Where to stay in Manama

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 743,066 as of 2025 estimate. Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a diverse population.

Manama emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by Portugal and Persians. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based on the sales promotion industry as crude oil takes a less pronounced role in the economy. Sitting on the Persian Gulf right next to the Arabian peninsula, unsurprisingly Manama - and Bahrain in general - has an arid climate, with little rain (most of it falling during the winter months) and high temperatures during much of the year.

Getting in

All roads in Bahrain lead to Manama, so see the main Bahrain article for details. Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is in the adjacent city of Muharraq. From the airport you can get to Manama bus terminal by city bus lines A1 (continues to the University), A2 (continues to Isa), 10 and 11 (circular lines stopping at various points in Manama and Muharraq). Other options are taxi or rental car. Manama Terminal is the main bus station with connections from all over Bahrain. The website of the Bahrain Public Transport Company has schedules, route maps, fares and a route planner.

Getting around

Bahrain Public Transport operate a network of bus routes across the city, with route A1 linking the airport and Manama every 20 minutes. As of November 2024, a paper single ticket bought on the bus costs 300 fils, or there is a "pay as you go" option using a Go Card (card price 500 fils, sold at ticket machines including at the airport, then load with credit up to BD 50 maximum, but note that credit you load is not refundable) which reduces the fare for a single trip to 250 fils and offers a daily cap of 600 fils.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.