Transportation

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) sits on Muharraq Island, about 7-10 km from central Manama. There is no train link, so the quickest way into the city is by taxi or a ride-hailing app such as Careem or Uber, taking around 15-20 minutes. Many hotels also offer an airport shuttle. Airport buses connect to the wider public network for budget travellers.

Public transport in Bahrain centres on the bus network run by Bahrain Public Transport Company. The country is small and has no rail or metro (a system is planned for the future), so buses cover Manama and link the main towns. Modern air-conditioned buses run frequently on the busier routes, though many visitors rely more on taxis and ride-hailing.

For city buses in Bahrain you can pay with the Go Card, a rechargeable prepaid card, or with cash on board. The Go Card is sold and topped up at bus stations and selected outlets, and it is the simplest option if you plan several bus trips. Keep small change handy if you pay cash, as drivers may not give change for large notes.

Official taxis in Bahrain are metered, and you should make sure the meter is running before you set off. For clear, upfront pricing many travellers prefer ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber, which are widely used and let you pay by card. Taxis are easy to find at the airport, malls and hotels, and are a practical way to get around the small island.

Bahrain is a small country whose main islands are joined by causeways and bridges, so intercity travel is quick. There is no domestic rail, but taxis, ride-hailing, rental cars and buses easily cover trips between Manama, Muharraq, Riffa and other towns. Most journeys take well under an hour, making the whole country feel like one connected city.

Bahrain is too small to have any domestic flights; you can cross the whole country by road in well under an hour. Instead, Bahrain International Airport (BAH) serves as an international hub, with the national carrier Gulf Air linking Bahrain to the wider Gulf, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. For getting around within the country, use taxis, ride-hailing, buses or a rental car.

Bahrain drives on the right, and the general emergency number is 999. The country code is +973, and the mains supply is 230V with Type G (UK-style) plugs. Summer heat is intense, so avoid long waits outdoors and keep water handy. Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber give clear fares, and the King Fahd Causeway offers a road link to Saudi Arabia if you plan a wider trip.