🇧🇭 Drive Bahrain with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Bahrain?
Required If You Are Staying Longer Than 3 Months
For the first 3 months in Bahrain, a valid foreign photocard licence is accepted on its own — a normal holiday or business trip needs nothing more. Stay beyond 3 months and you need a 1968-Convention International Driving Permit carried alongside it. Rental companies set their own document rules and commonly ask for an IDP even on short stays, so check the agency's terms when you book rather than at the counter.
King Fahd Causeway
The King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia across 25 km of bridge and causeway. If you plan to drive across, check that your driving documents and your rental agreement both cover Saudi Arabia — it applies its own licence and entry rules, separate from Bahrain's. Border crossings can be slow during weekends.
Driving Rules in Bahrain
Drive on the Right
Bahrain drives on the right side with left-hand-drive vehicles. The island is compact and easy to navigate. Main roads are well-signed in Arabic and English. Roundabouts are common throughout Manama.
Compact Island Driving
Bahrain is a small island nation — you can drive across the entire country in under an hour. Distances are short but traffic in Manama can be congested. The road network is modern and well-maintained.
Alcohol Laws
Bahrain is more liberal than neighboring Gulf states regarding alcohol, but strict drunk driving laws apply. Blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and deportation for serious offenses.
Speed Limits & Cameras
Urban: 50–60 km/h. Highways: 80–120 km/h. Speed cameras are widespread. Fines start at BHD 20. Using a mobile phone while driving results in a BHD 20 fine.
Renting a Car in Bahrain
Car rental in Bahrain is affordable and convenient, with agencies at the airport and throughout Manama.
Documents to Bring
Original license, passport, and credit card — plus an IDP, which agencies here commonly ask for even on short stays. Minimum age is 21 with at least 1 year of driving experience.
Typical Costs
Economy cars from BHD 8–15/day (approx. $21–40). Full insurance adds BHD 3–5/day. Fuel costs approximately BHD 0.16/liter — among the cheapest in the world.
Top Rental Companies
Oscar Rent a Car — Popular local agency with airport presence. Budget — Available at Bahrain International Airport. Europcar — Good fleet variety.
Get Your IDP for Bahrain — From $29
Digital delivery in 1–2 business days (express as fast as 2 hours). Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Bahrain? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Bahrain IDP FAQ
Only if you are staying longer than 3 months. For the first 3 months a valid foreign photocard licence is accepted on its own; beyond that you need a 1968-Convention IDP carried with it. Rental companies set their own document rules and commonly ask for an IDP even on short stays, so check the agency's terms when you book.
Yes, via the King Fahd Causeway. Check that your driving documents and your rental agreement both cover Saudi Arabia — it applies its own licence and entry rules, separate from Bahrain's. You may need a Saudi visa. Border crossings can be slow during weekends and holidays.
Very easy. Bahrain is a compact island nation that you can cross in under an hour. Roads are modern, well-signed in Arabic and English, and fuel is extremely cheap.