Driving in Bahrain and crossing the King Fahd Causeway
Licences, insurance for Saudi trips and causeway tips.
In short
Residents from many countries can convert their licence. To drive to Saudi Arabia you need Saudi-valid insurance and the car owner’s permission. Expect long queues on weekends.
- Causeway toll
- BHD 2.5 (outbound)
- Distance to Khobar
- 25 km
- Insurance
- Orange card / Saudi cover
- Licence
- GDT
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Traffic directorate.
1–3 weeks
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Use the King Fahd Causeway app for queue times
Don’t
- Don’t carry prohibited items
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Rental cars need written permission for Saudi trips.
Common questions
Can I take a bus?
Yes, SAPTCO buses run between Bahrain and Dammam/Khobar.
Official links
Background and more detail
Residents from many countries can convert their licence. To drive to Saudi Arabia you need Saudi-valid insurance and the car owner’s permission. Expect long queues on weekends.
Key facts
- Causeway toll: BHD 2.5 (outbound)
- Distance to Khobar: 25 km
- Insurance: Orange card / Saudi cover
- Licence: GDT
Steps
- Get or convert licence – Traffic directorate.
- Buy Saudi insurance – At the causeway or online.
- Check visa – Saudi eVisa for non-GCC residents.
Watch out
- Rental cars need written permission for Saudi trips.
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