Al Muharraq Bahrain Layover Guide (BAH)

What are you looking for in BAH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Bahrain Airport (BAH) is an international airport located in Muharraq, Bahrain. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from Manama, the capital city. The airport officially opened in 1927. Manama is the largest city in Bahrain and a key financial hub in the Gulf region. It is known for its rich history, vibrant souks, and modern skyline, offering a unique blend of traditional culture and contemporary attractions.

Can you leave Bahrain Airport (BAH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers on layovers at Bahrain International Airport may leave the terminal if they hold a valid visa. Incoming Travelers can obtain a free 24-hour transit visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa online prior to travel. GCC nationals enter visa-free. Passports must be valid for at least six months. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Bahrain National Museum Explore Bahrain’s rich heritage spanning 6000 years through immersive exhibits showcasing Dilmun artifacts, traditional crafts, manuscripts, and engaging interactive cultural displays in purpose-built galleries reflecting Bahrain’s proud architecture and history. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 minutes) or public bus Route 11 (~40 minutes))
• Al-Fateh Grand Mosque Visit one of the world’s largest mosques accommodating seven thousand worshippers, featuring stunning Italian marble, intricate wood doors, an Islamic library, and guided tours explaining Bahraini religious culture and architecture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 minutes) or bus Route 55 (~40 minutes))
• Bab Al Bahrain Explore the historic gateway to Manama’s old souq area, featuring ornate Islamic architecture, bustling markets selling spices, pearls, textiles, and souvenirs, plus nearby tea shops offering local refreshments and snacks. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 minutes) or bus Route 52 (~30 minutes))
• Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain) Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bahrain Fort, explore ancient archaeological ruins, climb the fortress walls for panoramic Gulf views, and visit the adjacent museum showcasing Dilmun-era artifacts exhibits. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 minutes) or bus Route 66 (~45 minutes))
• Manama Souq Wander through labyrinthine alleyways of Manama Souq, haggle over spices, gold, electronics, traditional garments, and handicrafts, immerse yourself in local culture, and sample street food like shawarma and fresh falafel. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 minutes) or bus Route 52 (~30 minutes))
• Tree of Life Marvel at the solitary Tree of Life, a 400-year-old mesquite surviving in the desert without obvious water source, symbolizing resilience, ideal for photographs and a reflection on Bahrain’s natural wonders. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 minutes))
• Traditional Dhow Cruise Enjoy a traditional wooden Dhow cruise along Manama Corniche, sipping Arabic coffee, admiring city skyline illuminated at sunset, learning maritime history from local crew, and experiencing cultural hospitality on board. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~15 minutes))
• Arad Fort Visit the restored 15th-century Arad Fort on Muharraq island, admire its traditional Islamic architecture surrounded by mangroves, explore battlements offering sea views, and learn about Bahrain’s strategic and cultural history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~5 minutes) or 10-minute walk)

Things to Do in Bahrain Airport (BAH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
BAH offers several lounges including The Pearl Lounge (Skytrax 5-Star), Gulf Air’s Falcon Gold Lounge and an Arrivals lounge. Amenities feature comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, hot showers, workstations and free Wi-Fi. Priority Pass and pay-per-use access are available. Spa treatments and private quiet zones ensure relaxation before or after your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The Bahrain Airport Hotel sits adjacent to the terminal via a covered walkway, offering day-use and overnight rooms. It features 164 modern rooms and suites, 24/7 room service, a full-service spa, fitness center and meeting facilities. Transit passengers can rest comfortably without clearing immigration or leaving the secure area. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While there are no dedicated sleep pods, passengers can find quiet seating areas and recliner chairs near departure gates and in the arrivals hall. Comfortable benches, prayer rooms and private lounge corners serve as makeshift resting spots. Earplugs, blankets and assistance can sometimes be obtained from information counters.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both departure and arrival terminals. Connect to “BIA Free Wi-Fi,” register with an email or social login and enjoy up to three hours of complimentary access. Speeds support streaming, video calls and work, with easy reconnection after brief breaks.

SIM/eSIM Card: Major operators Batelco, Zain and STC have counters and kiosks in the arrivals area offering prepaid SIM cards (BHD 2–5) and data bundles. eSIM plans are also available from all three, typically starting at BHD 3.125. Registration requires a passport and hotel address; top-up vouchers sold on site. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Bahrain Airport (BAH) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: BAH is served 24/7 by three metered taxi operators queuing at the multi-story Car Park B outside Arrivals. Fares follow Ministry of Transportation rates and can be paid by cash or card. Ride-hail apps like Uber and Careem also pick up from designated zones.

Train: There is no rail or metro service to Bahrain International Airport. Ground access is by road only via taxi, bus or private vehicle. For more information on public transport alternatives, please consult the Bahrain Public Transport Company website.

Bus: Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC) operates Route A1 and others serving the airport. Buses depart from zone 4A at Exit 4 on the Arrival level, linking Muharraq, Manama and Isa Town. Payment via GO Card or cash; schedules available online. (more info)

Shuttle: There is no official airport-run shuttle to the city, but many hotels (including the Airport Hotel) and airlines offer complimentary or paid shuttle services. Availability, schedule and fees vary by provider; passengers should pre-book directly with their hotel or carrier.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and others are located in the Arrivals hall after baggage claim. Eleven major providers offer luxury, economy and family vehicles, with 24-hour counters, cash and card payment. Pre-booking recommended for best rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport provides short- and long-term parking in multi-story Car Park B (2,700 covered spaces) and surface lots. Automated payment kiosks and online QR-code payment are available. Dedicated disabled bays, valet service and a taxi staging area are on site. Rates charged hourly with daily caps.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no left-luggage facility or lockers at BAH. For porter assistance with trolleys or baggage wrapping, Hala Bahrain operates service desks in Arrivals and Departures. Lost or mishandled baggage can be reported at the Baggage Services desks in baggage claim or the Meet & Greet area. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Bahrain Airport (BAH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks