Bahrain Bus 23 & 23S
Same route, opposite direction. Fare and frequency are the same as the outbound trip above.
Bahrain Bus Route 23 & 23S: Complete Guide — Manama to Budaiya & Seef
Bahrain Bus Route 23 connects Manama to Budaiya via City Centre, Seef, Karbabad, Karranah, and Barbar, while the shorter Route 23S covers only the initial Manama-to-Seef segment. Bahrain Bus Route 23 and 23S give riders a choice between a short shopping-focused trip and a longer journey to Bahrain’s northwestern coast.
About Bahrain Bus Routes 23 & 23S
Route 23 passes through Seef, home to City Centre Bahrain, one of the country’s largest shopping malls, before continuing through the smaller coastal towns of Karbabad, Karranah, and Barbar on the way to Budaiya. Route 23S exists specifically for riders who only need the Manama-to-Seef shopping corridor, without continuing the full distance to Budaiya — a sensible shorter option given how much of Route 23’s ridership likely concentrates in that first stretch.
Barbar, one of the later stops on the full Route 23, is notable for the Barbar Temple archaeological site, one of Bahrain’s ancient Dilmun-era ruins, making this route useful for history-minded visitors as well as commuters.
Bahrain Bus Routes 23 & 23S Stops and Corridor
| Route | Path |
|---|---|
| 23 | Manama → City Centre → Seef → Karbabad → Karranah → Barbar → Budaiya |
| 23S | Manama → City Centre → Seef |
Fare and Tips
Both routes charge the standard 275 Fils GO Card fare. If your trip is purely for City Centre Bahrain shopping, Route 23S is the more efficient choice — no need to ride the full Route 23 if Budaiya isn’t your destination.
Planning Your Trip on Routes 23 & 23S
If you’re combining City Centre Bahrain shopping with a heritage stop at the Barbar Temple, Route 23 (not 23S) is the one to take, since the temple sits well beyond Seef. Weekend shopping trips to City Centre tend to be the busiest time for both routes, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter ride.
Karranah and Karbabad, two of the smaller coastal stops between Seef and Budaiya, offer a quieter, more residential look at Bahrain’s western coast compared to the busier commercial stretch around Seef itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Route 23 and 23S?
23S covers only Manama to Seef; Route 23 continues further through Karbabad, Karranah, and Barbar to Budaiya.
Does Route 23 pass City Centre Bahrain?
Yes, both 23 and 23S stop at Seef, home to City Centre Bahrain, one of the country’s largest malls.
Is the Barbar Temple accessible from this route?
Yes, Barbar is a direct stop on the full Route 23, and the archaeological site is one of Bahrain’s Dilmun-era ruins.
Should I take 23 or 23S for shopping at Seef?
23S is the more direct, efficient option if Seef is your only destination.
How many stops does the full Route 23 have?
7 stops, covering a substantial stretch of Bahrain’s western coast.
Is the Barbar Temple free to visit?
Check with Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture for current entry policies, as this can change.
Does 23S run more frequently than the full Route 23, given its shorter length?
Frequency isn’t separately published by BPTC for each variant — check the app for current timing on both.
Is Seef a good area for dining as well as shopping?
Yes, Seef has a wide range of dining options alongside City Centre Bahrain’s retail offerings.
Does Route 23 continue past Budaiya to any further destinations?
No, Budaiya is the final stop on the full Route 23.
Does either route stop within walking distance of the beach near Budaiya?
Check current stop locations via the BPTC app, as exact walking distances to specific beach access points can vary.
Nearby Routes and Connections
For another path to Budaiya, see Bahrain Bus Route 3/X3. See the Bahrain bus routes hub for the full list. For live updates, check BPTC’s official website.
Search Keywords
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Hashtags
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