Transport and Driving in Bahrain
Getting around Bahrain may initially present a few minor hiccups, but expats can quickly master navigation on the small island nation with a bit of practice and determination.
Bahrain has an excellent highway network connecting major destinations - namely, the international airport, the Saudi Causeway and the F1 circuit. These places of interest are well signposted and easy to identify. However, once off these roads, things become variable with patchy signage and pot holes common.
Within Bahrain's capital, Manama, major roads often have names, but as a rule Bahrain streets have numbers not names. Furthermore, businesses tend to have PO Box numbers rather than street addresses, so it’s usual to have to call in advance for directions.
The tourist map provided at the airport is helpful, but not entirely accurate or detailed; still, when paired with directions from a friendly local it can get you to your destination in no time.
In any case, you can’t get lost for long on an island!
Most expats in the country have a car; in the heat of the summer air-conditioned transport is essential even to pop to the local shop for milk or bread. To purchase a car you will need a Population Registration Card (CPR). Many cars for sale are parked in prominent places, like along the road into Juffair (here they mostly belong to expats returning home), or they can be found via adverts in the local newspapers.
The majority of car showrooms are located along the highway in Sitra.
In Bahrain driving is done on the right-hand side of the road, with British influence present as prescribed by pelican crossings, parking meters and roundabouts.
Traffic jams may occur around major junctions, especially at midday when workers head home until businesses reopen at four, but congestion is rarely as bad as a European rush hour. Expats may at first be surprised to find that Wednesday evenings are the busiest when it comes to getting from point A to point B, but it won't take long to realize that heavy traffic on the highways at this time is caused by the addition of Saudi vehicles on the Causeway coming for a weekend in Bahrain.
Driving standards are frequently poor (speeding, lane switching without signalling, mobile phone use, etc.), so drive defensively, always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving if it has recently rained. If you do have an accident you are required to wait until the police arrive - however minor the incident. These delays are often the cause of traffic jams.
Visitors to the island may rent a car provided they have a valid driving licence. There are several local car hire firms, so arrange a short term hire initially then ask around to find a cheaper long term deal. Insurance is for the car not the driver(s), but they will request sight of all drivers’ licences. A permit is required to take a car to Saudi. Not all rental companies can provide this and it will add to the hire cost so again ask around.
Bahrain does have a basic public transport system, but these services tend to be more popular with expats from Asia and the Indian Sub-Continent, less so with Westerners.
The primary mode of public transport is buses, which mainly run from the Bus Station on Government Avenue, Manama to urban destinations across Bahrain. For routes and times one must visit the Bus Station.
Most construction companies provide transport to take labourers from out of town camps to their sites, likewise; school children use buses provided by the schools.
Taxis are reliable and plentiful. Though not as cheap as the UAE, they're still reasonable and advisable for a commute to/from the airport, as the car park there is often full to overflowing. You don’t pay if the meter isn’t used.
Bahrain has an excellent highway network connecting major destinations - namely, the international airport, the Saudi Causeway and the F1 circuit. These places of interest are well signposted and easy to identify. However, once off these roads, things become variable with patchy signage and pot holes common.Within Bahrain's capital, Manama, major roads often have names, but as a rule Bahrain streets have numbers not names. Furthermore, businesses tend to have PO Box numbers rather than street addresses, so it’s usual to have to call in advance for directions.
The tourist map provided at the airport is helpful, but not entirely accurate or detailed; still, when paired with directions from a friendly local it can get you to your destination in no time.
In any case, you can’t get lost for long on an island!
Driving in Bahrain
Most expats in the country have a car; in the heat of the summer air-conditioned transport is essential even to pop to the local shop for milk or bread. To purchase a car you will need a Population Registration Card (CPR). Many cars for sale are parked in prominent places, like along the road into Juffair (here they mostly belong to expats returning home), or they can be found via adverts in the local newspapers.
The majority of car showrooms are located along the highway in Sitra.
In Bahrain driving is done on the right-hand side of the road, with British influence present as prescribed by pelican crossings, parking meters and roundabouts.
Traffic jams may occur around major junctions, especially at midday when workers head home until businesses reopen at four, but congestion is rarely as bad as a European rush hour. Expats may at first be surprised to find that Wednesday evenings are the busiest when it comes to getting from point A to point B, but it won't take long to realize that heavy traffic on the highways at this time is caused by the addition of Saudi vehicles on the Causeway coming for a weekend in Bahrain.
Driving standards are frequently poor (speeding, lane switching without signalling, mobile phone use, etc.), so drive defensively, always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving if it has recently rained. If you do have an accident you are required to wait until the police arrive - however minor the incident. These delays are often the cause of traffic jams.
Renting a car in Bahrain
Visitors to the island may rent a car provided they have a valid driving licence. There are several local car hire firms, so arrange a short term hire initially then ask around to find a cheaper long term deal. Insurance is for the car not the driver(s), but they will request sight of all drivers’ licences. A permit is required to take a car to Saudi. Not all rental companies can provide this and it will add to the hire cost so again ask around.
Public transport in Bahrain
Bahrain does have a basic public transport system, but these services tend to be more popular with expats from Asia and the Indian Sub-Continent, less so with Westerners.
The primary mode of public transport is buses, which mainly run from the Bus Station on Government Avenue, Manama to urban destinations across Bahrain. For routes and times one must visit the Bus Station.
Most construction companies provide transport to take labourers from out of town camps to their sites, likewise; school children use buses provided by the schools.
Taxis are reliable and plentiful. Though not as cheap as the UAE, they're still reasonable and advisable for a commute to/from the airport, as the car park there is often full to overflowing. You don’t pay if the meter isn’t used.
