Bahrain measures 765.3 square kilometers across 33 islands in the Persian Gulf. Bahrain Island contains most cities and infrastructure while causeways connect Muharraq Island, Sitra Island, and mainland Saudi Arabia via the 25-kilometer King Fahd Causeway. No public rail system exists. Government buses operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company serve major routes between Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, Isa Town, and Hamad Town with fares starting at 200 fils (0.53 USD). Buses run approximately every 30-60 minutes on primary corridors. Route information appears on the Ministry of Transportation website in Arabic and English.
Taxis operate through Bahrain Taxi Company and private operators. Metered fares begin at 1 Bahraini dinar (2.65 USD) with 200-300 fils per kilometer thereafter. Airport taxis charge 7-10 dinars (18.55-26.50 USD) to central Manama depending on time. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem function throughout Manama, Muharraq, and Riffa with similar pricing to metered taxis. Wait times average 3-8 minutes in urban areas.
Car rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and local operators maintain offices at Bahrain International Airport and in Manama. Daily rates for economy vehicles start at 12-15 dinars (31.80-39.75 USD) with unlimited mileage. International driving permits or valid foreign licenses from GCC countries, the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union countries allow driving for up to three months. Bahrain drives on the right side. Fuel costs approximately 0.160 dinars per liter (0.42 USD or 1.59 USD per gallon) for 95 octane. Manama to Muharraq via Shaikh Hamad Causeway takes 15-20 minutes. Manama to Riffa takes 20-30 minutes. Manama to Bahrain International Airport takes 10-15 minutes.
Parking in central Manama operates through SMS payment system registered with traffic authorities. Rates range from 200-500 fils per hour (0.53-1.33 USD) depending on zone. Shopping malls including Bahrain City Centre, Seef Mall, and Avenues provide free parking for customers. Street parking remains limited in the Manama souq area and near Bab Al Bahrain.
Walking serves limited purposes given heat and infrastructure design. Muharraq old town near Muharraq souq and the Bahrain Pearling Path measures approximately 1.5 kilometers and remains walkable between October and March. Manama souq district extends roughly 800 meters from Bab Al Bahrain inland. Dedicated pedestrian infrastructure exists mainly in shopping districts and corniche areas. Bicycles face minimal infrastructure outside of Bahrain Bay waterfront.
Bahrain International Airport on Muharraq Island serves as the sole commercial airport. Gulf Air operates as the national carrier with direct flights to 52 destinations across Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Middle Eastern carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia provide connections through their respective hubs. European carriers British Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines maintain direct routes. Bahrain Airport Company manages operations. Immigration processes typically complete within 15-30 minutes for GCC nationals and 30-60 minutes for other nationalities depending on arrival volume.
Inter-island travel requires private boat charter or ferry. No scheduled passenger ferry connects mainland to Hawar Islands. Charter boats from Durrat Al Bahrain marina or private operators charge 100-300 dinars (265-795 USD) for day trips to Hawar Islands depending on vessel size and duration. Crossing takes approximately 60-90 minutes each direction. Umm an Nasan remains privately controlled with no public access.
Bahrain experiences desert climate with two distinct periods. November through March registers daytime temperatures of 18-25 degrees Celsius (64-77 degrees Fahrenheit) with nighttime temperatures of 12-18 degrees Celsius (54-64 degrees Fahrenheit). This period receives minimal rainfall averaging 72 millimeters annually concentrated in December through February. April and October serve as transition months with daytime temperatures of 25-35 degrees Celsius (77-95 degrees Fahrenheit). May through September records daytime temperatures of 35-42 degrees Celsius (95-108 degrees Fahrenheit) with high humidity. July and August routinely exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Nighttime temperatures in summer rarely drop below 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).