Is A Short Layover In Bahrain Enough?

If you're wondering whether a 1 hour 40-minute layover in Bahrain is enough time to catch your connecting flight, the answer is yes. Bahrain International Airport is located on Muharraq Island, just 9 km from the capital, Manama, and the city centre, and it's small and manageable, with just one terminal. You can walk from one end of the airport to the other in less than 10 minutes. If you're concerned about making your connection, alert the ground staff when you arrive so they can radio ahead to the gate.

The airport is 9km from the capital, Manama

If you're wondering whether a 1 hour and 40-minute layover in Bahrain is enough time to leave the airport, the answer is yes—but only just. Bahrain International Airport is located on Muharraq Island, just 9km from the capital, Manama. This means you can be in the city centre in no time.

The airport itself is small and quaint, and it's easy to get from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes. If you're transferring between Gulf Air flights, they will transfer your baggage for you seamlessly, and the transfer of gates is easy since there is only one terminal.

If you're looking to leave the airport, a 1 hour and 40-minute layover gives you just enough time to explore one or two sites in Manama. The city is home to the Manama Souq, a huge array of stalls, shops, and department stores that sell a variety of goods, from textiles and spices to Persian rugs and souvenirs. There are also traditional coffee shops and restaurants offering local cuisine.

Other attractions in Manama include the Bahrain National Museum, where you can learn about the country's history and culture, and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which is one of the world's biggest mosques and houses the National Library.

Of course, if you'd prefer to stay in the airport during your layover, there are plenty of options to pass the time. The airport has three premium lounges, a variety of dining areas and cafes, and some shopping options, including Bahrain Duty-Free and a bookshop.

You can get a visa on arrival

The short answer:

Bahrain's airport is small and manageable, and you can walk from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes. In most cases, this should be enough time to get a visa on arrival. However, it's important to note that there may be delays in flight arrivals, so it's always a good idea to have some buffer time.

The long answer:

If you are a citizen of one of the 69 countries eligible for a visa on arrival in Bahrain, you can obtain a visa when you land at Bahrain International Airport. The visa is issued for a specific fee and covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension if you are eligible.

• Bahrain's airport is small and manageable: Bahrain International Airport is a relatively small airport, and travellers have reported that it only takes about 10 minutes to walk from one end to the other. This means that you won't have to worry about long walks or complicated connections during your layover.
• You can get a visa on arrival: Citizens of eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This process usually doesn't take too long, but it's important to have all the necessary documentation with you. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements for your specific nationality before your trip.
• Keep an eye on the time: While 1 hour and 40 minutes is a decent amount of time for a layover, it's important to be mindful of potential delays. Flight arrivals can be delayed, and the visa application process may take some time. Allow yourself enough buffer time to account for any unexpected delays.
• Alert the ground staff: To be extra cautious, you can inform the ground staff when you arrive about your transit. They can radio ahead to the gate and let them know that you are on your way, ensuring that your connection goes smoothly.
• Check with your airline: If both your flights are with the same airline and booked on a single PNR, they will likely transfer your checked baggage for you seamlessly. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this with your airline before your trip.

In conclusion, a 1 hour and 40-minute layover in Bahrain should be enough time to get a visa on arrival, especially considering the small size of the airport. However, it's important to stay mindful of potential delays and allow yourself enough buffer time. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure that your connection goes smoothly and that you have a pleasant travel experience.

There are three premium lounges with different amenities

If you have a 1 hour and 40-minute layover in Bahrain, you may be wondering if that's enough time to get out and explore. It is a very small and manageable airport, and you can walk from one end to the other in less than 10 minutes. So, if you're feeling cooped up from your flight, you could consider taking a quick look at some of the nearby attractions.

