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
Good to Know
Read some recent traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Bahrain Airport Guide.
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.
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 operates 24 hours a day on both the landside and airside. Security checkpoints remain open around the clock to support overnight and early-morning departures.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist, but you will find some informal relaxation spots with reclining seats and mini-sofas scattered around. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
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 secure departures area, opposite Gate 15. The hotel offers sleep pods and short-stay rooms, with bookings starting from approximately 3 hours. Facilities include standard rooms, compact rooms, family rooms, and a small spa.
Access is limited to departing and transit passengers who have cleared security; travellers without a boarding pass cannot enter. Transit passengers do not have access to checked luggage during their stay. » Check Room 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.
Marhaba Lounge (Upper Lounge) – Location: Airside, Departures, Level 2, near Gate 15. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($39 USD/approx. BHD 15) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Pearl Lounge (Departures) – Location: Airside, near Gates 15A-15B. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($39 USD/approx. BHD 15) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($39 USD/approx. BHD 15) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
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.
Other Lounges
Unaccompanied Minors’ Lounge – 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. Location: Airside, Departures. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Drinking Water
Water fountains and bottle refill points are available airside, typically located near washrooms.
On the landside, drinking water is generally sold bottled; free refill stations are limited or unavailable.
Food & Drinks
Food options are available 24 hours a day.
- Landside (Arrivals): McDonald’s • Albaik • Crepafe • Starbucks.
- Airside (Departures): Burger King • Camden Food Co • Jamie’s Deli and Pizzeria • KFC • Illy Caffe • Jaipur Indio Asian • Levito • Lumee on the go • Millies Cookies • R12 Sports Lounge • Ritazza • Starbucks • TGI Friday’s • The Terrace Cafe • Upper Crust • Ya Salam.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Free charging points are available airside, usually integrated into seating areas. On the landside, charging is limited to standard power outlets. Travellers should ensure they have the correct plug adaptor.
Showers
Showers are available inside most airport lounges. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Bahrain Airport. Connect to the “BIA Free WiFi” network. No registration is required.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Art Galleries – Cultural artifacts and local artwork are displayed throughout the terminal. The Cultural Heritage Galleries are located in the Departures area.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available in the Arrivals area. Fees may apply, so travellers should check with their bank regarding foreign transaction and withdrawal limits.
Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the terminal.
Banking Services -NBB Bank provides full-service banking. Location: Landside, Arrivals Hall, Level 1.
Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange services and operates 24 hours a day.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Travelex offers currency exchange services and operates 24 hours a day.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Infant Care Rooms are available throughout the terminal, both landside and airside.
- Kids Play Zone – A dedicated play area features interactive games, gaming consoles, and climbing structures designed for children from toddler age through teens.
Information Desk – Airport information desks are available to assist travellers. Locations: Arrivals, Level 2 • Departures, Level 1.
Luggage Wrapping – Plastic luggage wrapping services are available in the Departures Hall on the landside.
Medical Services – First aid services are available 24 hours a day. Location: Eastern Pier, all levels. Emergency medical assistance can be requested by phone.
Pharmacy – Pharmacy services are available in both Arrivals and Departures areas. Some locations operate 24 hours.
Porters – Porter services are available in both Arrivals and Departures halls for a fixed fee.
Prayer Rooms – Separate prayer rooms for men and women are available both landside and airside.
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 except in designated smoking rooms located in both Arrivals and Departures areas.
Travel Agencies – Information not available.
VAT Refund – Eligible travellers can inquire about VAT refunds at Airport Information Counters in the Arrivals, Check-in, or Departures areas.
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: 2026-01-15
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.