A new direct ferry route between Qatar and Bahrain is on the horizon! This ferry is marking a significant step toward reconnecting the two Gulf nations by sea. The service, which will link Al Ruwais Port in northern Qatar with a Bahrain terminal, yet to be confirmed: either Khalifa bin Salman Port or Saโada Waterfront in Bahrain, is expected to cut travel time between the countries from over four hours by road to just 60โ90 minutes by sea.
What you need to know about the upcoming Qatar – Bahrain ferry route:
- Ports: Al Ruwais (Qatar) โ Khalifa bin Salman Port (Bahrain) (or Saโada Waterfront)
- Terminals: Qatar โ Al Ruwais Port. Bahrain โ to be confirmed (Khalifa bin Salman Port most cited; Saโada Waterfront mentioned informally).
- Travel time: Estimated 1 to 1.5 hours, compared to about 4.5 hours by car
- Planned frequency: Two daily crossings โ one morning and one evening departure
- Operator: The route will be run by the Masar Group, a regional transport and logistics company
- Service type: Initially passenger-only, with plans to add vehicle transport in a later phase
Qatar – Bahrain ferry route map
Bahrain - Qatar ferry service
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Al Ruwais Port (Qatar) โ Khalifa bin Salman Port (Bahrain) or Saโada Waterfront |
| Estimated travel time | 60โ90 minutes |
| Frequency | Two daily crossings (morning and evening) |
| Service type (phase 1) | Passenger-only |
| Future plans | Vehicle transport to be added in later phase |
| Ticket price | To be announced |
| Status | Route under development; official launch date not yet confirmed |
| Expected launch year | October - november 2025 |
| Operator | Masar Group |
Why this is a great way to travel between Qatar and Bahrain
The ferry will not only offer a fast and scenic alternative to driving, but it also represents a boost for tourism, trade, and regional cooperation. Once operational, it could open the door to weekend getaways, business travel, and easier regional movement between the two Gulf states. It will be a significant time saver compared to the current road travel options.
At present, there is no active ferry service between Bahrain and Qatar. Travellers currently either fly or drive via Saudi Arabia, both options taking significantly longer overall.
Ferry Qatar - Bahrain and alternatives
| Route | Connection | Average total travel time | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Ferry (planned) | Al Ruwais (Qatar) โ Khalifa bin Salman Port or Saโada Waterfront(Bahrain) | 60 - 90 minutes | October - november 2025 release | Direct link across the Gulf, initially passenger-only; vehicles to follow later. |
| Flight | Doha (Qatar) โ Manama (Bahrain) | 3 - 4 hours (door-to-door) | US$100 - 150 return | 45-minute flight plus time for airport transfers, check-in and security. |
| By road via Saudi Arabia | Doha (Qatar) โ Manama (Bahrain) | 4.5 - 5+ hours | Fuel + possible Saudi visa costs | Approx. 450 km drive via King Fahd Causeway; border queues can add time. |
Status and launch details
While no official launch date has been confirmed, a Qatari delegation recently visited Al Ruwais Port to inspect preparations for the BahrainโQatar maritime link, according to The Peninsula Qatar. Therefore, the ferry is expected to start sailing near the end of October 2025 or a bit later in November.
Further details, including ticket prices, timetables, and booking information, will be released closer to the official opening.
JW, one of the co-founders of FerryGoGo, has a passion for food, drink, and travel. He loves exploring data and the history of the many destinations featured on FerryGoGo, and he's always curious about the population of each place.
