Overview
Bahrain is a country in Asia according to historyaah. Geographically situated on the Persian Gulf, it is not surprising that the Kingdom of Bahrain, made up of 33 islands and whose name means “Two Seas”, is primarily defined in terms of the shallow waters that lap its flat shores. In these waters, where the pearl trade once thrived, one ambitious prestige project follows another, most notably the 50-storey Bahrain World Trade Center and the 2,787,000 square meter horseshoe-shaped artificial islands at the southern tip of the country. In the middle of Bahrain, not far from the modern Formula 1 track, is the place where gold was first found in the Arab world in 1932 – black gold. Oil has been the engine of Bahrain’s economy ever since. Anyone who visits the small country will find historical burial sites, fortresses, arts and crafts markets and potteries as well as references to this fateful discovery, not least the prosperity of the multicultural population that seems to be taken for granted.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The regional airline Gulf Air (GF) flies daily non-stop from Frankfurt/M. to Bahrain. Lufthansa (LH) and Swiss (LX) fly from Zurich in cooperation with Gulf Air (GF) via Athens and Turkish Airlines (TK) and Pegasus Airlines (PC) via Istanbul. From Vienna, Austrian Airlines (OS) offers connections to Bahrain via Athens in cooperation with Gulf Air (GF).
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Bahrain: 5 hrs 50 mins; Zurich – Bahrain: 7 hours 45 minutes; Vienna – Bahrain: 7 hrs 15 mins
Departure fee
None
Arrival by car
The King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Use is subject to a fee. The travel time from Bahrain to Dhahran (Saudi Arabia) is 1 hour 30 minutes. Long-distance bus: The bus company SABTCO offers regular connections to Saudi Arabia. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried, as well as a local driver’s license, which can be obtained from the General Directorate of Traffic Services on presentation of the international driver’s license.
Arrival by train
There is no rail transport in Bahrain.
Arrival by ship
The largest international port is Mina Salman on the main island. Other ports are Mina Manama and Mina Muharraq.
Cruise ships
Shipping companies such as TUI Cruises, MSC and AIDA have Bahrain in their cruise programs. The Phoenix shipping company starts its world cruise in Hamburg and also calls at Bahrain.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are no domestic flights in Bahrain.
Traveling by car/bus
Manama has an excellent, modern road network. There are also good road connections to most towns. All street signs are in Arabic and English.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Car rental
The well-known international car rental companies have offices at the airport and in hotels.
Taxi
Taxis can be recognized by their orange fenders and yellow number plates. Taxis waiting in front of hotels are more expensive. You should always agree on the fare in advance. There are also taxis that you can share with up to four other people. They are recognizable by a yellow circle with a black license number on the driver’s door and white and orange license plates. Prices should be negotiated beforehand.
Bicycle
Bicycles can be rented in some hotels.
Coach
Buses run between most towns and villages. Delays can occur. Standard fares apply.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – right-hand traffic; – Alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰. Speed limits: – urban: 60 km/h; – extra-urban: 80 km/h; – Expressways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried, as well as a local driver’s permit, which can be obtained from the General Directorate of Traffic Services on presentation of the international driver’s license.
Traveling in the city
In Manama, private companies operate some bus lines, but often do not stick to timetables. Taxis and rental cars are mainly used to get around the city.
Locally on the way by train
There is no rail transport in Bahrain.
Traveling by ship
Motorboats and dhows (sailing boats) operate between the smaller islands. Travel agencies in Bahrain sell tickets or arrange special trips.
