Bahrain International Circuit is in Sakhir, about 30 km from Manama. We compare staying at a Zallaq or Sakhir resort with Seef, Bahrain Bay, Adliya, Juffair and the airport area, using the official 2027 race, shuttle and airport facts.
**The Immediate Answer:** Bahrain International Circuit is in Sakhir, approximately 30 km from the capital, Manama. Your choice comes down to two options: book a resort in **Zallaq and Sakhir** (for example **Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea And Spa Hotel**, **Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain** or **Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain**) for a resort stay, or base yourself in **Manama** (**Seef** and **City Centre**, **Bahrain Bay**, **Adliya** or **Juffair**) to have the city around you and travel to Sakhir by rental car, taxi or ride-hailing (the race-weekend shuttle's 2027 details are not yet published).
The [2027 Bahrain Grand Prix](/f1/bahrain-grand-prix) (officially the **FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2027**) runs **Friday 12 to Sunday 14 March 2027**, Round 1 of 24 on the [2027 Formula 1 calendar](/tools/f1-calendar/2027) and the seventh time Bahrain has hosted Formula 1's season-opening event, at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir (5.412 km, 15 corners). It is Bahrain's first **Sprint weekend**: Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying on Friday 12 March, the Sprint and Qualifying on Saturday 13 March, and the Grand Prix on Sunday 14 March (57 laps and 308.238 km at the 2025 race), with all 2027 session times still listed as TBC on Formula 1's race page as of November 2026. Formula 1 pre-season testing also takes place in Bahrain on **24 to 27 February 2027**. (The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix was removed from its original April slot because of the ongoing conflict in the region and ran at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on 2 to 4 October 2026, won by Max Verstappen.)
1. Why Location Matters at Sakhir: Circuit vs. Manama Base
Unlike Yas Marina Circuit, which sits on Yas Island with hotels around it (see our [Abu Dhabi where to stay guide](/guides/abu-dhabi-where-to-stay) and our [2027 F1 circuits guide](/guides/f1-circuits-2027)), Bahrain International Circuit is a permanent FIA Grade 1 facility in Sakhir, approximately 30 km from Manama according to Formula 1's official ticket page. Every booking is a trade-off between staying in a Zallaq or Sakhir resort and staying in Manama with the city around you.
How you get between your hotel and Sakhir shapes where you should stay:
- **Race-weekend shuttle:** Formula 1's official ticket page states that "official shuttle services operate throughout race weekend". As of November 2026, Bahrain International Circuit has not published the 2027 shuttle routes, hotel list or timetable on bahraingp.com. Check bahraingp.com before you travel, and never book a hotel assuming it is on the shuttle route.
- **Rental car:** Nine car rental companies operate 24/7 in the public Arrivals area at Bahrain International Airport, alongside Hala Bahrain chauffeur services.
- **Taxis and ride-hailing:** Official metered taxis (Bahrain Taxi and Arabian Taxi) and ride-hailing apps (Careem and Uber) operate at Bahrain International Airport. Session times for 2027 are still TBC, so plan your return trip from Sakhir once they are published.
- **Public buses:** None of the four airport bus routes listed by the Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC) on Bahrain International Airport's website lists Bahrain International Circuit or Sakhir as a stop.
2. Zallaq and Sakhir Resorts
The resorts below suit fans who want a resort stay rather than a city base and do not mind travelling into Manama if they want the city. The official sources we checked give no distances from these resorts to the circuit, so check the route and your travel options with the hotel before you book.
**Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea And Spa Hotel** is in Zallaq.
Two other resorts to compare are [Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=148500) (the raffles.com address is listed as Manama, so check its distance to the circuit before booking) and [Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=41388483) (listed under Zallaq on Agoda).
3. Seef and City Centre: Chain Hotels and Airport Bus Route A2
Seef and the City Centre district in Manama suit fans who want a city base with international chain hotels. On Bahrain International Airport's official bus page, BPTC **Route A2** is marked "(Fastest Route from Airport to Manama)" and stops directly at Manama Bus Terminal, City Centre and Seef.
