Qatar-Bahrain Ferry: Timings, Ticket Prices and How to Book (2026 Update)

The Qatar-Bahrain ferry links Al-Ruwais Port in northern Qatar with Saadah Marina on Muharraq Island in Bahrain. The crossing covers about 65 km (35 nautical miles) and takes 70 to 80 minutes. It launched in November 2025 as the first direct passenger sea link between the two countries.

One thing matters more than anything else in this guide: the service was suspended in late November 2025 because of bad weather, and no restart has been announced since. Read the status section below before you plan a trip, and always check the MASAR app for live sailings.

QUICK REFERENCE | Last Updated: November 2026
Route: Al-Ruwais Port (Qatar) to Saadah Marina, Muharraq Island (Bahrain)
Crossing: 70 to 80 minutes
Operator: Masar Group, booked only in the MASAR app
Launch fares: from QAR 174 one-way standard (November 2025)
Status: SUSPENDED since late November 2025. No restart announced as of October 2026. Check the MASAR app before planning any trip.

Is the Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Running Right Now?

Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Status: Suspended

No, not right now. Gulf Daily News reported on 30 November 2025 that the Bahrain-Qatar ferry was suspended until further notice because of bad weather, and the MASAR app stopped showing available trips. Doha outlets confirmed the same in early December 2025.

As of October 2026, no official announcement of a restart has appeared. The operator’s public pages list only water trips inside Bahrain, and no Qatar sailing is advertised anywhere. Qatar also paused all maritime activity briefly in 2026 for safety reasons and later resumed it, but no ferry-specific restart followed.

What to Check Before You Plan

So do this before anything else: open the MASAR app and look for bookable Al-Ruwais to Saadah sailings. If no dates appear, the service is still off. Do not travel to Al-Ruwais based on old timetables, including the November 2025 ones quoted further down this page. We re-check this section every month.

Qatar-Bahrain Ferry at a Glance

Route: Al-Ruwais Port (Qatar) to Saadah Marina, Muharraq Island (Bahrain)
Distance: about 65 km (35 nautical miles)
Crossing time: 70 to 80 minutes
Operator: Masar Group (MASAR)
Booking: MASAR app only, iOS and Android
Classes: Standard and VIP
Launch fares from: QAR 174 one-way standard (November 2025)
Who can travel: GCC nationals and non-GCC travelers with valid visas

Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Schedule and Timings

The ferry does not depart from central Doha or the Doha cruise terminal. You must first get yourself to Al-Ruwais Port, about 108 km north of Doha.

Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Launch Schedule (November 2025)

Because the service is suspended, there is no current timetable to publish. Here is what the launch month looked like, for reference only:

7 to 12 November 2025: 2 round trips per day
13 to 22 November 2025: 3 round trips per day
Late November 2025: service suspended until further notice

Last checked: October 2026. If the ferry restarts, confirm live sailing times in the MASAR app before you travel.

Journey Duration and Check-In

Journey duration is consistent at about 70 to 80 minutes. Allow extra time for check-in, security, and immigration at terminals.

Note: For changes in routes or timings please check MASAR.

Travel Tip: Planning a short stopover in Doha before your trip? Check our complete guide to the Qatar Transit Visa requirements and Hayya A2 Visa updated Features for GCC residents.

Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Ticket Prices

Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Fares: Standard and VIP

Tickets are sold via the MASAR mobile app and official ticket desks. Prices reported during initial operations are approximate and may change as the service scales.

These are the November 2025 launch fares. No 2026 fares have been published since the service was suspended, so treat them as historical.

Standard one-way: QAR 174 (about BHD 18)
Standard round trip: QAR 257 (about BHD 26.5)
VIP one-way: QAR 257 (about BHD 26.5)
VIP round trip: QAR 354 (about BHD 36.5)
Children under 2: half price (not free)

Where to Buy Tickets

All bookings were made only in the MASAR app.

For Prices changes or updates for tickets please check official platforms.

How to Book Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Tickets on the MASAR App

Download the MASAR app from the Apple App Store or Google Play (published by Masar Group W.L.L.) and create your account.
Log in and choose your passenger type: adults, children, or infants.
Select the Qatar-Bahrain route and your travel date.
Pick your sailing time and class: Standard or VIP.
Enter each passenger’s details exactly as they appear on the passport.
Upload every traveler’s passport and valid visa for Qatar and Bahrain. Residents also upload their Qatar ID or residence permit.
Review the booking summary and the fare breakdown.
Pay by card in the app and keep the payment confirmation.
Find your digital boarding pass in the app; a copy also arrives by email.
Arrive at the terminal 60 minutes before departure with your passport, visa, and booking reference.

