Getting around Manama means choosing between metered taxis for direct trips and public buses linking the city to nearby districts and Bahrain International Airport. Manama city centre is about 15 minutes by car from Majestic Hotel.
- Bus network: Routes connect Manama with Muharraq, Isa Town, Riffa, Budaiya, Saar and Bahrain International Airport.
- Typical bus hours: Services generally run daily from 5:00 to 23:00, with some routes running later on certain days.
- Taxi fares: Drivers are required to use meters, and fares are displayed.
- Route example: Route A1 connects Bahrain International Airport with Manama and Isa Town.
How Manama is laid out for visitors
Manama sits within a bus network that also serves several other parts of Bahrain, so you can use the city’s terminals and routes to plan trips beyond the centre. Bahrain’s public buses connect Manama with Muharraq, Isa Town, Riffa, Budaiya, Saar and Bahrain International Airport.
The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications describes a network with over 600 designated stops, 26 routes and 140 air-conditioned buses. Bahrain Public Transport Company operates the service under the ministry’s supervision. Service hours generally run daily from 5:00 to 23:00; some routes continue until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Gudaibiya Palace, Bahrain National Museum and Bait Al Quran are among the destinations you can include in a city visit. For a central outing, Manama Souq and Bab Al Bahrain can be combined with other stops in the area.
How do you get around Manama by taxi?
Taxi drivers in Bahrain are required to use meters to calculate distance and fare, and fares are displayed. Taxi ranks are found outside the airport, shopping malls and tourist attractions, and you can also book a taxi on demand.
For a direct trip, a taxi avoids the need to navigate a route change or wait for a bus. The government transport information links to a list of authorized taxis and their fares; check the official site before you go for current taxi details and bus information.
Which Manama bus routes are useful?
Several bus routes connect Manama with shopping, neighbourhood and waterfront destinations, while others link the city to Bahrain International Airport. Route patterns and timetables can change, so confirm the details before setting out.
Routes 41 and 42 serve Juffair, Exhibition Avenue, Manama, Sanabis, Seef and City Centre, with route 41 also connecting to Gudaibiya. Route 42 continues by Palace Avenue before returning to Juffair. For a trip between Manama and Budaiya, Route 23 runs through City Centre, Seef, Karbabad, Karranah and Barbar.
Routes 44 and 45 circle through Manama, Gudaibiya, Adliya, Umm al Hassam, Seqaya and Salmaniya in opposite directions: 44 runs clockwise and 45 anticlockwise. Route A1 connects Bahrain International Airport with Isa Town via Muharraq, Manama and Salmaniya. Route B1 serves Water Garden City and Bahrain Bay; its National Museum segment operates on Fridays and Saturdays only.
Using Manama Bus Terminal
Manama is one of Bahrain Public Transport Company’s three main bus stations, alongside Muharraq and Isa Town. The operator’s station information includes step-free access, departure boards, toilets, a waiting room and self-service ticket machines among station facilities.
Use departure boards and stop information to check the service you need. Actual arrival times and bus-use information are available on screens at key locations and through QR codes at bus stops, with live departures also available online.
Route examples can help you narrow down your options: Route 23 connects Manama with Budaiya, while Route A1 links the airport and Isa Town through Manama. A one-day Manama itinerary can help you organize stops around the city. Confirm current route and departure details with Bahrain Public Transport Company or the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.
Planning trips across the city
For destinations spread across the city, group nearby stops and choose a bus or taxi based on the route and travel time. Bu Maher Fort, Al Muharraq Stadium and Arad Fort can all be included in trips beyond central Manama.
Route A1 runs between Bahrain International Airport and Isa Town via Muharraq, Manama and Salman Salmaniya. If you are arriving by air, you can plan your onward journey using that connection or a taxi; details on how to get from Bahrain International Airport to Majestic Hotel cover the airport transfer.
FAQs
Do taxis in Manama use meters?
Yes. Taxi drivers are required to use a meter to calculate distance and fare, and fares are displayed.
How late do Manama buses run?
Bus services generally operate from 5:00 to 23:00 daily. Some routes run until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Does a bus connect Bahrain International Airport with Manama?
Yes. Route A1 connects Bahrain International Airport with Isa Town via Muharraq, Manama and Salmaniya.
Where can you check bus arrival information?
Arrival and bus-use information is available on screens at key locations and through QR codes at bus stops. Live departures are also available online.