Looking for a good road trip this summer? We’ll give you five!
If you’ve been itching for a proper summer escape but want to skip the airport queues and baggage weight limits, consider this your sign to hit the road instead. Bahrain is perfectly positioned for road trips across the GCC, with scenic routes that run past endless dunes, the shimmering Gulf coast, and enough rest stops to keep you caffeinated and cool. Whether you’re headed for a breezy city break or a full-on desert adventure, the open road awaits.
Before you take off, a bit of practical advice: Summer road trips in the Gulf can be gorgeous, but you do need to be prepared for the intense heat. Your vehicle needs to be in the right condition to endure the heat and distance, so make sure you get it serviced before heading out.
While getting visas to cross borders can be applied for quickly and conveniently, rules on car ownership, transit permissions, and insurance do apply.
Being the next big thing in GCC travel, the now-approved unified GCC tourist visa is in the works, which could make these road trips even easier soon. Until then, make use of the convenient electronic visa options that are available for all residents.
From gorgeous scenery to experiencing different shades of Arabian hospitality and culture, here are five road trips you can take from Bahrain.
Drive Time: ~45 minutes
Short, sweet, and full of charm. Al Khobar is the kind of place you can nip to for brunch and be back home by sundown, or linger for a weekend. Once you cross the King Fahd Causeway (don’t forget the toll and your car’s insurance documents), you’ll find yourself in a city that blends Saudi hospitality with coastal calm. The Corniche is perfect for a stroll, and the dining scene has plenty to offer.
If it’s your first time crossing the King Fahd Causeway, you will need to stop at Customs to enter your biometric information.
Hot Tip: If you’re using a vehicle that is not registered to you, carry an NOC letter from the vehicle’s owner to produce at the checkpoint.
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
This trip takes you through the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, offering long sea views and wide, open skies. Once you reach Kuwait City, the vibe shifts to a buzzing urban landscape with souqs, museums, and seaside cafés. The drive can be surprisingly meditative – ideal for those long-overdue podcasts.
Paperwork Alert: Apart from a visa to enter Kuwait, you’ll need a visa to pass through Saudi Arabia, so get that sorted in advance.
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
This one’s a favourite among road-trippers who love a good mix of dunes and city life. Through the sun-baked terrain of Saudi Arabia, your final stop is Doha – a glitzy and cultural city. Doha offers a world-class transportation system through its Metro, so you can take a break from driving after reaching the city.
Visit Qatar is a helpful source where you can plan your sightseeing itineraries. If you have some time, take a look at some of the marvels beyond the city – you won’t be disappointed.
Checklist: Saudi transit visa, car documents, and updated border regulations. Qatar may offer a visa on arrival, but check ahead.
Drive Time: ~8 hours to Abu Dhabi
This drive rewards you with ever-changing scenery of rocky plains, rolling dunes, and the occasional luxury petrol station. Once you’re past the Al Batha border, you’re in for a treat. Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks await.
Good to Know: Pack a lot of snacks. You may need to refuel once or twice on the way. Plan your driving hours early in the day or later in the evening.
Drive Time: ~12.5 hours
Now we’re talking real road trip. Muscat is worth the long haul—majestic architecture, coastal mountain drives, and a much cooler vibe (literally and figuratively). You can choose the route via Saudi Arabia and the UAE, or the newer Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) Highway. The latter is remote and awe-inspiring, cutting through one of the world’s largest sand deserts.
Warning: Services are sparse on the Rub al Khali stretch. Plan your stops, fuel up often, and stock up on water and snacks.
With talk of a unified GCC tourist visa on the horizon, these cross-country drives might get even more accessible soon. But for now, if you’re a resident, it’s the perfect time to explore this fascinating region by car. The landscapes, coffee stops, and random road signs along the way are half the adventure.
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