Now, if you'd rather stay in the airport, there are three premium lounges with different amenities:

Gulf Air Business and First Class Lounges

This lounge is located at the upper level, which you can get to by taking the escalators by Gate 15's departure area. It overlooks the main apron and offers a view of the airplanes as they land and take off. This lounge is great for business travellers and families alike. It has a waiter service and different facilities for working, sleeping, and catching up on global news. The restaurant is called The Dining Room and is for Falcon Gold passengers. There is also a Business Centre with telephones, fax machines, wireless Internet connection, and Apple Mac computers. If you need a quiet place to rest, head to the Quiet Room, which has five comfy chaise lounges. For families travelling with kids, there is a vibrantly coloured Family Section with a playroom that includes Xbox systems and games, as well as a Sky Nanny to help look after the little ones. This lounge also has shower facilities and prayer rooms, and you usually pay a rate to stay for 4 hours.

Dilmun Lounge

You can access this lounge by paying a fee of Bahraini Dinar BD18 for 3-hour access, either through cash or credit. Children above 2 years old are considered regular guests and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Dilmun Lounge offers a buffet, an open bar, TV with news channels, wireless Internet service, 2 business centres, a fax machine, a Flight Information Monitor, and sleeper seats. The family room includes toys and games for children, along with 2 baby changing stations, wardrobes, washrooms, and shower facilities.

Marhaba Lounge

This lounge is unique because it's open to anyone, regardless of the airline or travel class. It's also open 24 hours a day. The Marhaba Lounge has a business centre with computers, Internet access, telephones, and fax machines. There is an onsite food court for dining, along with a designated room for smokers.

There are several dining options, including Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and McDonald's

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat during your layover, Bahrain International Airport has several dining options, including Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and McDonald's.

Starbucks, located in both the Arrivals and Departures areas, offers a range of coffee and tea-based beverages, as well as a variety of vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free options. You can enjoy your drink in a comfortable setting, bringing a feeling of community to travellers.

McDonald's, a familiar favourite, can also be found in the Arrivals area. Committed to serving quality meals, McDonald's Bahrain offers delicious options for customers of all ages, including vegetarian choices. With a strong presence in the community, McDonald's provides a simple and fun dining experience.

In addition to these options, the airport also features Costa Coffee, where you can enjoy a variety of coffee and tea beverages, as well as light snacks.

Whether you're seeking a caffeine boost or a quick meal, these dining options are conveniently located and provide a range of choices to suit different preferences and dietary needs.

Attractions include the Bahrain National Museum, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, and the Riffa Fort

If you're spending time in Bahrain, you'll likely be flying into Bahrain International Airport, located on Muharraq Island, just 7 kilometres from the capital, Manama. The airport itself has a few things to keep you entertained, including various lounges, a local market, and a small museum. But with only an hour and forty minutes, you'll want to get out and explore.

The Bahrain National Museum is a great place to start your visit. Here, you can learn about Bahrain's history and culture and admire the rich collection of architectural relics, ancient pottery, manuscripts, and archaeological finds. The museum is open from 9 am to 3 pm from Saturday to Thursday, and you can expect to spend around two to three hours there. It's just a 15-minute taxi or bus ride from the airport.

A short distance from the museum is the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. It boasts stunning architecture, including the biggest fibreglass dome in the world, and intricate Islamic designs. Visitors are welcome to explore the interiors, admire the chandeliers, and soak in the serene atmosphere. The mosque is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, except on Fridays, and you'll need to dress modestly to enter (appropriate clothing can be provided at the entrance).

For those interested in forts, there are two options. The first is the Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fort offers a glimpse into Bahrain's ancient past, with well-preserved remnants dating back to the Dilmun civilisation. The second option is the Riffa Fort, also known as Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort, which was built in 1812 as a palace for Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh and his family. It offers impressive views across the Hunanaiya valley.

With your time constraints, it is best to focus on one or two attractions, especially considering transportation time and potential delays. The National Museum and Al Fateh Grand Mosque are close to each other and the airport, making them a good pair to visit during your layover.

Frequently asked questions