The Express Bahari fast ferry links Sorong and Waisai in about 2 hours. In 2026 it sails twice daily (09:00 and 14:00 WIT) on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and once daily at 14:00 WIT on all other days, in both directions. Economy tickets run around IDR 215,000–220,000 and VIP around IDR 250,000–262,000 one way. This is the standard public route into Raja Ampat for resort and homestay guests; liveaboard and private charter guests usually board directly in Sorong and skip the ferry entirely.
2026 Express Ferry Timetable
| Day | Sorong → Waisai | Waisai → Sorong |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 09:00, 14:00 WIT | 09:00, 14:00 WIT |
| Monday | 14:00 WIT | 14:00 WIT |
| Tuesday | 14:00 WIT | 14:00 WIT |
| Wednesday | 09:00, 14:00 WIT | 09:00, 14:00 WIT |
| Thursday | 14:00 WIT | 14:00 WIT |
| Friday | 09:00, 14:00 WIT | 09:00, 14:00 WIT |
| Saturday | 14:00 WIT | 14:00 WIT |
Note: on Indonesian national holidays the 09:00 sailing generally does not operate. Schedules are set locally and can change — reconfirm the day before travel.
Tickets, Classes and Crossing Time
| Class | One-way fare (IDR, 2025–2026) | Crossing time |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | ≈ 215,000–220,000 | ≈ 2 hours |
| VIP | ≈ 250,000–262,000 | ≈ 2 hours |
Buy tickets at the Sorong harbour ferry terminal (Pelabuhan Rakyat) before departure; arrive at least 45 minutes early in high season (October–April). Sources: published Express Bahari schedules and 2026 route updates from regional transport reporting.
Skip the Ferry: Charter Boarding in Sorong
Private phinisi and superyacht charters board guests at Sorong harbour with a private transfer from Domine Eduard Osok Airport, sailing directly into the Dampier Strait — no Waisai connection needed. Compare options via Raja Ampat yacht charter (Komodo Luxury).
Related Guides
- Sorong to Raja Ampat: all transfer options
- Flights to Sorong (SOQ) 2026
- Sorong airport luxury transfers
- How to get to Raja Ampat
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sorong to Waisai ferry departure times in 2026?
In 2026 the Express Bahari fast ferry departs Sorong for Waisai at 09:00 and 14:00 WIT on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and at 14:00 WIT only on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The return Waisai to Sorong sailings follow the same pattern. On national holidays the 09:00 morning sailing typically does not run.
How long is the ferry from Sorong to Waisai and how much does it cost?
The express ferry crossing between Sorong and Waisai takes about 2 hours. One-way tickets cost approximately IDR 215,000–220,000 in economy class and IDR 250,000–262,000 in VIP class per person (2025–2026 prices).