The Bahrain International Circuit
The first Formula 1 circuit in the Middle East, in the Sakhir desert, with daily guided tours and karting.
At a glance
The 2004 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir was the first Formula 1 race ever held in the Middle East.
Bahrain International Circuit, in Sakhir in the southwest of the main island, opened in 2004 with the first Formula 1 Grand Prix held in the Middle East. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Grand Prix layout is 5.412 km (3.36 mi) long, and the complex has six separate tracks, including a test oval and a drag strip, plus the Sakhir Tower that has become the symbol of the venue.
Outside race weekends the circuit runs public tours every day at 10:00 and 14:00, with stops at the Sakhir Tower, Race Control, the Media Centre and the track itself when available, ending at the Welcome Centre shop. The Bahrain International Karting Circuit next door has sessions for children from 7 and for adults, and the circuit offers passenger rides and driving experiences in race cars.
For cruise passengers it is an outing for motorsport fans. The circuit is about 46 km by road from Khalifa Bin Salman Port, some 45 minutes by taxi each way, so with the tour and perhaps a karting session it takes most of a morning. Tours and karting must be booked in advance on the official website.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
Your day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 17:00, all aboard at 16:30.
- 08:45Taxi to SakhirFrom Khalifa Bin Salman Port to the circuit, about 45 minutes.
- 09:45ArrivalCheck in at the circuit with your tour booking.
- 10:00Circuit tourSakhir Tower, Race Control, the Media Centre and the track, ending at the Welcome Centre.
- 12:00KartingA pre-booked 15-minute session at the karting circuit, which opens at 10:00 from Tuesday to Saturday.
- 13:00LunchThe circuit café, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the track.
- 14:30Back to the portTaxi of about 45 minutes, to be on board by 15:30.
What to see
- 1Sakhir TowerThe tower whose architecture has become synonymous with the circuit, first stop of the tour.
- 2Race Control TowerThe nerve centre from which stewards follow the track through more than 40 remote-controlled cameras.
- 3Media CentreThe hall for up to 500 journalists next to Race Control, visited when available.
- 4The trackA close-up look at the Grand Prix circuit, part of the tour when track activity allows.
- 5Bahrain International Karting CircuitThe kart track that hosted the world's first night-time karting championship.
- 6Welcome CentreThe shop with official Formula 1 and circuit merchandise at the end of the tour.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Book the tourThe circuit tour runs daily at 10:00 and 14:00, costs BHD 7 including VAT and must be booked in advance on bahraingp.com.
- KartingOpen Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 23:30 and Sunday and Monday 16:00 to 23:30, with pre-booking only and no spectators. A 15-minute session costs from BD 14 plus BD 1 registration; closed flat shoes are required.
- Karting with childrenKids' sessions are for ages 7 to 12 with a minimum height of 125 cm; from 13 children ride in the adult sessions.
- Passenger rideThe Radical SR3 passenger experience gives 3 laps from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.4 seconds, for over-15s between 152 and 190 cm.
- Plan the returnThe circuit is in the desert, far from Manama and the port; arrange the return taxi in advance.
- Check the calendarRace weekends and events change access to the venue; check the events calendar for your date.
Accessibility & families
The circuit does not publish accessibility details for the tour; much of it is visited by vehicle and on foot in the towers, so check with the circuit before booking. Children are welcome on the tour and can drive karts from 7 years old and 125 cm.
In pictures