Qatar-Bahrain ferry booking is app-only; there are no reliable third-party sellers for this route. For group travel, add family members in the MASAR app; for anything bigger, contact MASAR directly.

Visa Requirements for Qatar–Bahrain Ferry

GCC nationals travel visa-free in both directions. Many other nationalities can get a two-week visa on arrival in Bahrain; check your eligibility by nationality and profession before you book, because the rules differ. Traveling from Bahrain to Qatar, some nationalities need an e-visa arranged in advance.

Whatever your case, sort your visa out before you upload documents in the MASAR app, because the booking asks for passport and visa copies up front.

The Two Terminals: Al-Ruwais Port and Saadah Marina

Al-Ruwais passenger terminal ticket desks

Al-Ruwais Port (Qatar) has a passenger terminal with security screening, waiting areas, and short-term parking. Saadah Marina (Muharraq Island) functions as the Bahrain terminal with passenger access, taxi ranks, and immigration desks. Both terminals run passport control and customs for all passengers.

Arrival and boarding checklist

Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for check-in and immigration.
Carry original passport and any required visas.
Have your MASAR booking reference or printed/mobile ticket ready.
If you have medical needs, disclose them at booking to ensure the crew can assist.

How to Get to Al-Ruwais Port from Doha

The best methods to reach Al-Ruwais Port are listed below

Drive / private taxi (fastest and simplest)
From central Doha, head northwest onto the Al Shamal / Al Khor route (the main northbound highway toward Al Khor/Al Shamal) and follow signs to Al Ruwais / Madinat ash Shamal. Typical driving distance is 108–110 km and driving time is 1 h–1 h 20 min depending on traffic.
If using a metered taxi (Karwa) or ride-hail (Uber/Careem), request drop-off at Al Ruwais Port / Al Ruwais Corniche (use coordinates/“Al Ruwais Port, Madinat ash Shamal” on maps). Driving time around 1h–1h40m range depending on route and traffic.
Direct Karwa intercity bus (R704)
Express Karwa E801 (Lusail → Al Khor → Al Ruwais), see Lusail Tram Guide to see complete steps.
Metro + Bus + short taxi, See the Doha Metro map guide to choose the best route to reach the terminal.

Note: Please Check official sites and platforms for updates on routes.
Getting from Saadah Marina to Manama
Saadah Marina sits on Muharraq Island, about 10 minutes from central Manama. Taxis wait at the marina. Clear immigration first, then head out, and allow extra time at busy periods.

Onboard the Ferry: Seats, Luggage and Amenities

Onboard experience: seating, luggage and services

Seating and Capacity

Qatar-Bahrain ferry vessels offer standard and VIP seating. Typical passenger capacity is modest (roughly 20 to 32 seats, depending on configuration), so book early for peak times.

Luggage and amenities

Hand luggage and small suitcases are allowed, cars are not carried.
Expect basic amenities, restrooms, limited refreshments, and Wi-Fi on some vessels.
Wheelchair spaces and mobility assistance are available by prior arrangement.

This is a foot-passenger service. You cannot take your car, motorcycle, or other private vehicles on board.

Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and restrooms on board
Meals available to order during the crossing
20 standard seats plus 8 VIP seats per water taxi, 28 passengers total
Some vessels carry up to 32 passengers

Ferry vs Flight vs Driving: Which Is Fastest?

The ferry wins on comfort and novelty, but it is not the fastest option. Here is how the three realistic choices compare.

Ferry

About 3.5 to 4.5 hours door to door (1 to 1.5 hours to Al-Ruwais, 60 minutes check-in, 70 to 80 minutes sailing). Cost from QAR 174 one-way plus taxi. Scenic and calm, but the port is far from Doha and the service is currently suspended.

Flight from Doha to Manama

About 3 to 4 hours door to door, though the flight itself is only about 40 minutes. Often QAR 400 or more for a return. Fastest when schedules line up.

Driving via Saudi Arabia and the King Fahd Causeway

5 to 6 hours. Fuel plus the causeway toll. You keep your car, but most expats need a Saudi transit visa.

