Bahrain International Airport Guide (BAH) – Manama

Airport Overview

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is located on Muharraq Island, approximately 9 km north of Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The airport completed a major terminal expansion in 2021, opening a new passenger terminal that doubled capacity to 14 million passengers per year, featuring a striking contemporary design. Gulf Air serves as the national carrier and primary hub operator; the airport is also a key hub for budget carrier Bahrain Air and receives numerous international carriers from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Terminals

• New Terminal (Terminal 1): The modern expanded terminal opened in 2021 handling the majority of Gulf Air international operations and most other airlines. Features extensive retail, dining, and lounge facilities.
• Original Terminal (Terminal 2): The legacy terminal continues to handle some operations, particularly during peak periods. Connected to the new terminal via an internal walkway.

WiFi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Bahrain International Airport. Connect to the network "Bahrain Airport Free WiFi" and complete a brief registration via the portal. Sessions are complimentary with no advertised time limit. Connection speeds are generally reliable for streaming and video calls, making BAH one of the better-connected airports in the Gulf region.

Transport to City Centre

Bus Services

Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC) operates bus services from the airport to Manama and other parts of Bahrain Island. Route 30 connects the airport to the central Manama bus station. Journey time is approximately 30–40 minutes. The fare is BHD 0.3 (approx. USD 0.80). Buses run regularly throughout the day.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official airport taxis are available from the metered rank outside the arrivals hall. The journey to central Manama takes approximately 15–25 minutes. Expect to pay BHD 4–7 (USD 10–19). Careem and Uber are also available and provide app-based pricing. Bahrain's causeway connects the island to Saudi Arabia; taxis to Dammam across the King Fahd Causeway are available for around BHD 30–40.

Car Rental

All major car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Enterprise have desks in the arrivals hall. Bahrain is a small island nation easily navigable by car; however, note that Saudi visitors frequently cross the causeway creating heavy weekend traffic.

Airport Lounges

BAH offers premium lounge access across both the new and legacy terminals for business class passengers and card members.

• Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge (New Terminal): Premium lounge for Gulf Air business class and Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members. A la carte dining, bar service (mocktails), showers, and spa treatments.
• Gulf Air Business Class Lounge (New Terminal): Standard business class lounge with hot buffet, beverages, and comfortable seating zones.
• Plaza Premium Lounge (New Terminal): Open to Priority Pass, DragonPass holders, and pay-per-use passengers. Full hot and cold buffet and shower facilities.
• Marhaba Lounge (New Terminal): Pay-per-use lounge accessible to all passengers with light refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Hotels Near the Airport

Muharraq Island and nearby Manama offer a wide range of hotels at various price points, many within a short drive of the airport.

• Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa: Luxury beachfront resort approximately 20 km from the airport with stunning sea views and a world-class spa.
• Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa: About 10 km from BAH near the Diplomatic Area, with multiple pools, extensive dining, and spa facilities.
• Ramada by Wyndham Manama City Centre: Budget-friendly central hotel approximately 12 km from the airport.
• Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay: Iconic waterfront luxury hotel 9 km from the airport on a private island in Bahrain Bay.
• Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort: Mid-range beachfront hotel approximately 15 km from the airport with pool and beach access.

Food and Restaurants

The new terminal features an excellent range of dining options from local Bahraini flavours to international chains, all airside.

• Haji's Restaurant (New Terminal): Bahraini institution serving traditional dishes including machboos, muhammar, and fresh-baked khubz.
• Starbucks (New Terminal): Multiple locations throughout the departures area, open from early morning.
• Shake Shack (New Terminal): American burger chain with a full menu popular with travellers of all ages.
• Caribou Coffee (New Terminal): Specialty coffee chain with pastries and light snacks.
• McDonald's (New Terminal, airside): 24-hour operations available during busy flight periods.
• Casper & Gambini's (New Terminal): Lebanese-inspired café serving sandwiches, salads, and fresh-pressed juices.

Travel Tips

• Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival in Bahrain or can obtain an eVisa in advance; check Bahrain eVisa requirements before travel.
• Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants in Bahrain (unlike most other Gulf states); however, public intoxication is illegal.
• Bahrain is one of the more liberal Gulf states; dress codes are more relaxed, though modest clothing is still recommended in public areas.
• The Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix is held annually at Sakhir; book flights and hotels months in advance if attending, as the island fills rapidly.
• Currency exchange is available airside in the new terminal; the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) is pegged to the US dollar at 1 BHD ≈ USD 2.65.
• Bahrain is compact and most major sights (Bahrain Fort, the old souk, Al Fateh Mosque) are within 30 minutes of the airport by taxi.
• The King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia is accessible by taxi or rental car and is a popular day trip option.