Job Discussion Forums

babar6789 · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 69 Location: Japan

Is it possible to get around by bus or is driving essential? I've heard conflicting reports.

Cheers

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

The short answer is that it depends.

If you have plenty of time; if your destination is on a public transport route; if you are prepared to wait in the sun (and humidity) then it's fine.

My experience of public transport in Bahrain is limited to Manamas - Riffa; Manama - Muharraq and Muharraq - International Airport, but the system worked. The buses were cheap, the routes were suitable, and they stayed in schedule.

mouse5 · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 142

The bus service is mainly used by Bahrain's huge TCN population. They can get well over 100 on one of those old school buses. If you want to see the island do a deal with a cab driver for a day.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Buses are okay but a bit hot in the summer. I have used the route from the Bus Station (opposite the noit-recommended Ambassador Hotel) to the British Council, and the one in the opposite direction going to the American Hospital.

This was part of my aptitude test for membership of Klub 300. Of course I failed - on the grounds that serious 300-ers do not go to Bahrain.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

To use buses simply go to the bus station opposite the AMBASSADOR HOTEL ( near the TYLOS). Ask about destinations. Lots of the passengers speak English - most are Asians. As I recollect it fares were 300 fils and 400 fils depending on distance.

I am preparing my initiation into 300 so must refrain from all these luxuries like visits to Bahrain. I hope that mortification of the flesh will havce the desired results.

teachingmaniac · Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 7

It really is best to have your own car. Taxis are expensive and the buses are usually used by laborers.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

A chauffeur-driven Merc is the answer

Marquess · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 165

babar6789 · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 69 Location: Japan

Thanks guys and gals. I'm aware that Middle Eastern countries are driving cultures much like the USA and the UK. It's just that I'm moving to Bahrain to work and I don't have a drivers license.

Gonna have to take the bus to work methinks!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Since Bahrain is so small, you may have better luck, but in the rest of the Gulf, there was never a bus line that would have taken me from my residence to my employer... long walks in the burning heat at both ends to get to a stop.

Of course, as a female, I wouldn't have used them anyway.

Good Luck!

VS

babar6789 · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 69 Location: Japan

Thanks, my research indicates that learning to drive in Bahrain isn't a big issue so I guess that getting on the road won't be that hard. However, paying for it, on a teachers salary, might be.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

As far as I can see, Manama is just one big traffic jam. Henry Ford has a lot to answer for !