Does Bahrain have a metro or trains?
Not yet. Bahrain is a compact island kingdom and currently has no operating metro or railway. A Bahrain Metro is in planning, and the country is part of the proposed GCC rail network, but for now you get around by road. The good news: distances are short. Driving from Manama to almost anywhere on the main island takes well under an hour.
Public buses
The national bus operator is Bahrain Public Transport Company (Bahrain Bus). Air-conditioned buses cover Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, Isa Town and the airport.
- A standard single fare is around 300 fils (0.300 BHD), paid with a rechargeable Tap & Ride card or cash.
- Buy and top up Tap & Ride cards at the Manama and Isa Town bus terminals.
- Service runs roughly from early morning to around midnight; check the Bahrain Bus app for live routes and times.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps
- Careem and Uber both operate in Bahrain and are the easiest option for visitors. You pay in-app and avoid fare haggling.
- Official orange-and-white metered taxis are widely available; insist on the meter.
- Typical short city rides cost a few dinars; the airport to Manama is usually around 5-8 BHD.
Car rental and driving
Renting a car is popular because parking is easy and fuel is cheap.
- Major firms (Avis, Budget, Sixt, plus local agencies) operate at Bahrain International Airport.
- You drive on the right. Most tourists can drive on an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence.
- Roads are modern; the King Faisal Highway and Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway link the main districts.
Crossing to Saudi Arabia
The King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia (around 25 km). You can drive across or take a causeway bus/taxi service, but you need a valid Saudi visa and vehicle insurance. Expect queues at peak weekends.
Intercity and island tips
- Everything is close: Bahrain Fort, the Tree of Life and Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir are all short drives.
- Traffic peaks around 7-9am and 1-2pm; plan around prayer times and Friday mornings.
- Keep small change for buses and a card for ride apps.
Stay connected in Bahrain
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so maps, ride-hailing apps, translation and bookings all work without expensive roaming.
Get your Bahrain eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.