Public Transport in Bahrain

The public transport system in Bahrain is used by many. The two prominent forms of public transport include the bus and taxi. While many expats prefer to drive their own vehicles, many still use taxis to get about. There are a few different fares on taxis. There is a day fare, a night fare and an airport taxi available in Bahrain. The taxis all have a sticker with the fares outlined in the rear windows.

Busses are cheap and still largely used by migrant workers and day labourers who cannot afford a car or taxi. The busses are air conditioned and comfortable for travel and the bus routes can be accessed on line.

Buses

The Kingdom of Bahrain site has all the information on bus routes, bus stops and even a section on how to plan your trip. Bus routes vary in price from BD 0.200 and upwards. For more information and to plan your trip click here >> 

Bus Routes

Muharraq – Hidd
Main Stops - Muharraq Terminal, Road 10, Muharraq Health Center, Bahrain Club, Shaikh Khalifa Road, Airport, Arad, Hidd Muharrq Terminal PDF

Muharraq – Isa Town
Main Stops - Isa Town Terminal, Salmabad, Khamees, Bilad Alqadeem, Salmanyia Hospital, Central Market, Manama Terminal, Baladyia, Ras Rumman. Muharraq Isa Town Terminal

Mina Salman – Manama
Main Stops - Manama Terminal, Central Market, Baladyia, Ras Rumman, A.M.H., Kuwaiti Building, Um Alhasam, Mina Salman, 2 buses connecting to Andalus Garden to Gudaibia and Manama Manama Terminal PDF

Budaiya – Salmaniya
Main Stops - Salamania, Qudhibia, Ras Rumman, Manama, Noaim, Sanabis, Jidhafs, Karanah, Barbar, Duraz, Budayia Manama Terminal

Qalali – Muharraq
Main Stops - Muharraq Terminal, Road 10 Tank Water, Muharraq Health Center, Airport, Shaikh Khalifa Avenue, Muharraq Maternity Hospital (RF), Aradoos Road, Aldair, Samaheej, Qalali Muharrq Terminal PDF

Riffa – Isa Town – Manama
Main Stops - Manama East Riffa, West Riffa, Isa Town, Salmabad, Sehla, Belad Al Qadeem, Khamees, Salmanyia, Central Market, Manama Terminal Isa Town Terminal
Manama Terminal PDF

Isa Town – Zallaq
Main Stops - Isa Town, Driving School, Aali, Buri, Souq Waqef, Demestan, Karzakan, Malkeya, Sadad, Turn to roundabout 18-22 ,UOB, Zallaq Isa Town Terminal PDF

Al Dur – Isa Town
Main Stops - Dour, Jaw, Askar, ALBA, East Riffa, West Riffa, BDF Hospital, Waqif Market, Buri, A’Ali, Isa Town Termina Isa Town Terminal PDF

Saar – Madinat Hamad
Main Stops - Hamad Saar, Markh, Duraz, Budayia, Bani Jamrah, Quryiah, Janabyiah, Hamala, Souq Waqif, Demestan, Karzakan, Malkyia, Sadad, Shahrakan, Hamad Town Roundabout 22-17, Health Center Isa Town Terminal PDF

Muharraq – Circular
Main Stops - Muharraq Terminal, Estqlal School, Bahrain Club, Airport, Muharraq Maternity Hospital (RF), Busaiteen, Muharraq Central Market, Muharraq Terminal Muharraq Terminal PDF

Madinat Hamad – Isa Town
Main Stops – Isa Town, School Area, Driving School, Aali, Buri, Souq Waqef, Demesta, Karzakan, Malkeyia, Sadad, Turn to Roundabout 18-22, UOB, Zallaq Isa Town Terminal PDF

Taxi

Taxis in Bahrain should all have a meter and specific rates, however many a-time a traveler will find that the taxi’s meter is “broken”, covered or just not turned on. Even though it is the law here for a taxi to operate on a meter many a driver will try to get out of this by not mentioning the meter at all and thereafter charge you a cheeky and exorbitant rate at the end of the journey. While there are more honest taxis than not tourists should still ensure that the meter is turned on before they begin their journey. If the driver refuses simply get out of the cab and hail another one. 

When you do find a taxi with a meter here is the info on the rates. The official rate starts at BD 1.130 during normal tariff hours, that is, during the day, and will cost BD 0.220 per kilometer. Night rates are slightly more expensive.

On the whole taxis offer a good service but you do encounter some bandits. Be aware when traveling from the airport to always use the white with red roof or London style taxis. Also there is a rule if the meter is not used there is no charge; hold your ground on this and call the police, and the driver will cooperate very quickly with the correct fare for the trip.

Click here for the Bahrain Taxi Website

Airport taxi

The passenger has to pay the Taxi fare as it appears on the vehicle meter as it is calculated as below:

BD. 1.000 as the meter starting fare during the first period and BD. 1.250 fils applicable during the second period.
Fare for each kilometer following the first KM is 200 fils, during the first period, increasing to 250 fils during the second period.
BD 0.050 fils for each minute of waiting during both periods.
BD. 2.000 for one time only, if the distance is exceeding 254 KM.
BD. 0.500 fils for each passenger over five passengers (applicable to permitted vehicles).
Add BD. 2.000 to vehicle meter reading if the used taxi is from those waiting at Bahrain Airport.
Add BD. 1.000 to vehicle meter reading if the used taxi is among those waiting at the hotel rank.
The second period fare is applicable during Public Holidays and weekend.
Add BD. 1.000 to vehicle meter reading during Hijiri public holidays.
An additional amount not to exceed BD 2.000 may added to the vehicle meter reading in respect of benefiting from the service offered by licensed telecommunication counters.
If the passenger wishes to use the taxi for a long period, the sum of BD. 25.000 shall be charged for each (6) hours, or BD. 40.000 for each (12) hours, excluding the calculation for the driven distance.
First period – means the period commencing after 6.00 AM and up to 22.00 PM.
Second period – means the period commencing after 22.00 PM up to 6 o'clock in the morning.

DESTINATION APPROXIMATE COST (BD)
Muharraq 5 BD
Manama 6 BD
Saar 10 BD
Riffa 12 BD
Zallaq/F1 15 BD
Incase of any complaints, please dial us on our round the clock
Telephone +973 17 782 828