Where to Stay for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

The best places to stay in Manama for Formula 1 fans attending the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix

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• The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for April 10-12
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Located just 30 kilometers north east of Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and close to the airport, Bahrain’s capital city of Manama offers the best selection of accommodation for fans attending the Bahrain Grand Prix. Some of the city’s best hotels are also served by free shuttle buses to the circuit on race weekend – more details below. Proper budget lodgings are in short supply in Bahrain, and hostels are practically non-existent in the Middle East. The good news is that decent apartments can be rented cheaply during F1 week, especially when you split the cost among friends. At the other end of the scale, luxury stays in Bahrain are significantly cheaper than in places like Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Stay Near Bahrain International Circuit

There’s very little accommodation to choose from in the south of the island where Bahrain International Circuit is located. The best option in the Sakhir district is the 5-star Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, which is just 4km from the circuit and is served by free shuttle buses on race weekend), but this is likely to be booked out by teams and F1 personnel well in advance of the race. The same is likely to be true for the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, which is a 10-minute drive from the circuit.

Free Shuttle Buses to Bahrain International Circuit

Shuttle bus details for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix won’t be announced until a week or two before race weekend, though the hotels covered and timings have not changed dramatically in recent years.

Free shuttle buses connect the airport, selected hotels and the circuit during the week of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Details and timetables for 2025 shuttles can be found below. Please note that shuttle buses run every 45 minutes during the hours listed.

• Airport to Selected Hotels: Monday April 7 to Sunday April 13 /  5am-midday & 3pm-3am
• Airport to the Circuit: Monday April 7 to Sunday April 13 /  5am-midday & 3pm-3am
• Selected Hotels to the Circuit: Thursday April 10 to Sunday April 13 / 10am-4pm
• Circuit to Selected Hotels & Airport: Thursday April 10 to Sunday April 13 / 6pm-11pm
• Selected Hotels to the Airport: After Race / 8pm-midnight (Sunday) & 6pm until midnight (Monday)

The free shuttle service services the following hotels during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. If you are staying at a nearby hotel that’s not part of the free shuttle route, you can still use this service upon presentation of your F1 tickets.

• Al Seef: The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
• Diplomatic Area: InterContinental Bahrain by IHG / Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay / Downtown Rotana / Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbor
• Adliya: Gulf Hotel / Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain
• Al Juffair: The K Hotel / The Olive Hotel / Wyndham Garden Manama
• Sakhir (Near Circuit): Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa / Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain

Al Seef

Home to many of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, largest shopping malls and most expensive hotels, Al Seef also offers the shortest driving distance to the circuit. Le Meridien Bahrain is a good choice if you want to be close to City Centre Bahrain, the largest mall in the kingdom with a cineplex and waterpark. Other recommended hotels in Al Seef include the ibis Seef Manama*, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain* and Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. Estimated driving time to BIC from Al Seef: approximately 25 mins (28km). *Free Shuttle Buses

Diplomatic Area & Manama Center

The central business district of Manama, also known as the Diplomatic Area, is the favored place to stay for F1 teams and personnel. This area is home to the distinctive twin towers of the Bahrain World Trade Centre (where you’ll also find the upmarket Moda Mall Bahrain) and close to the historic Manama Souq. 
Recommended hotels in the Diplomatic Area include Downtown Rotana*, InterContinental Bahrain by IHG* and The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. Just to the north of the center, the incredible Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay* (pictured above) with seven restaurants and five swimming pools is the centerpiece of the Bahrain Bay development. Estimated driving time to BIC from the Diplomatic Area: approximately 30 mins (32km). *Free Shuttle Buses.

Al Juffair

Probably the best place to stay for nightlife, shopping, bars and cafes, Al Juffair is also popular with expats. Close to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Al Juffair has a good selection of apartments and hotels to suit different budgets. Recommended places to stay in Al Juffair include The K Hotel*, Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain*, and the Gulf Hotel Bahrain. Estimated driving time to BIC from Al Juffair: approximately 30 mins (32km). *Free Shuttle Buses.

Amwaj Islands

A group of man-made islands off the north east coast of Bahrain, the Amwaj Islands are home to some of the best high-end resorts and sandy beaches in Bahrain. The Amwaj Islands are also very close to Bahrain International Airport, but further away from the circuit than the city centre of Manama. Recommended places to stay on the Amwaj Islands include the 4-star Ramada Hotel and Suites Amwaj Islands and the 5-star Art Hotel & Resort, which has a private beach and eight on-site restaurants. The 5-star Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain is also highly rated. Estimated driving time to Bahrain International Circuit from the Amwaj Islands: approximately 45 mins (45km).