Three hotels to compare on Agoda are [The Westin City Centre Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=773020), [Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=773021) and [The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=9340).
4. Central Manama and Bahrain Bay: Waterfront and City Center Hotels
Central Manama and Bahrain Bay suit travelers who want a capital-city base near the waterfront and financial district (Manama Bus Terminal is served by airport bus routes A1, A2, 10 and 11), while travelling the approximately 30 km to Sakhir on track days.
Three hotels to compare on Agoda are [Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=1281847), [Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=50590822) and [Downtown Rotana](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=1144012).
5. Adliya and Juffair: Staying in Manama
Adliya and Juffair suit fans who want to spend their evenings in Manama after the sessions at Sakhir.
In Adliya, check [Gulf Hotel Convention and SPA](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=159940). In Juffair, compare [Hilton Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=33802705) and [Wyndham Garden Manama](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=2728528).
6. The Airport Area, Marassi and Amwaj Islands
Staying in the [Bahrain International Airport area](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&area=493868), Marassi Al Bahrain or the Amwaj Islands suits fans with a late arrival or early flight, or those planning a beach resort trip. The sources we checked give no distance from these areas to Sakhir.
Three hotels to compare on Agoda are [Movenpick Hotel Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=66653), [Address Beach Resort Bahrain](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=33980456) and [Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Amwaj Islands](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid=1961797&hid=1156571) on the Amwaj Islands.
7. Which Base Is Right for You?
| Base | Location relative to Sakhir | How you get to the circuit | Best for | Hotels to compare on Agoda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zallaq and Sakhir | Zallaq and Sakhir area (distance not published in our sources) | Rental car, taxi, ride-hailing or race-weekend shuttle (2027 shuttle details not published as of November 2026) | A resort stay | Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq, Raffles Al Areen Palace, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain |
| Seef and City Centre | Manama (Manama is approx. 30 km from the circuit) | Rental car, taxi, ride-hailing or race-weekend shuttle (2027 shuttle details not published as of November 2026) | Chain hotels; on Airport Bus Route A2 | The Westin City Centre, Le Méridien City Centre, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain |
| Central Manama and Bahrain Bay | Manama (approx. 30 km from the circuit) | Rental car, taxi, ride-hailing or race-weekend shuttle (2027 shuttle details not published as of November 2026) | Waterfront and city center hotels | Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, Downtown Rotana |
| Adliya and Juffair | Manama (approx. 30 km from the circuit) | Rental car, taxi, ride-hailing or race-weekend shuttle (2027 shuttle details not published as of November 2026) | Evenings in Manama and city hotels | Gulf Hotel Convention and SPA, Hilton Bahrain, Wyndham Garden Manama |
| Airport area, Marassi and Amwaj Islands | Distance not published in our sources | Rental car, taxi or ride-hailing | Late arrivals, early flights or a beach resort stay | Movenpick Hotel Bahrain, Address Beach Resort Bahrain, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands |
8. Getting From Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
As listed on Bahrain International Airport's official transport pages in November 2026:
- **Official airport taxis:** Operated 24/7 by **Bahrain Taxi** and **Arabian Taxi** from the inner curb on the arrival level. Fares are meter-based as per Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications: an initial **BHD 2** will be charged, and an additional **BHD 2** for pickup services.
- **Careem and Uber:** Pre-booking is available; the airport meeting point is at the **Arrivals Curbside, next to Gate 1**.
- **Car rental and chauffeur services:** Open 24/7 in the public Arrivals area on the ground floor of the terminal, opposite Gates 1 & 2. Nine rental companies are listed (**Allied**, **Budget**, **Enterprise**, **Future**, **Prima**, **Sixt**, **Trans Auto**, **UDrive** and **We Rent A Car**), plus **Hala Bahrain** chauffeur services.
