Bahrain Bus 3 & X3: Complete Guide — Manama to Budaiya

Bahrain Bus 3 and X3 both connect Manama (المنامة) to Budaiya (البديع), a coastal town on Bahrain’s northwestern edge known for its date palm groves and traditional character. Bahrain Bus Route 3 and Route X3 take different roads to reach the same destination, giving riders a choice depending on where along the corridor they need to go.

About Bahrain Bus Routes 3 & X3

Route 3 travels through Jidhafs before joining the Budaiya Highway, passing through some of Bahrain’s older residential districts along the way. Route X3, the more direct express variant, instead uses the SKBS Highway (Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway) before joining the same Budaiya Highway for the final stretch. Both were part of BPTC’s network update effective 1 July 2026, with X3’s path specifically adjusted to use the SKBS Highway for a faster, more direct trip.

Budaiya itself is one of Bahrain’s most historically significant towns, home to extensive palm groves and traditional houses that reflect the island’s agricultural heritage before oil wealth transformed much of the rest of the country. For visitors interested in seeing a more traditional side of Bahrain, either Route 3 or X3 offers an affordable way to get there.

Bahrain Bus Routes 3 & X3 Stops and Corridor

If your priority is speed, Route X3’s SKBS Highway path is generally the faster option. If you specifically need to reach Jidhafs along the way, Route 3 is the one to take, since X3 bypasses it.

Fare and Tips

Both Bahrain Bus Route 3 and Route X3 charge the standard network fare of 275 Fils with a GO Card, or 300 Fils with a paper ticket. A daily cap of 700 Fils applies regardless of how many BPTC routes you use in a single day, so combining a Route 3 or X3 trip with other errands elsewhere on the network doesn’t cost extra beyond the cap.

Planning Your Trip on Routes 3 & X3

If you’re heading to Budaiya specifically to see the palm groves, it’s worth timing your visit for early morning or late afternoon, when the heat is less intense and the light is better for photos among the trees. Both routes are equally valid for reaching the town center, so the real decision point is simply which corridor fits your starting location in Manama.

Regular commuters along this corridor tend to have a clear preference between the two once they’ve ridden both — X3’s more direct highway path suits anyone prioritizing time, while Route 3’s path through Jidhafs is preferred by those who also have business or family connections in that district along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Route 3 and Route X3?
Route 3 goes via Jidhafs; Route X3 uses the SKBS Highway instead, making it generally faster for a direct Manama-to-Budaiya trip.

Where does Route 3 go?
From Manama to Budaiya, via Jidhafs and the Budaiya Highway.

Is Budaiya worth visiting?
Yes, it’s known for its palm groves and traditional character, offering a different side of Bahrain than Manama’s modern districts.

How much does the trip cost?
275 Fils with a GO Card, the standard BPTC network fare.

Did these routes change in 2026?
Yes, as part of BPTC’s network update effective 1 July 2026, X3 was adjusted to use the SKBS Highway.

Which route is better for tourists visiting Budaiya’s palm groves?
Either works, but Route 3’s path through Jidhafs offers a more scenic, slower look at Bahrain’s residential areas along the way.

Do Route 3 and X3 cost the same?
Yes, both charge the standard 275 Fils GO Card fare, with no premium for the more direct X3 path.

Is there a night service on these routes?
BPTC’s standard operating hours apply; check the app or call 66311111 for exact evening timing.

Nearby Routes and Connections

See the Bahrain bus routes hub for other routes serving the Budaiya and northern coastal area. For live updates, check BPTC’s official website.

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