Track Your TicketsIf you’re planning a trip to watch some spectacular night racing in a unique desert setting from 12 to 14 March, this Bahrain Grand Prix travel guide can be your perfect companion for what should be a trip of a lifetime. If you haven’t got your Bahrain F1 tickets yet, start there.
The 2027 Formula One season opener will be hosted at the Bahrain International Circuit, in sandy Sakhir, approximately 35km south of the country’s capital, Manama.
This year, the same venue will host pre-season testing from 24 to 27 February, giving fans even more incentive to head out to the Middle East to witness the thrills and spills of F1 racing in the desert. Keep reading to see our key Bahrain travel advice.
Where to stay: hotels near Bahrain International Circuit
So, where to stay in Bahrain? Any F1 fans flying out to the Bahraini archipelago will need suitable lodgings. Hotel choice near the Bahrain International Circuit is pretty limited, so instead of staying right next to the track, most travellers set up base in Manama.
The capital is a modern city with a wide range of accommodation, including 5-star resorts, suites, luxury apartments and even rental listings on Airbnb. International hotel brands like Ibis, Hilton, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton all have properties in the area.
A short hop from Manama city centre is the south-eastern district of Juffair, which also has plenty to offer in terms of hotels and alternative accommodation. There are plenty of restaurants to explore in the area, too.
If you’re looking for hotels that are a little more upmarket, you could head west to Seef, Manama’s commercial district, about seven minutes from the city centre. Some previous visitors say this is the best area to stay in Bahrain.
If you are determined to find hotels near Bahrain International Circuit, the coastal village of Zallaq and Sakhir itself do have some five-star resorts, including Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa and Raffles Al Areen Palace.
Whichever option you choose, we recommend booking as early as possible to beat the crowds. Hotels in Bahrain range in price, and the closer you leave it to race weekend, the harder it will be to secure a room.
How to get to Bahrain International Circuit
Once you’ve landed on the island, there are several ways to get to the Bahrain International Circuit. Below, our Bahrain Grand Prix travel guide walks you through the options.
Drive – If you’ve rented your own car for the trip, you can drive from central Manama to the track in 30 to 40 minutes when traffic on the highways is normal. Expect roads around Sakhir to be busier than usual, with one-way systems in place around the circuit. There are decent parking facilities near the venue, too.
Shuttle bus – Fans can also use free shuttle buses for ticket holders, run by the event’s official organisers. You can hop on at the airport and at major hotels around Manama. You don’t need to be staying at those hotels to use the bus, as they simply serve as pick-up points.
Last year, the shuttles ran every 45 minutes between set hours each day. We recommend checking the official Bahrain Grand Prix website for the exact 2027 timetable.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps – Another popular choice: you can use apps like Uber and Careem to book a taxi to the circuit. A taxi from Manama to the track usually costs between 10 and 15 BHD (about £20–£30 / €23–€34 / $27–$40). Prices are likely to increase just after sessions end because of demand.
Flights and arriving in Bahrain
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) on Muharraq Island is a modern, well-run hub with good connections from the UK, most of Europe and the rest of the Middle East.
Direct flights from London take around 6.5 hours, while flights from New York to Bahrain take about 12 hours in total. Flights booked well in advance will generally be cheaper than those booked closer to the event.
Once you land and clear security, a taxi from the airport to Manama takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and if you’re going directly to the circuit, add an extra quarter of an hour. If you prefer, you can wait for one of the free shuttle buses instead, though you’ll need to show your race ticket to get on.
In Bahrain you’ll pay in the local currency, the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). 1 BHD is roughly £2 (about €2.30 / $2.65), which makes quick conversions easy. Cards are widely accepted, though it’s always savvy to keep some cash on you.
Do I need a visa for Bahrain?
Yes, most international travellers entering Bahrain need a valid visa for the length of their visit. Before heading out, you can apply online through the official Bahrain eVisa portal (checked 12 November 2026).
It’s also possible to get your visa from the Bahrain embassy in your own country, and some fans apply for one on arrival. We don’t recommend leaving it until you land, in case you run into unforeseen complications.
The standard visas issued to visiting fans (including a Bahrain visa for UK citizens) usually last for two weeks, though longer visas are also available. Make sure to check your passport dates before applying for a Bahrain visa, as the authorities say you should have at least six months left before it expires.
Always check the very latest entry requirements on official channels before you travel to Bahrain.
