Exploring Bahrain: Transportation Options And Tips

Getting around Bahrain is straightforward, even if you don't have a car. While the public transport system is limited, there are still several options for travellers. The primary mode of public transport in Bahrain is by bus, with an extensive network of routes and timetables. Buses are plentiful, reliable, relatively cheap, and cover almost anywhere you would need to go on the island. However, the bus system can be complex to navigate, with route maps that are hard to understand. There are also taxis, which are more expensive but air-conditioned and can take you to more places than the bus system.

Getting around by bus

Getting Around Bahrain by Bus

The bus system in Bahrain is reliable and relatively inexpensive, connecting most areas and towns on the island. The minimum fare per trip is 150 fils (1 Bahraini dinar (BHD) consists of 1000 fils). Buses are plentiful and cover almost anywhere you would need to go on the island.

Public Buses

Public buses are mainly used by day labourers and other migrant workers with limited finances. They are usually reliable and quite cheap, reaching all the main parts of the island. National buses run every 40 minutes at Manama bus station, located on Government Avenue, between 9 am and 6 pm.

Private buses and minibuses cover the main routes of the country and are priced at about 100 fils per trip. These buses are a more comfortable way to sightsee without worrying about getting lost. Your hotel concierge will likely have details about private buses.

Fares and Passes

Although you can pay cash on board, it is far easier to pick up a GO Card at the airport or any of the bus terminals in Bahrain. They cost 500 fils and can be topped up with up to BHD50, reducing the cost of a single trip from 300 fils to 250 fils. GO Cards also have a daily cap of 600 fils, so no matter how many buses you take in a day, the most you will pay is £1.26 or $1.59. You can also grab a seven-day pass for BHD3 or a 28-day pass for BHD12.

Routes and Schedules

Buses on the main routes run between every 10 and 20 minutes, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. The bus system is complex to navigate, and route maps can be challenging to understand. However, a Bahrain Bus app is available to download, making it easier to plan your trip. Alternatively, you can ask a member of staff at the bus station for assistance.

Using taxis

Bahrain has a range of taxi services, and taking a taxi is a convenient and common mode of transportation in the country.

Regular Taxis

Regular taxis in Bahrain are usually beige or white and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands outside hotels and major tourist attractions. They operate on meters, with the fare calculated based on the distance travelled. The starting fare is BHD 2, and every kilometre is charged at an additional 500 fils. While it's illegal for taxis not to have a meter, it's a good idea to confirm that the driver is using it to avoid unexpected high fees. Taxis can be expensive, so it's worth bearing this in mind if you're planning on taking one.

Airport Taxis

Bahrain International Airport is served 24/7 by three taxi operators: Bahrain Taxi Group, Speedy Motors, and Arabian Taxi. They are located at the short and long-term parking area (Car Park B) and operate on a fixed-rate system to various destinations within Bahrain. The initial charge is BHD 2, with an additional BHD 2 for pickup services.

Uber and Careem

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Careem are also available in Bahrain and offer a convenient alternative to regular taxis. These can be significantly cheaper than regular cabs and allow you to manually set your location via your phone's GPS, which is easier than giving directions to a driver. You can also pay in cash with Careem if you want to avoid international fees from your bank.

Other Options

In addition to the standard taxis, you can also find share-taxis, which carry up to five passengers. These are recognisable by a yellow circle with the licence number on the driver's door and by their white and orange number plates. Fares should be agreed upon before departure as these taxis do not use meters. Radio cabs are also available.

Tips for Taking Taxis in Bahrain

• It's advisable to carry small denominations of cash in Bahraini Dinar, as this is the most common form of payment.
• While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated. It's common to round up the fare or add a small extra amount.
• Stick to licensed taxis for safety and reliability.
• Always wear your seatbelt – it's a legal requirement in Bahrain.
• Some drivers may offer their number for repeat business and deals on longer trips.

Renting a car

There are plenty of car rental firms operating in Bahrain, including local companies like Oscar Rent-A-Car, and global brands such as Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. You can rent a car at the airport or in the capital, Manama.

To rent a car, you'll need to be at least 18 or 21 years old (depending on the company), and have held a driving licence for at least a year. You'll need to bring your driving licence and passport, and possibly an international driving permit. Some companies may also require you to be at least 25 years old.

Driving in Bahrain

Bahrain's roads are calmer than those in other Gulf countries, but there are still some things to be aware of when driving in the country. The roads themselves are usually of high quality, but there are often issues with congestion and erratic driving.

Road Rules

In Bahrain, you drive on the right. The speed limit is 60km/h in towns, 80-100km/h on open roads, and 120km/h on motorways. Petrol prices range between 140 and 200 fils per litre.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, and you must wear a seatbelt in the front of the car. Children under 10 should sit in the back with appropriate restraints.

Driving Etiquette

Bahraini drivers often change lanes without signalling, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. Using your horn is common in Bahrain, and can be used to alert pedestrians that you're approaching a crossing.

Aggressive driving is common, especially during rush hour and on Thursdays. It's best to avoid driving in the evenings, particularly around 10 pm on weekends, as this is when the worst driving occurs.

Car Rental

If you want to rent a car in Bahrain, you'll need to be over 21 and have held your licence for at least a year. Some companies may also ask for an International Driving Permit, so it's worth calling ahead to check. You'll also need to bring your passport and a credit or debit card to pay.

International Driving Permits

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required by law in Bahrain, but it is strongly recommended, especially if your native licence is not in Arabic or English. An IDP will make the rental process smoother and help you avoid issues while driving.

Transport between islands

Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands, with the four main islands being Bahrain Island, Al Muharraq Island, Sitra Island, and Umm Al Nasan Island. Efficient transport links between these islands are vital to the country's economic development.

By Road

Bahrain has a well-developed road network, with 4,122 km of roadways as of 2010, of which 3,392 km were paved. Multiple causeways connect the main island to Muharraq Island, and the Sitra Causeway joins Sitra Island to the main island. The King Fahd Causeway, a 25km-long multiple-dike bridge, connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia via the island of Umm an-Nasan. There are plans to construct another causeway, the King Hamad Causeway, which will feature four lanes and a central railway line, serving as a link between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's long-awaited GCC Railway network.

By Bus

Bahrain has a reliable and affordable public bus network that covers most areas of the main island. Buses on the main routes run every 10 to 20 minutes, and fares can be paid in cash or with a GO Card, which offers discounted rates and daily caps on fares.

By Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Bahrain, although they tend to be more expensive than buses. Regular taxis can be hailed on the street, booked through hotels, or found at designated ranks, such as at the airport. Share-taxis, which carry up to five passengers, are also available at specific pick-up points. Additionally, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem offer cheaper alternatives to traditional taxis.

By Boat

For transport between smaller islands, motorboats or dhows can be arranged through local travel agents.

By Air

Bahrain has four airports, one civil (Bahrain International Airport) and three military (Isa Air Base, Sakhir Air Base, and Riffa Air Base). However, there are no internal flights within Bahrain.

Frequently asked questions