Cruise Port to the city centre, the potential expense means it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.

The cruise port is Khalifa Bin Salman Port

The cruise port in Bahrain is Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP). KBSP is a modern port that opened on April 1st, 2009, and is located on 110 hectares of reclaimed land on Hidd Island, on the northeast extremity of Bahrain. The port is well-positioned to be a premier transshipment hub for the Northern Arabian Gulf, with a 1,800-metre quay that includes a 900-metre container terminal served by four 61-metre post-Panamax cranes. KBSP also has general cargo, Ro-Ro, and passenger facilities, and its deep-water berths and approach channel enable it to accommodate the largest ocean-going container vessels.

KBSP is located in Salman Industrial City, about 13 kilometres from Bahrain International Airport and 5 kilometres from a purpose-built causeway. It is also within easy driving distance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via the King Fahad Causeway, which is just 30 kilometres away. The port is managed by APM Terminals, a global terminal operator, and is considered one of the most modern ports in the Arabian Gulf. It is able to handle container vessels with an efficiency that matches that of the most productive ports in the world.

Cruise ships primarily dock at KBSP, which offers a modern cruise terminal, a duty-free store, and other services. The port is well-equipped to handle cruise traffic, with complementary Wi-fi available for passengers during their stay. KBSP also has a dedicated cruise liner berth that can accommodate larger vessels unable to enter Mina Salman. Shuttles are often provided to the City Centre Mall, which is about 45 minutes away in downtown Manama, the capital of Bahrain.

KBSP plays a crucial role in uplifting the Kingdom, currently operating at around 47% of its capacity. The container terminal at KBSP occupies 900 metres of the quay wall, with an additional 400 metres of the multipurpose quay that can be dedicated to containers if needed. There is also an option to extend up to four berths and 12 quay cranes, with an annual throughput capacity of 3,000,000 TEU.

Mina Salman Port is sometimes used and is closer to the city

Mina Salman Port: A Closer Cruise Port Option in Bahrain

Mina Salman Port is a seaport located in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. It is named after Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa I, the grandfather of the current King. This port is sometimes used as a cruise port and is closer to the city centre than the main cruise port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port.

History

Mina Salman was a natural harbour prior to the establishment of the port in 1962. The Manama harbour, where Mina Salman is now located, was first mentioned in Islamic texts dated to 1345 AD. The area was occupied by the Portuguese in 1521, and the Persians gained control in 1602. The current Al Khalifa dynasty has ruled the country since 1783.

In the early 20th century, the harbour was not suitable for large ocean liners, with ships having to anchor up to 6 km offshore. This issue was addressed in 1954 with the construction of approach channels, and a pier was built in 1956. In 1958, it became a free port, and in 1962, a deep-water wharf was constructed, allowing cargo to be loaded directly onto the port for the first time.

Port Facilities and Operations

Mina Salman Port covers 80 hectares and is Bahrain's primary cargo port and customs point. The port has 15 container berths, enabling it to handle around 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually. It is the main commercial port facility in the country, accommodating ships weighing up to 70,000 DWT. The port consists of a combination of container berths, conventional cargo berths, an Ro-Ro berth, and a naval vessel berth.

Distance to the City Centre

While the exact distance is not specified, Mina Salman Port is described as being "closer to the city" compared to the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, which is approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) from the city centre of Manama.

Frequently asked questions