Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
BUS
Bahrain has a public bus system linking most of the major towns and residential areas but
it is designed primarily for the expatriate workforce. As such, it is of limited use to tour-
ists, with a lack of route guides and timetables, and destinations that do not coincide with
places of tourist interest. If you are determined, however, then visit Manama bus station
(
Click here
)
for information.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Driving around Bahrain is straightforward and roads are well signposted to the main sites
of tourist interest.
Speed limits, the wearing of seat belts and drink-driving laws are rigorously enforced.
Speed limits are 60km/h in towns, 80km/h in the outer limits of suburbs and 100km/h on
highways. Petrol stations are well signposted, especially along highways.
Hire
Car-hire companies have offices in Manama and at the airport, charging from BD17/68
for one day/week for the smallest four-door sedan.
Rates exclude petrol, but include unlimited mileage and insurance. To avoid the excess
of BD100 to BD200 in case of an accident, it's wise to pay the extra BD2 Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW) per day. Rates are for a minimum of 24 hours. Companies nor-
mally only accept drivers over 21 years old (over 25 for more expensive models), and for-
eigners must (theoretically) have an International Driving Permit, although a driving li-
cence is often sufficient. There is nowhere to rent a motorcycle.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Most visitors get around Bahrain by taxi although persistence is needed to persuade
drivers to use their meters. If visiting more than one tourist attraction outside Manama and
Muharraq, it's cheaper to hire a car.
