Shinas to Khasab by ferry — the 2026 schedule and tickets
The Shinas–Khasab ferry is run by the National Ferry Company, twice weekly. The crossing is 5–6 hours; the cost is 8 OMR per passenger, 50 OMR per car. The ferry is comfortable and is the most popular way to reach Khasab from Muscat.
Distance
120 km / 65 nautical miles
Time
5–6 hours by ferry
From
OMR 8 / AED 76 per person one-way (passenger); OMR 50 / AED 475 per car
Route overview
The Shinas–Khasab ferry is the most popular way to reach Khasab from Muscat. The National Ferry Company runs the route twice a week, usually departing Shinas at 08:00 and arriving Khasab at 13:00–14:00. The return sailing leaves Khasab at 15:00 and arrives Shinas at 20:00–21:00.
The ferry is the MV Shinas, a 200-passenger catamaran with a snack bar, AC cabin, outdoor sun deck, and a small duty-free shop. The crossing passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with views of the Iranian coast on a clear day. We see dolphins on about 60% of crossings.
Tickets can be booked online at the National Ferry Company website, at the Shinas ferry terminal, or at any of our offices in Khasab. We strongly recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead for the Friday and Saturday sailings, especially in November–March.
Step-by-step
1. Get to the Shinas ferry terminal
The terminal is 10 minutes from Shinas town centre, 200 km from Muscat (2 hours by car). Free parking for 200 cars.
2. Check in 60 minutes before departure
Check-in opens 60 minutes before departure. Bring your passport or Omani ID; non-Omani residents need their Oman residence card.
3. Board the MV Shinas
The ferry is the MV Shinas, a 200-passenger catamaran. Seating is open; you can choose the AC cabin or the outdoor sun deck. The snack bar serves coffee, sandwiches and cold drinks.
4. Arrive in Khasab
The crossing is 5–6 hours. The ferry arrives at the Khasab Ferry Terminal, 10 minutes from the dhow port. Our driver meets all ferry arrivals; just WhatsApp us your ferry number.
Border procedure
No border crossing — both ports are in Oman
Operator tip
Book the morning departure from Shinas; the morning ferry is more reliable than the afternoon. The afternoon return from Khasab is the one that gets cancelled first in rough weather.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the ticket?
8 OMR (~76 AED) per passenger one-way. 50 OMR (~475 AED) per car. Motorcycles and bicycles are 5 OMR (~48 AED).
How often does the ferry run?
Twice a week. The exact days change with the season; the schedule is published quarterly. The most common pattern is Tuesday and Friday, or Wednesday and Saturday.
Can I bring a car on the ferry?
Yes. The ferry has space for 30 cars. The cost is 50 OMR. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for car spaces in winter.
Is the ferry reliable?
Reasonably. About 5–8% of sailings are cancelled each year, mostly for weather in July–August. We refund the ticket or rebook in that case.