If you want to travel to Manama, the bustling capital of Bahrain, you may find yourself wondering how to see the city. While there is public transportation, there is something exhilarating about driving down the streets at your own pace. That is where car rental fits into the equation. Manama car rental is not only convenient but also allows you to discover the city's beautiful architecture, souks, beaches, and secrets without being bound by structured programs.
But how exactly do you rent a car in Manama, particularly if you are a first-time visitor to the city or a foreign guest? Follow this step-by-step guide for car hire in Manama in the simplest and most convenient manner possible.
Step 1: Determine Your Car Rental Needs
It is essential to identify your needs even before you begin browsing rental sites:
- How long do you require the car? Short-term hires (a few days) and long-term hires (weeks/months) can have varying charges.
- What kind of car will be ideal for your journey? Travelling alone or with family? Need extra space for luggage? Select accordingly; a compact sedan can work for going around a city, whereas an SUV would be ideal for covering distances.
- What is your budget? Do not just look at the price of rent, but also insurance, petrol, and deposits.
Step 2: Research Car Rental Companies In Manama
There are many firms of car hire in Manama. Here is how to make a good choice:
- Compare prices online using aggregator websites or apps such as Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or Skyscanner.
- Check customer reviews to make sure the agency is reliable and active.
- Search for airport pickup if you are arriving at Bahrain International Airport; it is the easiest point to begin your rental.
Local agencies may have discounts that international agencies lack, so it is worth comparing both.
Step 3: Book Your Car in Advance
Booking ahead has several advantages:
- Reduced rates: Spontaneous bookings can be more expensive, particularly during peak times.
- More choices: The sooner you book, the more vehicle types you have to choose from.
- Fewer worries: Less to worry about when you get there.
Double-check your booking by email and make sure you have all the booking information in front of you.
Step 4: Know Legal Requirements
You will need to:
- Rent and drive a car in Manama
- A current driver's license issued in your home state. Some agencies will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the license is not English or Arabic.
- A visa and a passport are required if you are a foreign visitor.
- A driver's name and credit card. This is typically requested as the security deposit.
In addition, the legal minimum car rental age in Bahrain is 21 years, but other companies may require drivers to be 25+ for specific car groups.
Step 5: Pick up the Car and Check It Carefully
Upon reaching the car rental agency office or airport counter, do the following for an easy handover:
- Take all the documents you will require, such as a license, a passport, a credit card, and a confirmation email of your booking.
- Check the vehicle thoroughly prior to taking it. Photograph or video any damage that is present.
- Know the fuel policy, full-to-full or pre-paid.
- Inquire about tolls, road signs, and GPS capabilities.
- Make sure insurance is part of your contract, and know what it includes (collision, theft, etc.).
Do not hurry over signing the documents; read the contract thoroughly, particularly the final print.
Step 6: Drive Smart and Safe in Manama
Driving in Manama is fairly simple, but it is still important to be mindful of a few local nuances:
- Stay on your own side of the road.
- Speed limits are posted and firmly enforced by cameras. City streets have a general limit of 60-80 km/h, and highways have a limit of 100-120 km/h.
- Be cautious in roundabouts, which abound in the city.
- Use Google Maps or Waze to navigate around peak-hour congestion.
- Do not drive with your phone; it is illegal and dangerous.
- Parking in Manama's centre is tough during busy times, so expect to have to pay for parking in multi-story buildings.
Step 7: Refuel When Necessary
Most rental cars have a full tank and should be returned full to avoid extra charges. Bahrain gasoline is relatively cheap compared to most countries, so driving around is inexpensive.
Gas stations can be easily located around and even near Manama. These are mostly self-service and take either cards or cash.
Step 8: Discover Beyond Manama
You can drive around Bahrain in your rental automobile. Take these day trips:
- Amwaj Islands – A romantic collection of man-made islands only a 20-minute drive from the capital.
- Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain) – A world heritage site revealing the remains of the ancient Dilmun civilisation.
- Tree of Life – A natural phenomenon, standing solitary in the desert for more than 400 years.
- Riffa – Famous for ancient bazaars and historical places.
These trips are trouble-free in your own car, with no bus timings or hailing a taxi.
Step 9: Return The Car Hassle-Free
What to do when you return the car:
- Refuel to full if that is included in the policy.
- Take out all your stuff and trash.
- Check the car again with an associate representative, and take a few photos as evidence of the condition when returning.
- Get a return receipt signed to prevent any misinterpretation.
Step 10: Pay Any Excess Fees
Your deposit will be back in your hands in a few business days after you bring the car back. But watch out for these excess fees:
- Late return penalties
- Toll charges
- Cleaning fees if you bring the car back dirty
- Damage or scratches not reported in advance
Conclusion
Car hire in Manama provides you with the freedom that transforms a dull vacation into holiday bliss. From visiting crowded souks and fashionable malls to serene beaches and ancient ruins, having your own car provides you with so many possibilities. Do not pass up the opportunity to see Bahrain in your own car, whether for business or vacation. Choose your vehicle from Al Muftah Rent a Car and experience the rich history and secret charm of Manama, one easy drive at a time.