Travel Guide: Qatar-Bahrain Ferry Options Explored

There are currently three ways to travel from Bahrain to Qatar: by bus, plane, or car. However, there has been a plan to establish a ferry service between the two countries since 2017. The plan was put on hold due to the Qatar diplomatic crisis and Bahrain's siding with Saudi Arabia. In 2023, the project was revived during a meeting between Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, and again in 2024 when officials from both sides agreed to restructure the board of the project. As of February 2024, there is still no direct ferry service between Bahrain and Qatar.

The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway is a planned bridge between the two countries

The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, also known as the Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge, is a planned bridge between the two Arab states of Qatar and Bahrain. The link between the two countries is expected to be approximately 40km (25mi) in length and will support both a road and a railway. The project was first planned in September 2001 when the Danish consultancy COWI signed a contract for the first phase of the project with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture in Qatar. The project was approved for construction in February 2005 and a formal agreement between the two countries was signed in June 2006. Construction was initially scheduled to begin in early 2009 with an estimated cost of US$2.3 billion. However, as of June 2015, construction had not started and the project was put on hold.

The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway is designed to be a natural extension of the King Fahd Causeway that currently connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The link will consist of 18km (11mi) of artificial dikes and 22km (14mi) of viaducts and bridges, with a maximum height of 40m (131ft) to allow maritime navigation. The eastern end of the causeway will be located at Ras Ashairij, 5km (3mi) south of the city of Zubarah in Qatar, while the western end will link to the north of Askar in Bahrain. The causeway will feature a dual two-lane highway with a total of four lanes and emergency lanes in each direction, as well as a rail platform for freight and high-speed passenger rail lines. The rail lines may potentially be extended to connect Istanbul, Turkey, to Muscat, Oman, making it the main rail link for the Middle East Gulf Coast countries.

The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project has experienced several delays and setbacks, including a diplomatic crisis between Qatar and Bahrain, where Bahrain sided with Saudi Arabia. This crisis was resolved in 2021 and plans for the bridge recommenced during a meeting between the leaders of both countries in November 2023. The project also faced escalating costs, with estimates ranging from US$3 billion to US$5 billion. In addition, there was a dispute over the Hawar Islands in 2010, which contributed to placing the project on hold. Despite these challenges, the causeway project remains a significant infrastructure development that will reduce travel time between Qatar and Bahrain from 5 hours to just 30 minutes.

On 22 February 2024, the proposed land border crossing between Bahrain and Qatar received a boost as officials from both sides agreed to restructure the board of the project as part of its implementation. This development indicates that the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project is moving forward, and it may become a reality in the near future, facilitating travel and strengthening ties between the two countries.

A ferry service was expected to be established in 2017

A ferry service between Qatar and Bahrain was expected to be established in 2017. This was part of a plan to improve transport links between the two countries, which included the construction of a 40km-long Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, also known as the Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge. The bridge was intended to support both a road and a railway, with the road acting as a natural extension of the King Fahd Causeway that connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

However, due to the Qatar diplomatic crisis and Bahrain's siding with Saudi Arabia, plans for both the bridge and the ferry service stalled. Despite the resolution of the diplomatic crisis in 2021, the ferry service did not become operational. In November 2023, the plan for the bridge was recommenced during a meeting between Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who ordered their respective administrations to realise the project.

The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project has a long history, with plans for its construction first made in 2001 and the project approved in 2005. The project was expected to cost around $2.3 billion and be completed by 2015. However, construction has yet to begin, and the project has faced numerous delays and obstacles, including escalating costs and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

As of 2024, there is still no direct ferry service between Qatar and Bahrain, and it is unclear if the 2017 plan for a ferry service will be revived. The relationship between the two countries remains strained, and there are warnings against attempting to cross the border by boat, with reports of boat owners being arrested and detained for crossing into Qatari waters without permission.

The two countries have a poor relationship

There is a planned ferry service between Qatar and Bahrain, which was expected to be established in 2017. However, due to the Qatar diplomatic crisis and Bahrain's siding with Saudi Arabia, plans for the ferry service and the construction of a bridge connecting the two countries have stalled. The poor relationship between the two countries can be attributed to various factors, including territorial disputes, citizenship controversies, and differing views on foreign policy.