Day-Trip Ideas and What They Cost

One-day trip idea, Doha to Manama

Morning: Depart Al-Ruwais early, arrive mid-morning in Bahrain.
Day: Visit Manama souq, Bahrain National Museum, or nearby cafes.
Evening: Return on an evening crossing.

Essential safety and boarding checklist for the Qatar-Bahrain ferry

Luggage:
The ferry is passenger only. Large or bulky items may not be accepted. Contact MASAR if you need clarification.

Weather conditions:
Sailings may be delayed during harsh weather conditions. Check updates in the MASAR app on the day of travel.

Required Documents:
Keep physical and digital copies of your passport, visa, and booking confirmation.

Two-day trip idea

Day 1: Arrive in Bahrain, explore Manama and stay overnight.
Day 2: Visit Muharraq cultural sites and return late afternoon.

Best times to travel: avoid Friday prayer times and national holidays when crossings can be busier. Book weekend trips well in advance.

Costs, currency and border formalities

Estimated one day trip cost example, Doha outbound day trip

Item	Cost (approx)
One-way standard ticket	QAR 174
Taxi to Al-Ruwais terminal (Doha)	QAR 120 to 180
Taxi in Bahrain	BHD 10 (around QAR 97)
Meals and minor expenses	QAR 120
Estimated total (one way)	QAR 511 to 571

Currency tips

Bahraini dinar (BHD) is the local currency in Bahrain. 1 BHD is approximately QAR 9.5 to QAR 10, exchange rates vary.
Carry small amounts of local currency for taxis and markets.

Note: Please Check official sites for current conversion rates.

Sample budget, October 2026. Prices move, so treat these as estimates.

Refunds, Cancellations and Bad-Weather Delays

If a sailing is cancelled for safety or operational reasons, MASAR offers rebooking, credit, or a refund. Refund times vary by payment method, card refunds may take a few working days to post.

Card refunds can take a few working days to land. Sailings can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather; the suspension since late November 2025 is proof of that. Check the MASAR app on the day of travel and keep your booking reference handy.

Conclusion

For now, the honest advice is simple: do not plan around the Qatar-Bahrain ferry until the MASAR app shows live sailings again. The route made sense when it ran, and the launch fares were fair, but a suspended service is not a travel option.

If it restarts, this guide will carry the new timetable and fares. Until then, fly or drive, and check back here; we re-check the status every month.

FAQs

The service launched in November 2025, running between Al-Ruwais Port in Qatar and Saadah Marina on Muharraq Island in Bahrain. It was suspended in late November 2025, and no restart has been announced.

No. The ferry was suspended in late November 2025 due to bad weather, and no restart has been announced. Open the MASAR app and check for bookable sailings before you make any plans.

The sailing takes 70 to 80 minutes across about 65 km (35 nautical miles). Allow 60 minutes at the terminal for check-in and immigration, plus the drive to Al-Ruwais Port.

The November 2025 launch fares were QAR 174 one-way standard and QAR 257 VIP, with round trips at QAR 257 and QAR 354. Children under 2 pay half price. No 2026 fares exist because the service is suspended.

Only in the MASAR app. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account, pick your date and class, upload passports and visas, and pay by card.

Yes. Since November 2025 the service has been open to all nationalities. You must meet Qatar and Bahrain visa rules and upload your passport and visa in the MASAR app when booking.

No. This is a foot-passenger service. Cars, motorcycles, and other private vehicles cannot be taken on board. If you need your car in Bahrain, drive via Saudi Arabia and the King Fahd Causeway instead.

No. It departs from Al-Ruwais Port, about 108 km north of Doha. Budget 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes by car or taxi, plus 60 minutes at the terminal for check-in and immigration.

No. Children under 2 travel at half price. Everyone else pays the full standard or VIP fare.

Yes, within reasonable limits. The vessels are small water taxis, not big ships, so pack light. Keep valuables and documents with you.

Yes. Expect free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restrooms, and meals available to order. Seating is comfortable in both classes, with extra space in VIP.

Saadah Marina is on Muharraq Island, about 10 minutes from central Manama. Taxis are available at the marina. Clear immigration first, then head out.

MASAR offers rebooking, credit, or a refund when a sailing is cancelled for safety or operational reasons. Card refunds can take a few working days. Sailings can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather, so check the app on the day.