Mina Salman Port covers 80 hectares with 15 berths that can handle big cruise ships.
Getting around is a breeze – grab a taxi to Manama for about $10, hop on a public bus, or take the cruise shuttle to Bab Al Bahrain.
While you’re there, don’t miss checking out Bahrain Fort, Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, and the National Museum.
The terminal has some decent duty-free shopping and immigration is pretty quick.
For money, you’ll want Bahraini Dinars (BHD) – local ATMs give better rates than currency exchanges.
Check out the full port guide for more insider tips.
Map of Mina Salman Port (Manama) Cruise Ship Port
Port Layout and Terminal Facilities
Mina Salman Port sprawls across 80 hectares of Bahrain’s natural harbor with 15 berths ready for action. The main part features an 800m finger pier with 10 berths, plus some extra 200m conventional berths nearby.
Cruise passengers will find themselves at coordinates 26.2°N/50.6°E, right on the doorstep of Manama’s suburbs and only 5m above sea level. The terminal goes down to 11m deep, plenty for bigger ships, while its purpose-built container setup handles a hefty 2.5 million tonnes each year. The port’s been steadily growing since its 1962 makeover, and now it’s a crucial stop on the Maritime Silk Road with connections to all sorts of transport.
Getting Around: Transportation Options From the Port
Getting Around: Transportation Options From the Port
When you dock at Mina Salman Port, you’ve got four solid options to get where you need to go: public buses, taxis, cruise line shuttles, or just hoofing it to nearby spots.
If you’re watching your wallet, hop on Bus 41 which takes off at 5:21 AM from Juffair/Avenue 22-1 (the closest stop to the port). Grab the Moovit app to check schedules and routes in real-time.
Need something more direct? Taxis will zip you straight to downtown Manama for around $10 – pretty perfect if you’re lugging suitcases or traveling with the whole crew.
The easiest option? Most cruise lines run their own shuttles to central spots like Bab Al Bahrain, which saves you the headache of figuring out transportation yourself.
Top Attractions Near Mina Salman Port
Now that you’re all set with getting around, it’s time to check out the amazing spots just minutes from where your ship docks. You’ve got to see Bahrain Fort – it’s a UNESCO site where you can walk through the ancient Dilmun civilization’s history spanning thousands of years. The Marassi Aquarium is pretty cool too, with hands-on marine experiences and you can even watch them feed the fish.
Make sure to swing by Al-Fateh Grand Mosque – it’s massive and fits 7,000 people, plus they offer free tours. The Bahrain National Museum is worth your time to see archaeological treasures that tell the country’s story. And if you’re into cars and racing, hit up the Bahrain International Circuit where they host the Grand Prix. They’ve got fun stuff for the whole family, including go-karting if you want to try your hand at racing.
Local Currency and Shopping Tips
Ready to shop in Bahrain? You’ll need to know the local currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) – it’s actually one of the world’s highest-valued currencies, worth about $2.65 USD per dinar.
ATMs are everywhere near the port, so don’t bother with those airport currency exchanges that’ll hit you with 3-5% commission. It’s a good idea to carry some small BHD notes for taxis and the souks. Speaking of souks – you’ll definitely need to bargain there! Start by offering 50-70% of whatever they’re asking.
Check out Manama’s traditional souks for authentic local stuff, or head to Bahrain City Centre if you’re after international brands. When you’re haggling, throw in a “Shukran” (thank you) – it goes a long way. Most fancy shops take credit cards, but in the markets, cash is king.
Practical Information for Cruise Passengers
Beyond shopping and money stuff, you’ll want to get the hang of Mina Salman Port basics. The cruise terminal is modern and has everything you need for a smooth arrival and departure.
- Terminal Facilities – The terminal has duty-free shops and passenger services right there when you need them. There’s also a medical center if you’re feeling under the weather.
- Port Layout – You’ll step off the ship at one of six deep berths built for big cruise ships.
- Customs Process – The immigration buildings are right in the port area, so getting through customs shouldn’t be a hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available at the Cruise Terminal?
Wi-Fi at the cruise terminal? Not 100% sure it’s there. If you need to get online, nearby hotels have Wi-Fi for guests, or you can hunt for public hotspots around Manama. Your best bet might be grabbing a mobile data plan if you really need to stay connected.
Are There Storage Lockers for Luggage at the Port?
Nope, there aren’t any luggage lockers at the port. They only have storage for shipping cargo there, not for passengers’ bags. If you need somewhere to stash your stuff, you should probably ask your cruise line what they recommend or look into storage places in Manama nearby instead.
What Is the Security Screening Process for Returning Cruise Passengers?
When you head back to the ship, you’ll need to go through the usual security checks. Just walk through the metal detectors, let them scan your bags, and flash your cruise card to prove it’s really you. Nothing fancy – just the standard stuff before you can hop back onboard.
Can Non-Cruise Visitors Enter the Terminal Area?
Ever wonder if you can just wander into the cruise terminal for fun? Sorry, no dice. The terminal’s strictly off-limits unless you’ve got a cruise ticket in hand. They keep it locked down for security reasons and to keep things running smoothly for actual passengers. Nothing personal – just the rules!
Are There Prayer Rooms or Religious Facilities Available?
While Mina Salman Port doesn’t have dedicated prayer rooms on-site, you can find several religious facilities not far away. The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque in Manama is probably your best bet. If you’re a seafarer looking for spiritual support, the Mission to Seafarers folks might be able to help you out too.
