Transportation in Bahrain
Bahrain is tiny and easy to explore. Hop in a cab during the heat of the day, and after dusk explore the cooler streets on foot. Bahrain is a small country, at just 707 square kilometres, and is made up of 33 islands. Most people live and work in or around the capital Manama, in the north of the main island. Muharraq Island (where the airport is located) is connected by a causeway 8km northeast of Manama, but most of the smaller islands are uninhabited. The main island is very low-lying - you can often wade for a kilometre out to sea and still only be up to your knees in water. Most attractions are in the north and as you head south, much of the rest of the main island is made up of rocky desert and oil fields. However the southern area Al Areen is currently being developed and, in addition to the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, now boasts the biggest water park in the Middle East and a five-star spa resort.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
Taxis are cheap and easy to find, and visitors generally use them a lot. Most taxis do not operate with a meter so ask someone beforehand what the fare should be and always settle on an amount before getting into the taxi; if it seems too high, bargain down until you and the driver are both happy. Two reliable metered cab companies that you can pre-book by phone are Speedy Taxi (+973 1768 1999) and Bahrain Limo (+973 1726 6266). Addresses are vague, so you'll often need to refer to landmarks such as hotels and roundabouts to direct your driver.
Foot
Walking is ideal for exploring the tiny corners and alleys of central Manama, especially around the souk. However, although it is safe to explore on foot, in the midday heat, many opt for an air-conditioned taxi to travel long distances.
Car
Driving is fairly easy in Bahrain, and although many drivers flout the speed limit, the roads are safe.
Boat
Boat trips can take you to little islands for a picnic. There is a ferry service three times a day from Bahrain's Ad-Dur Jetty to Hawar Island, 20km south-east of the main island, featuring steep cliffs and varied birdlife. Al Dar Island, which has a sandy beach and restaurant, can be reached by sea taxi from Sitra Fishermen's Port, and Island Tours (+973 1729 4439) offers snorkelling trips to Jarada Island, a large tidal sand bar.
Bus
There is a public bus service linking Manama and Muharraq island with other towns around the main island, but it isn't geared towards visitors and doesn't cover all bases so it's easier to explore Manama and beyond by taxi. Alternatively Sunshine Tours (+973 17744 755) offers half-day desert and city tours.
Rent your car
You can easily hire a car at Bahrain International Airport, and from there follow one of the causeways onto the main island. The north end of Bahrain is criss-crossed by modern, multi-lane highways, and the Abo Haddryah causeway road that leads across to eastern Saudi Arabia.
Transportation Tips
For navigation purposes, get to know the roundabouts, which are often identified by the sculptures in the middle. For instance, the fish market is near the Pearl Roundabout.