Is Bahrain safe for the Grand Prix?
The wider regional situation in the Middle East is unpredictable, and at the time of writing (12 November 2026) the official UK FCDO travel advice for Bahrain mentions the possibility of sudden escalation, flight disruption and other airspace issues.
Ordinarily, Bahrain is very safe for tourists, with low crime levels in cities and tight security at the Bahrain International Circuit. In recent years, the track and Manama’s hotel districts have operated as normal, but the situation can change quickly.
The best way to keep on top of things is to check the FCDO travel advice for Bahrain. You can even sign up for email alerts if you prefer.
Bahrain weather in March and what to wear (dress code)
Bahrain weather in March is usually great, so expect blue skies and pleasant conditions. Rain is uncommon and will only be light if it falls.
During the day, temperatures are usually between 23 and 28°C at that time of year. At night in the desert, they can drop to the high teens or low twenties, though you’ll be well protected from the elements in the covered grandstands at the track.
In terms of packing, we recommend light layers. Most people are fine in T-shirts or polos during the day, but you might need a jumper or a light jacket for the evening sessions. Remember to bring sun cream, sunglasses and a hat, as you’ll be out in the desert sun at times.
Now, onto the Bahrain dress code. In hotels, beach clubs and tourist hotspots it’s more relaxed, but you should aim to dress modestly when you’re out and about in public. That means avoiding overly revealing clothes when you’re shopping or strolling the city streets.
If you’re visiting a mosque, souk or more traditional local area, cover your shoulders and knees. We also recommend avoiding public displays of affection.
Alcohol, food and circuit rules
Bahrain alcohol rules are less strict than in some other countries in the Middle East. Alcoholic drinks are available in licensed premises (hotels, bars and restaurants), though you’ll need to prove you’re over 21.
Drinking is restricted to those premises, so you won’t find alcohol in supermarkets or shops, and drinking in public places isn’t allowed.
You’ll have a wide range of food to choose from wherever you’re staying, whether that’s Manama, Juffair or Seef. We recommend trying local dishes like shawarma and machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), and if you’re a seafood fan, you’re going to love it here. Most restaurants serve halal meat, and vegetarian options are plentiful.
At the Bahrain International Circuit, there’s a decent range of food and drink in the fan zones, though alcohol is generally not allowed in the spectator areas. You can double-check the 2027 food and drink rules on the official circuit website.
Things to do in Bahrain on race weekend
Action at the track is likely to fill most of your time, but if you fancy exploring Bahrain away from the Formula One frenzy, our Bahrain Grand Prix travel guide recommends the following:
- Qal’at al-Bahrain – An ancient fort on a site that has been inhabited for thousands of years. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit for any history buffs.
- The Tree of Life – Around 40km from Manama, this 9.75-metre (32ft) Prosopis juliflora tree is over 400 years old and stands alone in the Sakhir desert. It has real significance for locals.
- Manama Souq – Step back in time: pass through Bab Al Bahrain and into the souq, one of the country’s oldest markets. It’s a great place to hunt for souvenirs and trinkets.
- Go shopping – Bahrain has a number of modern shopping malls if you fancy a browse or a spree. Look out for City Centre Bahrain and Seef Mall, packed with international brands in an air-conditioned setting.
- Head to the beach – Bahrain is a relatively small island, so you won’t have to travel far to reach the seaside. Bilaj Al Jazayer and Solymar Beach are two of the most picturesque and popular.
Bahrain Grand Prix travel guide FAQs
How far is Bahrain International Circuit from Manama?
If you’re asking where the Bahrain Grand Prix is held, it’s out in the Sakhir desert. The track is about 30 to 40 minutes from Manama city centre by car, though heavy traffic can make the journey longer. Always leave yourself some extra time.
Is there a shuttle bus to the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Yes, there are free shuttle buses to the track for ticket holders. In recent years, pick-up points have been at the airport and at certain hotels around Manama. We recommend confirming the 2027 shuttle bus schedule on the official event website before travelling.
Can you drink alcohol at the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Alcohol is available in the fan zones at the Bahrain GP, but you generally can’t take drinks into the general spectator areas. You must be over 21 to buy alcohol.
What should I bring to the Bahrain Grand Prix?
The track is in the Sakhir desert, so bring sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Temperatures dip in the evening, so a jumper or light jacket is handy, too. Have your passport on you, and bring ear protection if you’re sensitive to loud engine noise.