- **Airport parking rates (subject to VAT):** Short-term **Car Park B** is BHD 1.000 per hour up to 4 hours, BHD 5.000 for 4 to 24 hours ("current offer"), and BHD 5.000 per extra day. Long-term **Car Park D** is BHD 3 per day with a shuttle every 15 minutes. **Valet parking** is BHD 3.000 for the first hour, BHD 1.500 per extra hour and BHD 15.000 per 24 hours. **Pick-up and drop-off lanes** are free for 1 to 10 minutes, BHD 3.000 for 11 minutes to 1 hour, and BHD 5.000 for every additional hour (lost ticket +BHD 5.000).
- **Public buses (BPTC):** Operated by the **Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC)** from Exit 4 on the Arrival level, zone 4A. A cash single fare is **BHD 0.300**; a reusable **GO Card** has a one-time fee of **BHD 0.500**, then **BHD 0.275** per trip with a daily cap of **BHD 0.700**. **Route A1** stops at Airport, Muharraq Bus Terminal, Manama Bus Terminal, American Mission Hospital, Salmaniya, Khamis and Isa Town Bus Terminal. **Route A2** ("Fastest Route from Airport to Manama") stops at Bahrain Investment Gateway, Airport, Manama Bus Terminal, City Centre, Seef, Souq Waqif, Hamad Town and University of Bahrain. **Route 10** stops at Airport, Arad, Hidd, Mina Salman, Kuwait Avenue, Manama Bus Terminal, Muharraq Bus Terminal and Airport (**Route 11** runs the reverse). None of the four listed airport routes lists the circuit or Sakhir as a stop.
9. Visas, How Many Nights to Book and Refund Terms
- **Book Thursday to Monday for the Sprint weekend:** Track days run **Friday 12 to Sunday 14 March 2027**, and because 2027 is Bahrain's first Sprint weekend, Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying take place on Friday 12 March. Check in on Thursday 11 March so you are on site for Friday's sessions, and check out on Monday 15 March after Sunday's race. If you are attending pre-season testing in Bahrain (**24 to 27 February 2027**), Bahrain International Circuit stated in October 2026 that "Details of tickets for the tests will be announced soon."
- **Check your Bahrain visa early:** According to Bahrain International Airport's official visa page, all visitors need a visa **except for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries**. Check your nationality on evisa.gov.bh for visa on arrival eligibility or to apply for an eVisa. According to the eVisa FAQ, processing takes **approximately 3-5 working days**, the processing fee is not refunded if the application is not approved, and if your stay at the airport **will not exceed 8 hours**, you do not need a visa. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Bahrain's government services portal (bahrain.bh) also lists an **"Issuing an events visa - F1 Grand Prix"** service issued to those wishing to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix, requiring valid tickets (or proof of purchase) for F1 Grand Prix events, a return ticket and a hotel reservation, with processing listed as **3 - 5 Working Days**.
- **Choose a refundable hotel rate:** Under Bahrain International Circuit's 2027 Ticket Terms and Conditions (last updated 30 September 2026), ticket refunds are given only if the Event is cancelled (Clause 4.7). Clause 4.8 states that "the Promoter will not reimburse any Ticketholder for any third-party or ancillary costs or expenses" ... "(including but not limited to travel, accommodation, transportation, food and beverage or visa costs)."
10. 2027 Grandstands, Gate Rules and What to Pack for Sakhir
Bahrain International Circuit sells five grandstands. As listed on bahraingp.com on 11 November 2026 under the **15% Early Bird Prices** for 3-day passes (an earlier 20% early-bird offer ended at 12 midnight on Sunday, 18 October 2026 at BD 156 for Main, BD 112 for Turn 1, BD 104 for Beyon, BD 60 for University and BD 56 for Victory; the 15% early-bird offer may end, and Formula 1's ticket store lists the full Main Grandstand 3-day price at BHD 195.000, or BHD 165.750 after 15%):
- **Main Grandstand (BHD 165.75 for 3 days):** Overlooks the start and finish lines, the F1 pit lane and the main straight.
- **Turn One Grandstand (BHD 119 for 3 days):** Overlooks the "Michael Schumacher" corner.
