Bahrain International Circuit is a permanent motorsport venue in Sakhir, Bahrain, known for hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix and other racing events. It is about 20.9 km from Royal Phoenicia Hotel, a hotel in Manama, making it a possible trip from the city for an event or circuit activity.
- Location: Sakhir, Bahrain.
- From Manama: approximately 30–35 km.
- What happens there: motorsport events and other activities, including racing, open-track days and karting.
- Before you go: event dates, tickets, access arrangements and venue rules can vary by event.
Where the circuit is and when visitors go
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is in Sakhir, at Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Avenue, Umm Jidar 1062. It is approximately 30–35 km from Manama.
The permanent FIA Grade 1 facility has a 5.412 km circuit with 15 corners. It hosted the first Formula 1 race in the Middle East in 2004. Motorsport events and other activities take place throughout the year, including racing, open-track days and karting.
How do you check event dates and tickets?
Use the BIC Events Calendar and the relevant event booking page to confirm dates and ticket availability. The calendar lists events, but schedules and ticket-sale openings depend on the event, so check its current listing before making plans.
For a Formula 1 event, check the ticket type as well as the date. Grandstand tickets are for a specific entrance and include a reserved seat; general admission tickets provide access to selected zones. General admission tickets are not available for purchase at the circuit, so arrange tickets through the official sales channel in advance.
BIC also hosts activities beyond race weekends, including circuit tours, karting, open-track sessions and driving experiences. Availability and booking arrangements can differ, so confirm the activity details before travelling.
How do you get to the circuit from Manama?
For Formula 1 events, the main ways to reach BIC are driving, shuttle service and taxi. Taxis and rideshare services connect Manama with the circuit, while official shuttles operate throughout race weekend.
If you drive, follow the official event traffic and parking plan. Parking arrangements can change for each event, and remote parking may be used with shuttle buses running between the parking area and the circuit.
For Formula 1, three-day ticket holders can park free in designated parking near the entry gates; one-day and two-day ticket holders may have to pay on site. Check the event-specific plan before setting out.
If you are also planning your arrival in the city, the route from Bahrain International Airport to Manama is a separate part of your trip to arrange.
What should you know about entry and event-day planning?
A valid ticket is required for Formula 1 event entry. Tickets may be electronic or printed, and carrying valid ID or a passport is recommended. Expect security checks and bag searches; refusing a search may mean you are denied entry without a refund.
Outside food and drinks, including alcohol, are prohibited. The prohibited-items list also includes bottles and glass containers, drones, fireworks and flares, knives and blades, laser devices, radio scanners and walkie-talkies, weapons, and professional cameras or recording equipment without prior authorization.
Personal, non-commercial photos are permitted, but professional cameras—especially video cameras—and drones are not. Pets are not allowed, except service animals.
Arrive early, particularly on Sundays, when queues may form at arrivals and entrances. Earplugs are worth considering, especially for children, because motorsport is noisy. All grandstands are covered and have a large TV screen.
What should you verify before travel?
Event schedules, ticket availability, shuttle arrangements, parking plans and venue rules are event-specific. Confirm each detail through the relevant official event information before you travel. Check the official site before you go. For time in the capital outside the event, a one-day Manama itinerary offers a city-focused plan.
FAQs
Where is Bahrain International Circuit?
BIC is in Sakhir, Bahrain. Its address is Gate 255, Gulf of Bahrain Avenue, Umm Jidar 1062.
Does the circuit host events outside the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Yes. The venue hosts other motorsport events and activities, including open-track days and karting.
Can you buy general admission tickets at the circuit?
No. The Formula 1 grandstand map says general admission tickets are not available at the circuit.
Are cameras allowed at Formula 1 events?
Personal, non-commercial photography is permitted. Professional cameras, especially video cameras, and drones are prohibited.