Territorial Disputes

Qatar and Bahrain have a long history of territorial disputes, dating back to the 19th century. Both countries have periodically disputed the ownership of Zubarah, a town on the northwest coast of Qatar. In 1939, Qatar constructed a fort in Zubarah, an act deemed illegal by Bahrain. While a settlement was reached in 1944 through Saudi mediation, Qatar broke the accord shortly after by constructing another fort. Bahrain reiterated its claims over Zubarah in 1953 by sending a group to write "Bahrain" on the walls of Zubarah Fort. In addition to Zubarah, the two countries have also disputed the ownership of the Hawar Islands, Fasht Al Azm, Fasht Dibal, Qit'at Jaradah, and other areas in the Gulf. These disputes were officially resolved by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2001, with Bahrain and Qatar being awarded different territories.

Citizenship Controversy

In 2014, Bahrain accused Qatar of offering Qatari citizenship to certain Bahraini families, particularly Sunni citizens, in exchange for them dropping their Bahraini citizenship. Bahrain considered this a threat to its demographics, as the majority of its population is Shia while the ruling family is Sunni. Bahrain also claimed that Qatar was violating an agreement of non-interference in the internal affairs of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Despite Qatar's pledge to stop offering citizenship to GCC nationals, Bahrain imposed fines on any Bahraini citizens who accepted Qatari citizenship.

Differing Views on Foreign Policy

Qatar and Bahrain have differing views on foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran and Israel. Qatar maintains pragmatic relations with Shi'a-led Iran, while Bahrain's Sunni Al Khalifa royal family views Iranian policies as an existential threat. On the other hand, Bahrain has moved towards normalizing relations with Israel, while Qatar continues to enjoy good relations with Tehran. These differing views have contributed to the complex and strained relationship between the two countries.

There is no direct bus between Bahrain and Qatar

There is no direct bus service between Bahrain and Qatar. While the two countries are geographically close, with only approximately 87 miles between them, there are no direct transport links by bus, ferry, or flight. This is due to the Qatar diplomatic crisis, which saw Bahrain side with Saudi Arabia, and has resulted in a lack of direct transport options.

However, this doesn't mean that travel between the two countries is impossible. Travellers can opt for a private hire car or limo service, which, while expensive, offers a direct travel option. Alternatively, a cheaper method is to take a bus or taxi to Saudi Arabia and then on to Bahrain or Qatar. One traveller reports that the cheapest and fastest option is to fly indirectly, for example, via Dubai.

There are also plans in place to improve transport links between the two countries. A proposed Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, also known as the Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge, would see a 40km link between the two countries, supporting both road and rail travel. This project was initially proposed in 2001, with construction expected to begin in 2009, but due to financial and political issues, the project has been delayed. However, with the resolution of the Qatar diplomatic crisis in 2021, there is renewed interest in the project, and it is hoped that it will be completed before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In the meantime, travellers should be aware that there are no direct bus services between Bahrain and Qatar, and they will need to make alternative travel arrangements.

The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by car

There are currently no direct ferries operating between Qatar and Bahrain. The two countries had plans to establish a ferry service in 2017, but due to diplomatic issues, the construction of the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, also known as the Friendship Bridge, has been stalled. This bridge was intended to provide a direct link between the two countries, supporting both road and railway connections.

Despite the absence of a direct ferry service, it is still possible to travel between Qatar and Bahrain. The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by car. The driving distance between Bahrain and Qatar is approximately 284 miles, and the journey typically takes around 5 hours and 27 minutes. The cost of driving ranges from $23 to $35, making it a more affordable option compared to flying or taking a bus.

When travelling by car, you can expect to start your journey in Manama, Bahrain, and drive towards Doha, Qatar. This road trip offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the region at your own pace. It is important to ensure that you have the necessary documentation and permissions before embarking on your trip, as border crossings may require specific paperwork.

In addition to driving, there are other travel options available. Flying is the fastest way to travel between the two countries, with flights taking approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. However, the cost of flying is significantly higher, ranging from $75 to $220. Another alternative is to take a bus, which offers a more affordable option at $55 to $150, but the journey is considerably longer, taking up to 12 hours due to transfers and stops.

It is worth noting that the relationship between Bahrain and Qatar has been strained in recent times, and it is essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and warnings before planning any cross-border travel.

Frequently asked questions