- **Beyon Grandstand (Batelco on formula1.com) (BHD 110.50 for 3 days):** Overlooks the inner parts of the 5.412 km track and the support race pit lane.
- **University Grandstand (BHD 63.75 for 3 days):** Overlooks turns two and three and the straight into turn four.
- **Victory Grandstand (BHD 59.50 for 3 days):** Overlooks the final two turns before the finish.
As of November 2026, bahraingp.com has not published a 2027 concert line-up. Under the official **2027 Ticket Terms and Conditions** (last updated 30 September 2026 by Bahrain International Circuit Company W.L.L., CR 50577 - 1):
- **End-of-day admission (Clause 3.5):** "No admission or re-admission is permitted after the end of each day of the Event."
- **Wellbeing and hearing protection (Clause 5.3):** "You are required to take appropriate care of your wellbeing, including by maintaining appropriate hydration and using appropriate sun, eye and ear protection." Hearing protection is advised "during races, performances and music concerts (if any)".
- **Children and animals (Clauses 5.7 and 5.8):** "Parents and guardians are responsible for and must supervise any children accompanying them at the Venue." "No animals will be admitted to the Venue."
- **Bag inspection and prohibited items (Clauses 6.4 and 6.5):** Clause 6.4 states: "You must make your person and bags available for inspection." Prohibited items under Clause 6.5 include **(a) bottles, cans, glass vessels;** (b) illegal substances, weapons, knives, bladed items, fireworks, smoke canisters, personal protection sprays, air-horns, vuvuzelas, whistles and flares; (c) drones, phone jammers, radio scanners, walkie-talkies, laser devices and **selfie sticks**; (d) bicycles, roller-skates, skateboards, scooters and **prams**; (e) items that could be used to sabotage or damage property; and (f) items of a political, religious or similar nature or bearing offensive slogans or messages. Because Clause 6.5(a) bans bottles, cans and glass vessels, do not bring a water bottle to the gates.
To meet Clause 5.3's guidance on sun, eye and ear protection during the Sakhir weekend, pack [rated hearing protection](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GQF3WCN?tag=tracksidecult-20), [sunscreen](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CDV7EY?tag=tracksidecult-20) or a [sunscreen stick](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMC6ZRJZ?tag=tracksidecult-20), [sunglasses](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MRD7118?tag=tracksidecult-20) and [UV-protective clothing](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7ZWLM5T?tag=tracksidecult-20), along with a [portable power bank](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJBQBB7F?tag=tracksidecult-20) for booking rides after the sessions, a [small sling bag](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B576PN7R?tag=tracksidecult-20), a [light layer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0894FFQS6?tag=tracksidecult-20) and a [grandstand seat cushion](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMZYQ5WW?tag=tracksidecult-20).
For the full gear checklist, see our [F1 race weekend packing list](/collectors-gear/f1-race-weekend-packing-list-2026). To compare Bahrain with other races on the calendar, see our [ranking of the easiest F1 races to attend](/guides/f1-easiest-races-ranking), our [2027 F1 circuits guide](/guides/f1-circuits-2027) and our [Bahrain Grand Prix race hub](/f1/bahrain-grand-prix).
Where is the best place to stay for the Bahrain Grand Prix?
For most fans, Manama's Seef and City Centre district or Bahrain Bay and Central Manama offer a city base with chain hotels, about 30 km from the circuit. If you prefer a resort stay, look at Zallaq or Sakhir (Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea And Spa Hotel, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain or Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain).
When is the 2027 Bahrain Grand Prix?
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 March 2027 at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. It is Round 1 of 24 (the season opener) and Bahrain's first Formula 1 Sprint weekend. Pre-season testing runs in Bahrain on 24 to 27 February 2027. Session times are listed as TBC on formula1.com as of November 2026.
Is there a shuttle service to the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Formula 1's official ticket page states that official shuttle services operate throughout race weekend. However, as of November 2026, Bahrain International Circuit has not published the 2027 shuttle routes, hotel list or timetable on bahraingp.com. Check bahraingp.com before you travel, and never book a hotel assuming it is on the shuttle route.
