Bahrain Grand Prix™ Travel Guide
Your guide on how to get to Bahrain International Circuit, where to explore & other important information to know before you go.
Practical Information
- Visas: Most Western tourists visiting Bahrain can obtain a free visa on arrival at the airport. Make sure you have your tickets handy and use the special F1® lanes at immigration. Check your eligibility before you travel, as citizens of some countries need to apply for an eVisa in advance.
- Currency: Bahraini Dinar, abbreviated as BD or BHD, and divided into 1000 Fils.
- Language: Arabic, though English is widely spoken.
- Time Zone: UTC +3 hours
- In an Emergency: Dial 999 to be connected with the proper emergency personnel.
- Power Sockets: Bahrain uses the same G Type power sockets as the United Kingdom. Fans coming from other parts of the world will need to bring along a universal adaptor.
- Weather: For the Bahrain Grand Prix™, temperatures should range from around 22°C (72°F) during the day to 17°C (63°F) at night. Remember, the race takes place at night so packing layers is advised!
Arrival & Getting Around
Flights to Bahrain
Serving over 8 million passengers annually, Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is located around 7.0 km (4.3 mi) northeast of the capital Manama and 35.0 km (21.7 mi) from Bahrain International Circuit. BAH is the home of Bahrain’s flag-carrying airline, Gulf Air, which has direct flights to the Gulf region, Europe and Asia. For long-haul flyers, there are plenty of connecting flights to Bahrain from larger regional hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which will be necessary if you are flying from the United States or Australia.
From the airport, you can take a taxi or Uber to Manama or you can take the A1 public bus.
Where to stay
Bahrain International Circuit is located in the desert, some 30.0 km (18.6 mi) south of Bahrain’s capital, Manama. As there is very little going on near the circuit, we recommend staying in one of the following central areas of Manama for access to the best hotels, plus shopping, nightlife and restaurants:
- Home to many of the city's skyscrapers, Al Seef has a good range of 5-star hotels, plus lots of shopping and entertainment options.
- AlJuffair is popular with visitors for its nightlife, shopping, bars and cafes.
- Popular with F1® personnel, the Diplomatic Area is the main business district of Manama.
- The Amwaj Islands are best for hotels with access to private beaches and water sports.
F1® Experiences offers a selection of the best hotels in Sakhir. If you are still looking for accommodation, contact your Sales Representative for more information about available hotel options.
How to get to Bahrain International Circuit
Public Transportation
In past years, there have been free shuttle buses from select hotels to Bahrain International Circuit throughout the race weekend, for passengers who have an official F1® ticket to show for validation. Details for the shuttle bus schedule will be available closer to the race weekend.
Outside of the shuttle buses, the public bus system does not service the circuit.
Taxi and Ridesharing
It is rather simple to secure a rideshare from the central areas of Manama to the Bahrain International Circuit. Although, it is important to note that there could be increased amounts of traffic, road delays and increased charges due to the race. We recommend you anticipate such delays and plan to arrive early so, you don't miss any of the on-track action.
F1® Experiences
Booked accommodation along with your Official Ticket Package from F1® Experiences? Daily transfers to and from the circuit can be added to your Official Ticket Package for an additional cost.
What to see & do in Bahrain
Luxurious Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Bahrain can be found at the resort on Al Dar Island, a 10-minute ferry ride from the fisherman’s port of Sitra. Here you can swim in the lagoon, snorkel on the artificial reef or relax in a cabana. There’s also water sports, restaurants and shopping. All tickets include entry to the island and a return ferry. You will need your passport for coastguard inspection!
Glamorous Shopping
City Centre Bahrain in the Seef district is the largest shopping centre in Bahrain, complete with hotels, dining, cinema complex and the Magic Planet family entertainment complex. For a more traditional experience, head to Manama Souk behind the Bab Al Bahrain historic building in the city centre. Practice your haggling skills on everything from tourist souvenirs to spices, electronics, gold jewellery and perfume.
Rich Culture & History
Discover 6000 years of Bahraini history at the impressive Bahrain National Museum, visit the Bahrain Fort, the remains of a 16th-century Portuguese fort and UNESCO World Heritage site with an on-site museum, or pay your respects at Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the largest in Bahrain with capacity for up to 7,000 worshippers.
