Port information & tips for Bahrain
Bahrain, the Kingdom of the Two Seas, welcomes cruise guests as a fascinating jewel on the Persian Gulf with an impressive blend of futuristic architecture and millennia-old culture. The island impresses with its cosmopolitan flair and, thanks to its compact size, offers a perfect combination of vibrant markets and a modern lifestyle. Absolute highlights include the magnificent Bahrain National Museum, which provides deep insights into the history, as well as the historic Bab Al Bahrain at the entrance to the bustling Souq of Manama. Cruise ships dock at the modern Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Hidd, from where the capital Manama is easily accessible in about twenty minutes by shuttle or taxi, allowing for an effortless exploration of the entire region.
The Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain serves as a modern gateway to the Orient and is conveniently located in the northeast of the island nation near the capital, Manama. Thanks to excellent connections to the international flight network and modern transit routes, the terminal is easy and comfortable to reach for guests from the DACH region.
Airplane
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is the central arrival point and is served directly from Frankfurt by Gulf Air as well as by Lufthansa or via the hubs in Dubai and Doha. From the airport, you can comfortably reach the cruise terminal in the Hidd Industrial Area in about 15 to 20 minutes travel time via the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway.
Transfer & Taxi
Since the port is located in a modern industrial area without direct pedestrian access to the city, the use of taxis or organized transfers is ideal for traveling to the ship. Licensed taxis as well as the ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem are available at the airport; additionally, many cruise lines offer direct shuttle services that bring passengers safely and directly to the check-in at the terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to flight connections from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, we recommend arriving the day before with an overnight stay in a hotel in Manama or Muharraq. The capital city is only about 10 to 15 kilometers from the port and, thanks to the short distances, allows for a relaxed morning before the official embarkation at Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain serves as a modern gateway to the Orient and is conveniently located in the northeast of the island nation near the capital, Manama. Thanks to excellent connections to the international flight network and modern transit routes, the terminal is easy and comfortable to reach for guests from the DACH region.
Airplane
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is the central arrival point and is served directly from Frankfurt by Gulf Air as well as by Lufthansa or via the hubs in Dubai and Doha. From the airport, you can comfortably reach the cruise terminal in the Hidd Industrial Area in about 15 to 20 minutes travel time via the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway.
Transfer & Taxi
Since the port is located in a modern industrial area without direct pedestrian access to the city, the use of taxis or organized transfers is ideal for traveling to the ship. Licensed taxis as well as the ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem are available at the airport; additionally, many cruise lines offer direct shuttle services that bring passengers safely and directly to the check-in at the terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to flight connections from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, we recommend arriving the day before with an overnight stay in a hotel in Manama or Muharraq. The capital city is only about 10 to 15 kilometers from the port and, thanks to the short distances, allows for a relaxed morning before the official embarkation at Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The modern Khalifa Bin Salman Port impresses with its efficient organization and, thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, offers a comfortable starting point for excursions to the capital, Manama.
Shuttle Buses
Many cruise lines as well as well-known shopping centers like the Avenues Mall provide free shuttle services directly at the terminal. These buses take you comfortably and quickly to the city center or to the striking bazaars of the old town.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Numerous official, air-conditioned taxis wait for passengers directly outside the terminal building and offer fixed prices or rates determined by meter. Additionally, thanks to excellent network coverage, you can easily use ride-hailing services such as Uber or Careem for individual trips.
Organized Tours
Licensed tour operators and private drivers are available directly at the port area for sightseeing tours. This form of transport allows for an exclusive visit to the cultural highlights while simultaneously guaranteeing a punctual return to the cruise ship.
To make the most of your stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain, we recommend a varied route between the bustling center of Manama and the idyllic coastal spots of the island.
Bab Al Bahrain & Manama Souq
The historic city gate serves as a magnificent portal to the traditional bazaar, where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of exotic spices and fine textiles while experiencing the authentic oriental market hustle and bustle firsthand.
Al Dar Islands
These small island gems are quickly accessible from the mainland via a short boat trip and, with their bright sandy beaches and calm, clear water, offer the perfect place for an exclusive break by the sea.
Qal'at al-Bahrain
The impressive UNESCO World Heritage site tells of the millennia-old history of the Dilmun culture and, thanks to its location directly on the coast, simultaneously offers travelers a fascinating view of the capital's futuristic skyline.
Qal’at al-Bahrain
The imposing Qal’at al-Bahrain, a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easily accessible from the port in about thirty minutes by taxi and offers an impressive blend of ancient history and the modern skyline of Manama in the background. The extensive complex invites you to take a relaxed tour through the historical ruins and also features a first-class museum with an attached café that offers a wonderful view of the sea. Thanks to the combination of cultural depth and the well-maintained atmosphere by the water, this location is perfect for guests who wish to experience Bahrain authentically and exclusively. Ideally, start your excursion in the early morning to explore the site in peace, and plan your return trip to the port about two hours before departure to end the day in a relaxed manner.
The return journey to Khalifa Bin Salman Port is straightforward and easy to plan thanks to the well-organized infrastructure. Since the port is located in a secured industrial area, various convenient options are available to ensure your punctual return.
Cruise Line Shuttle Buses
Most cruise lines offer reliable shuttle connections from central meeting points such as Bab Al Bahrain at the Souq or the City Centre Mall directly back to the ship. These buses run at regular intervals and guarantee a relaxed journey without transfers to the terminal building.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Air-conditioned vehicles are available at all times at official taxi ranks at major shopping centers like Seef Mall or at well-known hotels. Additionally, cars can be conveniently requested via apps such as Uber or Careem, which will bring you safely back to the port entrance in about 30 to 40 minutes thanks to the modern highway connections.
Important Notes on Port Entry
As Khalifa Bin Salman Port is an extensive and guarded area, returning on foot is not possible and is prohibited for security reasons. Rely on motorized transportation to take you directly through security checks to the pier, and plan a small time buffer for the port gate just in case.
