Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Bahrain Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
We went straight to the pub which is without a doubt the best place to relax in this airport. It is behind a non-de script unmarked door (there are no signs that say, “the bar is this way” in a muslim country). – a traveller
BAH Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Bahrain International Airport (Code: BAH).
What to Expect
Bahrain Airport has one terminal with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and services. Things to do on a layover are limited, but you will find WiFi and airport lounges, which you can pay to enter. Reviews have been mixed about airport service, with some reviewers reporting fast and efficient check-in and security lines, but others reporting long lines, slow service, disorganization and rude staff.
Sleeping in Bahrain Airport
The terminal has plenty of benches that work as a place to lie down. Much of the gate seating has armrests every two seats, allowing smaller sleepers to scrunch up in a two-seater. According to a reviewer, the terminal also features reclining seats and individual mini-sofas. Those needing extensive sleep can consider Bahrain Airport Hotel, located inside the building, or Mövenpick Hotel, which is within walking distance. See our Airport Hotels section in the guide below or read traveller reviews for more tips.
Good to Know
The airport recommends that those with layovers longer than six hours take advantage of nearby sightseeing by pre-arranging a transit visa before their journey.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Bahrain Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist, but you will find some benches scattered around where you might be able to sleep. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Bahrain Airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a transit hotel and more hotels near the airport:
Bahrain Airport Hotel – Located inside the airport opposite Gate 15. There are 24 sleep pods, 24 rooms, 17 compact rooms, and 17 family rooms. A small spa is also available. The hotel is accessible only to transit and departing passengers in the airport’s secure zone. It is not accessible to travellers who do not have a boarding pass and haven’t passed through security. If you are in transit, you cannot access your luggage. Sleep pods and rooms can be booked for as little as 3 hours.
» Check Room Rates
» Check 3-hour Pod Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Mövenpick Hotel – Located adjacent to the airport. Airport transfers are available for a fee. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Manama, search for deals, and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Pearl Lounge on Departures – Location: Airside, near Gate 15A-15B. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Pearl Lounge on Arrivals – Location: Landside, Arrival Hall, opposite Gate 166 Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
Airline Lounges
You may have access to the lounge listed below if you are a First or Business Class traveller. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge – Location: Airside, Departures Hall.
Unaccompanied Minors
Children (ages 2 – 14) travelling alone registered in the Unaccompanied Minors Program will have access to a dedicated lounge equipped with interactive toys, gaming consoles, a reading area, and comfortable seating arrangements. Register via the airline.
Related Pages: Bahrain Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us that drinking water fountains can be found next on the washrooms. (September 2024)
Food & Drinks
There is a wide variety of food stores operating 24/7
- Landside (Arrivals): McDonald’s • Albaik • Crepafe • Starbucks.
- Airside (Departures): Jamie’s Deli and Pizzeria • Illy Caffe • Jaipur Indio Asian • Lumee on the go • TGI Friday’s • Ya Salam • Millies Cookies • Levito • The Terrace Cafe • Upper Crust • Camden Food • KFC • Burger King • Starbucks.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
In January 2019, a reader told us that mobile charging is available next to the seats. The reader suggests, “Make sure you have the right power converter.”
Showers
Available in all Lounges except the Unaccompanied Minor Lounge. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available throughout Bahrain Airport with no registration required.
More Airport Information
Art Galleries – You will find a range of cultural artifacts and local artwork throughout the airport. The Cultural Heritage Galleries is located in the Departures Area.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Arrivals.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the airport.
Banking Services – NBB Bank provides full-service banking inside the airport. Locations: Landside, Arrivals Hall, Level 1.
Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange services. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Duty-Free & Shopping – There are retail, cosmetic and gift shops throughout the terminal, several duty-free stores and a 24-hour Bahrain Duty-Free.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with a baby, there are Infant Care Rooms throughout the airport, both landside and airside.
- Kids Play Zone – Interactive games, gaming consoles, climbing domes, and more are available to keep your toddlers to teens occupied before the flight.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the airport information desk for assistance. Locations: Arrivals, Level 2 • Departures, Level 1.
Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Location: Landside, Departures Hall. Rates: BHD 2.
Medical Services – First aid services are available if you feel unwell or injured yourself. Locations: Eastern pier, all three levels. Hours: open 24/7. Urgent and emergency medical care is available by calling +973 17 – 138 – 777.
Pharmacy – Nasser Pharmacy (Location: Arrivals. Hours: 24 hours.) Boots (Location: Departures, Level 1, near Gate 12B. Hours: unknown.)
Porters – Need help with your bags? Porters are available in both departure and arrival halls. BHD 2 fee applies.
Postal Services – Information not available.
Prayer Rooms – Separate prayer rooms for men and women are located on the Airside (near Gates 14 and 19) and Landside (Arrivals Hall, Level 1).
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Rooms – Smoking is prohibited in the airport, except in the designated smoking rooms. Locations: Arrival Hall, Level 0 • Departure Hall, Level 2, between Gates 14 and 15 and Gates 18 and 19.
Travel Agencies – Information not available.
VAT Refund – Visitors eligible for a refund of taxes paid on purchases should visit the Airport Information Counters in the Arrivals, Check-in or Departures areas for more information.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Bahrain Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Bahrain on Tripadvisor.
Bus
BAH Airport is connected to the public transportation system via red local buses. Red buses have free WiFi and air-conditioning. Routes are:- A1 – Airport – Muharraq Bus Terminal – Manama Bus Terminal – American Mission Hospital – Salmaniya – Khamis – Isa Town Bus Terminal
- A2 – Airport – Manama Bus Terminal – City Centre – Seef – Souq Waqif – Hamad Town – University of Bahrain (Fastest Route from Airport to Manama)
- 10 – Airport – Arad – Hidd – Mina Salman – Kuwait Avenue – Manama Bus Terminal – Muharraq Bus Terminal – Airport (Clockwise)
- 11 – Airport – Muharraq Bus Terminal – Manama Bus Terminal – Kuwait Avenue – Mina Salman – Hidd – Arad – Airport (Anti-Clockwise)
Buses are located on the Arrivals Level, outside exit 4, in the 4A zone. Fares: Your best option is to purchase a Go Card from the driver at the cost of BHD 1. A single trip will cost you BHD 0.275. Alternatively, you can buy a single ticket for BHD 0.300. For more information, visit the Bahrain Bus website.
Car Rentals
Car rental desks are located in the public area of the Arrivals concourse on the ground floor, opposite Gate 1 and 2. There are plenty of agencies available on-site, including: Allied • Budget • Enterprise • Future • Hertz • Prima • Sixt • Trans Gulf • UDrive • We Rent a Car.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we could not find any hotels that provide airport shuttle service.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber is available at Bahrain Airport. A ride to the city centre will cost you about €13 to €15.
Taxi
Taxis are available in the Car Park B area 24 hours a day. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.