Bahrain is an island kingdom in the Arabian Gulf blending ancient history with modern luxury. Home to the ancient Dilmun civilization, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the legendary Tree of Life, this archipelago offers world-class dining, Formula 1 racing, and authentic Arabian hospitality.
- Public
- Bus network covers major routes but is limited in frequency and coverage for tourist areas; best for budget travellers on main corridors
- Taxi
- Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) are reliable, affordable, and widely used — the primary transport choice for most visitors
- Rental
- Car rental is excellent value and recommended for exploring outside Manama; roads are well-maintained with clear English signage
- Walking
- Manama city centre and Adliya are walkable in cooler months; summer heat makes extended walking impractical from May to September
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Bus A1/A2 to Manama - BHD 0.30 ($0.80)
- Shuttle
- Taxi to Manama - BHD 3-5 ($8-13)
- Bus
- Airport shuttle services - BHD 2-4 ($5-11)
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Bahrain Public Transport Company operates 26 routes covering major cities and towns with 140+ modern air-conditioned buses. Single trip BHD 0.30 ($0.80), GO Card BHD 0.275 per trip with BHD 0.70 daily cap. Buses run 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM daily. Routes connect Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, Isa Town, and airport.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxis available. Base fare BHD 1 ($2.65), plus BHD 0.20-0.25 per km. Airport to Manama approximately BHD 3-5 ($8-13). Most taxis accept cash only.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Public buses connect all major towns. Route 10 connects Manama-Riffa-Isa Town, routes cover northern villages. Same fare structure as city buses - BHD 0.30 per trip.
Flights
Not applicable - Bahrain is small island nation, all destinations reachable by road within 45 minutes.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Bahrain International Airport
From centre: 7 km to Manama
Options: Bus A1/A2 to Manama - BHD 0.30 ($0.80); Taxi to Manama - BHD 3-5 ($8-13); Airport shuttle services - BHD 2-4 ($5-11); Ride-sharing apps (Uber/Careem) - BHD 2-4 ($5-11); Car rental - from BHD 8/day ($21/day)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Widely available throughout Bahrain with reliable coverage and the most familiar interface for international visitors
Careem
The leading ride-hailing app in the Middle East, often offering more competitive pricing than Uber in Bahrain with the same convenience
Google Maps
Works excellently for navigation in Bahrain with accurate bus routes, driving directions, and walking routes covering all major areas
Bahrain Bus App
Official Bahrain Public Transport Company app showing bus routes, schedules, and real-time tracking for the 26 public bus routes
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Careem and Uber apps before arriving — they provide fare estimates, eliminate bargaining disputes, and are consistently cheaper than hailing street taxis in Bahrain
Car rental is strongly recommended if you want to explore the Tree of Life, Al Areen Wildlife Park, Bahrain Fort, and southern Bahrain independently — public transport does not reach these sites efficiently
The airport Bus A1/A2 to Manama costs BHD 0.30 ($0.80) and is excellent value if you're not carrying heavy luggage — it runs regularly and takes about 25-30 minutes to Manama city centre
Bahrain's small size means no destination is more than 45 minutes from any other — the entire island can be explored comfortably by car in a single day
Parking is free at most malls and attractions; downtown Manama has metered street parking at BHD 0.20-0.50 per hour. Most hotels provide free parking for guests.
Driving in Bahrain requires an International Driving Permit for most foreign nationals alongside your home country licence — arrange this before travelling