Travel Guide: Al Khobar To Bahrain

Al Khobar is a city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Travellers can enter the country via Bahrain Airport and drive across the King Fahd Causeway to Al Khobar. The cheapest way to get from Al Khobar to Bahrain is by bus, which takes 12 hours and costs $70-$140. Travellers can also opt for a private taxi, which costs SR250 (BHD25), or drive themselves, which takes 38 minutes and costs $2-$4.

Travel by bus

If you're planning to travel from Al Khobar to Bahrain by bus, there are a few options available. One popular choice is to take the SAPTCO bus, which offers daily trips between the two locations. The SAPTCO bus schedule shows two shuttles per day from Al Khobar to Bahrain and vice versa, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours one way. The bus fare for a one-way ticket is around 9.5 BD, while a round-trip ticket costs approximately 15 BD.

Another option is to take a private taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Careem. However, these options can be more expensive, with taxi fares from Dammam/Khobar to Bahrain Airport costing around 200 Riyal.

When travelling by bus, it's important to note that the distance between Al Khobar and Bahrain is approximately 30 miles, and the total travel time, including transfers, can take up to 12 hours. The cost of travelling by bus from Al Khobar to Bahrain is approximately 32 USD.

To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to check the latest schedules and information on the SAPTCO website or at the local bus station before commencing your trip. Additionally, don't forget to familiarise yourself with the visa requirements for your specific nationality before crossing the border.

Travel by car

Driving is the fastest and cheapest way to travel from Al Khobar to Bahrain. The journey is approximately 30 miles and takes 38 minutes.

To drive from Al Khobar to Bahrain, you will first need to ensure you have the correct documentation. If you have a residence permit for Saudi Arabia, you can get a visa on arrival. Otherwise, you will need to pre-apply for a visa and may need to provide proof of sponsorship or financial means.

Once you have the correct documentation, you can set off on your journey. The most direct route is via the King Fahd Causeway, which is a series of bridges and roads that connect Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The causeway is a toll road, so you will need to pay a small fee to use it.

When you reach the causeway, follow the signs to the border control booths, where you will need to present your documentation to the authorities. After clearing border control, you can continue driving across the causeway to Bahrain.

It is worth noting that some rental car companies may restrict taking their vehicles outside of Saudi Arabia, so be sure to check with your rental company before attempting to cross the border.

Travel by taxi

Travelling from Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia to Bahrain by Taxi

Overview

The road distance between Al Khobar and Bahrain is 30 miles (48.28 km). There are a few different options for travelling by taxi between these two locations.

Taxi from Al Khobar to Bahrain International Airport

The taxi fare from Al Khobar to Bahrain International Airport is estimated to be between 80.14 SAR and 112.24 SAR. The travel time is approximately 56 minutes for a distance of 37.12 miles (59.74 km).

Uber is one option for this journey, with estimated rates for UberX being 197-225 SAR and for UberXL being 220-258 SAR.

Taxi from Al Khobar to Manama, Bahrain

If you are travelling from Al Khobar to Manama, the capital of Bahrain, there are a few different taxi options.

One option is to take a taxi to Dammam and then fly to Manama. However, this option may not be feasible if you are looking to travel directly by taxi.

Another option is to hire a private taxi or driver to take you across the border. This can be done through companies such as Speedy Motors or ABC Limousine, or by hiring a local driver. The cost for this option is typically around 15-20 BD.

Additionally, you can try to find a taxi at the SABTCO office in the Arrivals area of the Bahrain Airport. The standard rate for a taxi from the airport to Al-Khobar is 250 SAR. If you are unable to find a taxi at the SABTCO office, you can wait for someone to approach you and offer their services as a taxi driver. It is recommended to pay no more than 250 SAR or 25 Bahraini dinars for this trip.

If you prefer a more formal arrangement, you can contact a taxi driver named Waleed at +973-36688614. He charges approximately 300 SAR to travel from the Bahrain Airport to a hotel in Al-Khobar.

Important Considerations

It is important to note that some sources indicate that only certain categories of individuals, such as citizens, residents, or visa holders, are allowed to cross the border between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Additionally, there may be restrictions on vehicles crossing the border, so it is essential to check the latest information before your journey.

Furthermore, taxi fares may vary due to factors such as time of day, tolls, road and weather conditions, and other variables. Therefore, it is recommended to re-estimate the fare or confirm the price with the driver before your trip.

Travel by plane

Flights are available from Al Khobar to Muharraq, with approximately 4 departures a day. Airlines flying this route include Gulf Air Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Airlines. The flight distance is 309 miles (496 km), and the flight time is 1 to 1.5 hours.

It is recommended to book your ticket in advance and check-in online to save time at the airport. You should arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight to allow for security checks.

The cost of a flight ticket can vary, but it is typically more expensive than other forms of transport. Prices can start from USD 199.94, and one source states that the cheapest price for this route is USD 201.

You can also opt for a taxi to get from Al Khobar to Bahrain International Airport. This is a more expensive option, with prices ranging from USD 138.89 to USD 367.88.

Visa requirements

To enter Bahrain, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. If you are a dual Bahraini/UK national, you may need to enter and exit Bahrain using a Bahraini travel document.

You must have a visa to visit Bahrain. Visas are automatically issued for two weeks but can be extended for up to six months. You may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when you apply. You cannot start employment in Bahrain if you enter on a visit visa.

If you are a Philippine national with a residence permit for Saudi Arabia, you will get a visa on arrival. If you don't have a residence permit, you will need to pre-apply, get sponsors, or provide proof of sufficient funds.

If you are travelling from Bahrain to Al Khobar, you will need to extract a Saudi eVisa to cross the border.

Frequently asked questions