How far is Bahrain International Circuit from Manama?
Approximately 30 km from the capital, Manama, in Sakhir, according to Formula 1's official ticket page. None of the four airport bus routes listed by the Bahrain Public Transport Company stops at Sakhir, so your options are a rental car, taxi, Careem or Uber, or the race-weekend shuttle.
How do I get from Bahrain International Airport to Manama?
Official metered taxis (Bahrain Taxi and Arabian Taxi) run 24/7 from the Arrivals inner curb, charging an initial BHD 2 plus an additional BHD 2 for pickup services. Careem and Uber pick up at the Arrivals Curbside next to Gate 1, nine car rental firms operate 24/7 opposite Gates 1 & 2, and BPTC bus Route A2 runs from Exit 4 (zone 4A) to Manama Bus Terminal, City Centre and Seef for BHD 0.300 cash (or BHD 0.275 per trip on a GO Card).
Do I need a visa for the Bahrain Grand Prix?
All visitors except citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries need a visa. Check your nationality on evisa.gov.bh for visa on arrival eligibility or to apply online (processing takes approximately 3 to 5 working days). Bahrain's government portal (bahrain.bh) also lists an F1 Grand Prix events visa requiring valid F1 tickets, a return flight ticket and a hotel reservation.
Can I bring a water bottle into the Bahrain Grand Prix?
No. Clause 6.5(a) of Bahrain International Circuit's 2027 Ticket Terms and Conditions (updated 30 September 2026) lists bottles, cans and glass vessels as prohibited items, along with selfie sticks, drones and prams. Clause 3.5 also states that no admission or re-admission is permitted after the end of each day of the Event.
How much are 2027 Bahrain Grand Prix tickets, and what is the Beyon Grandstand?
As listed on bahraingp.com on 11 November 2026 under the 15% Early Bird offer (which may end), 3-day tickets cost BHD 165.75 for the Main Grandstand, BHD 119 for Turn One, BHD 110.50 for the Beyon Grandstand, BHD 63.75 for University and BHD 59.50 for Victory. Beyon Grandstand is the official name on bahraingp.com for the stand overlooking the inner parts of the 5.412 km track and the support race pit lane (still called Batelco Grandstand on formula1.com).
How We Researched This Guide
Race dates, the 2027 calendar round, the Sprint weekend format, the 2025 race distance, and the 2026 Sepang race result come from [formula1.com](https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2027/bahrain), its [2027 season calendar](https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2027) and its [2026 race results](https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2026/races). Circuit specifications, the 30 km distance from Manama and the race-weekend shuttle statement come from Formula 1's [official Bahrain ticket store](https://ticketing.formula1.com/bahrain/). Grandstand descriptions and 2027 3-day ticket prices come from [Bahrain International Circuit](https://www.bahraingp.com/blog/events/f1-2027/) and its [October 2026 early-bird announcement](https://www.bahraingp.com/blog/news/early-bird-offer-on-tickets-to-the-formula-1-gulf-air-bahrain-grand-prix-2027-to-end-on-sunday/). Venue rules, refund terms and prohibited items come from the promoter's [2027 Ticket Terms and Conditions](https://www.bahraingp.com/blog/events/terms-and-conditions-f1-2027/) (last updated 30 September 2026). Airport taxi rules, Careem and Uber pickup points, car rental desks, parking fees, BPTC bus routes and fares, and visa rules come from [Bahrain International Airport](https://www.bahrainairport.bh/passenger/taxi), the [Bahrain eVisa FAQ](https://www.evisa.gov.bh/VisaBhr7En.html) and Bahrain's [National Portal](https://www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/en/BNP/ServicesCatalogue/GSX-UI-PServiceDetails?psID=1903). Hotel names and area IDs come from Agoda's listings. All sources were checked on 11 November 2026. Because 2027 session times and the 2027 shuttle timetable have not yet been published, confirm the final schedule on formula1.com and bahraingp.com before you travel.