Travel Guide: Bahrain To Saudi Arabia

There are several ways to travel from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, including by plane, bus, train, or car. The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which takes around 2 hours and costs between $140 and $300. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which costs between $85 and $140 and takes around 9 hours. If you prefer to drive, the distance between the two countries is approximately 291 miles, and the cost of driving is between $26 and $40. It is important to note that you need a valid visa or to be able to obtain a visa upon arrival when travelling by road.

Crossing the King Fahd Causeway by car

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25km (15.5mi) series of bridges and causeways connecting Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and Al Jasra, Bahrain. The drive takes around 30 minutes on a good day, so make sure you have sufficient water and fuel. The causeway has two 12-metre-wide double lanes separated by one metre, with a speed limit of 100 kph and plenty of cameras.

The causeway features several islands, including Middle Island (Passport Island), which has customs and immigration facilities, a mosque, gardens, and fast-food restaurants. The border station is designed as two connected islands, with the west side designated as Saudi Arabian and the east as Bahraini. The Saudi side has outlets of McDonald's and Kudu, while the Bahraini side has a McDonald's.

As of 2010, an estimated 25,104 vehicles used the causeway daily, with a total of 19.1 million passengers crossing the causeway that year. The causeway is busiest in the afternoons and evenings, so it is recommended to avoid travelling at these times if possible.

To cross the causeway by car, you will need to pay a toll of 2.5 BD when leaving Bahrain and SAR 25 when entering Saudi Arabia. In addition, you will need to purchase vehicle insurance, which costs around SAR 25 for one week.

Please note that the requirements for crossing the King Fahd Causeway may change, so it is recommended to check for the latest information before your trip.

Taking a bus

SAPTCO, the Saudi Public Transport Company, provides international transport services, including routes from Saudi Arabia to Manama, Bahrain. Typically, you can make reservations and check schedules online. However, you may encounter issues with the SAPTCO app, as their international booking page is not always functional. In this case, you can book tickets directly at a SAPTCO office.

The bus from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to Manama, Bahrain, costs 95 Saudi riyals (approximately $25.30 USD) and takes three hours. The bus schedule is twice per day, at 8 am and 5:30 pm.

It is recommended that you take a taxi to the Dammam Bus Station, as the location has changed. The bus departure time is 8 am, so be sure to arrive on time.

The distance between Dammam and Manama, Bahrain, is about 75 km (46.6 mi) from station to station, with the King Fahd Causeway in the middle. The causeway is a 25-kilometer bridge that connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain and serves as a major route for tourists and commercial transport. There is a 100 mph speed limit on the causeway, and the best time to get there is between 6 am and 1 pm.

Crossing the border between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is quick and easy. If you are eligible for a visa on arrival in Bahrain, you can obtain it quickly and easily, as it takes less than a minute. The visa cost depends on the length of your stay. For a short-stay visa of up to five days, you will pay 5 Bahraini Dinars (around $13 USD).

The bus station in Manama is located close to the city centre.

Taking a flight

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. The average flight duration is around 1 hour and 52 minutes, and flights are available from several airlines and airports.

Airports and airlines

Flights are available from Bahrain International Airport (BAH) to various cities in Saudi Arabia, including Dammam (DMM), Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah, Medina (MED), Gassim (ELQ), and more. The national carrier of Bahrain, Gulf Air, offers daily flights to Saudi Arabia. Other airlines that operate flights to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain include Emirates, Flynas, Saudia, and SAPTCO.

Flight duration and frequency

The flight duration varies depending on the departure and arrival airports, with some flights taking as little as 40 minutes for the Manama (BAH) to Dammam (DMM) route, while others may take longer, such as the 2-hour 25-minute non-stop flight from Bahrain to Jeddah.

Flights are available throughout the week, with some routes offering multiple daily flights. For example, the Riyadh-Manama route has three direct flights and multiple connecting flights available every day.

Flight prices

Flight prices can vary depending on the route and the airline. Generally, flying is a more expensive option compared to other modes of transport like driving or taking a bus. For example, flights from Manama to Dammam can cost around $80-$280, while flights from Riyadh to Manama range from SAR 728 to SAR 846.

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia

When travelling to Saudi Arabia, it is important to ensure that you meet the necessary entry requirements. Here are some key considerations:

• Ensure your passport has an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date.
• Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents are valid and meet all requirements.
• You may need to obtain an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver (EVW) before your travel or upon arrival, depending on your reason for visiting and the length of your stay.
• There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia.
• If you have previously travelled to Israel, you may not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport indicates this.
• Familiarize yourself with the restrictions on goods that can be brought into or out of Saudi Arabia, and declare any prohibited or taxable items.

Taking a train

There are three rail routes in Saudi Arabia, operated by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). The route from Riyadh to Dammam is 449 km, and the line opened in 1981. Trains on this route are 5-car air-conditioned sets with a power car at one end and a driving cab at the other. They have premium (first) and standard (second) class, a cafe counter, and a prayer area.

Tickets can be purchased through the train operator's website, www.sar.com.sa, or through a reliable agency such as Bookaway. Booking directly through the operator's website requires a Saudi phone number, so you may need to enter a number such as your hotel's. Tickets are also cheaper when booked in advance online compared to buying them at the station on the day. It is recommended to book a few days ahead as trains often leave full.

The trains depart from Riyadh North Station, also known as Riyadh KKIA station, which is about 35 km out of town, next to the airport. There is airport-style security before boarding, and you can check in your larger bags. Trains have business and economy class, with business class offering access to a business lounge at the station and a simple meal served on the train. There is also an overnight sleeper option with 4-berth private compartments that can be purchased for single, double, triple, or quadruple occupancy.

Crossing the border at night

If you're planning to cross the border from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia at night, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The distance between the two countries is approximately 290 miles, and the journey can be made by plane, bus, or car. Here is some information to help you plan your journey:

By Car

Driving is a feasible option for this journey, with a distance of 289.9 miles from Manama, Bahrain to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, it's important to note that car rental companies in Bahrain typically do not allow their vehicles to be taken outside of the country. Some companies, like Tooranco, may offer this option for long-term residents or workers, so it's worth making enquiries.

By Plane

Flights are available between the two countries, with Gulf Air Bahrain offering flights from Manama, Bahrain, to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, four times a day. This option can be relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $80 to $280, and the journey taking around 3 hours.

By Bus

Taking a bus is another option for this journey. SAPTCO operates a daily bus service from Manama, Bahrain, to the Azziziya Bus Station in Saudi Arabia. This journey takes approximately 5 hours and costs between $25 and $70. However, it's important to note that the bus may not run late in the evening, so it may not align with your plans for a nighttime border crossing.

Border Crossing

When it comes to the border crossing, it's important to have the necessary documentation, such as a Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa, and to ensure that the border crossing immigration office will be open at the time of your arrival. It is recommended to have a hotel booked in advance in case of any delays or issues that may arise during the border crossing.

Additionally, consider your transportation options once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, especially if you are planning to travel onwards to a city like Al-Khobar. Options include renting a car, using a rideshare service, or utilising a "limousine service," which can cost around 40 BHD one-way.

Frequently asked questions