Taxis, Bahrain

Taxis rule in Bahrain and can become quite expensive if you are not careful. I have found that it is best to find a driver that you like and who will take care of you to have for a night out instead of waiting for whatever taxi you can find. I have used a driver named "Shaker" at Road Master and he is very good. Not only does Road Master run taxis in town, they will also drive you to Qatar or Saudi Arabia if you need it.

Taxis in Bahrain will rip you off. From the minute you arrive at the airport, and anywhere you try to travel, they try to overcharge you. Meters routinely don't work, and they even try to charge you to turn on the AC. It's much easier and cheaper to rent a car. There is no public transport to talk of in Bahrain, and it's too hot to walk, so a car is a must if you are here for any length of time. If you don't fancy this, or want a taxi for a special occasion, then phone either Speedy Motors (17682999) or Bahrain Limo (17266266). Their taxis are all metered and clean and very cheap, but you have to book well in advance and in busy times, forget it.

Taxi in bahrain can be identified by the orange side markings and yellow number plates also has a taxi sign on the roof.
Like many other countries bahrain’s taxi should operate with a meter by law minimum fare is 800fils covered the first 3 km and 100fils for every km. But other taxis they didn’t follow their rules instead they make the fare double.

TAXI DRIVERS IN BAHRAIN ARE MOSTLY LOCALS. METERS ARE PRESENT BUT TAXIS DON'T GO BY METER. YOU NEED TO FIX THE PRICE BEFORE YOU HIRE THEM. ANYWHERE IN MANAMA ITS BETWEEN 3$ TO 5$. LANGAUGE IS ANOTHER PROBLEM BUT THEN THEY UNDERSTAND SOME ENGLISH WORDS. IF YOU KNOW HINDI, NATIONAL LANGUAGE OF INDIA, THEN YOUR JOB IS EASIER.

When booking a hotel, check which provide free transport to/from the airport. Paying an extra 30-40 $ a night may be worth it, if you get a better horel PLUS free transport (which saves you the 30-40 dollars that you will pay for the taxi return fare)

The best way to avoid being stung by taxi drivers is to ask the hotel reception to arrange for a taxi. The taxi's used by them are usually cleaner and in a better state than the ones you flag down on the street. They will also be able to tell you how much a trip should cost (on average).

If the taxi driver way over charges, mention it to the person in the hotel who booked your taxi on your return. Most taxis at hotels get their business from people they know at reception desks or at the door. If they get complaints they won't be used any more.

A lot has been said about Bahraini taxi drivers and how they rip people off. Like with any tourist area you need to be on your guard and use your common sense. Most taxi drivers will put a cloth over the meter when a western person gets in their taxi. Just ask them to remove it and put the normal meter on. If they refuse, just get out and flag down another taxi, you would be amazed how quick the cloth dissapears. It really is as simple as that.

there are two types of taxis in bahrain:

1 - the usual four seater, you'll spot these easily because they have bright orange wheel hubs.
2 - the pick up trucks - see picture - these are usually cheaper and you'll share them with other people.