Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist information can be obtained at the airport and on the causeway between Saudi Ar-
abia and Bahrain. The Tourist Department is more of an administrative rather than inform-
provide the best information.
Getting There & Away
AIR
Most airline offices are situated around Bab al-Bahrain, in the Chamber of Commerce &
Industry building, or inside the Manama Centre, which is where you'll find Gulf Air
(
Click here
)
, the main national carrier.
Bahrain International Airport
( 17 321 013, flight information 17 339 339;
www.bahrainairport.com
;
Muhar-
raq Island)
is one of the busiest airports in the Gulf.
Getting Around
TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
The airport is on Muharraq Island, approximately 6km from central Manama. A metered
taxi from central Manama to the airport should cost about BD4. For trips
from
the airport
there is a BD2 surcharge. Many hotels offer a shuttle-bus service.
There are ATMs for a range of bank cards, including Amex, in the transit lounge of the
airport; and car-hire outlets in the arrivals hall.
BUS
Most people get around town by car or taxi, despite there being a rudimentary bus service.
The bus system is largely designed for the use of expat construction workers and routes
seldom relate to tourist destinations. Locals consider the use of buses rather eccentric but
if you are determined to, then call into the
Manama bus station
(Government Ave) for ad hoc
information.
TAXI
Taxis are easy to find, and there are taxi stands outside Bab al-Bahrain and many hotels.
Taxis in Bahrain have meters and the flag fall is BD1 for the first 2km. Thereafter the
meter ticks over in increments of 200 fils for every subsequent kilometre. Fares officially
increase by 25% between 10pm and about 6am. For a better guarantee of meter use, try
Radio Taxis
(
17 682 999)
. Alternatively, for a far more comfortable experience, try
Bahrain
