Why This Ferry Matters
The Ghogha–Hazira Ro-Ro ferry is more than just a boat ride — it's a game-changer for travel between Saurashtra and South Gujarat. Before this service launched, traveling from Bhavnagar to Surat meant a grueling 360+ km road journey that could take 10 to 12 hours via the NH-48 and through congested towns like Ahmedabad or Vadodara.
The ferry cuts straight across the Gulf of Khambhat, reducing travel time to approximately 4–5 hours. It's part of India's Sagarmala port modernization initiative, aimed at boosting coastal economic connectivity across the country. Operated by DG Sea Connect, the service currently runs the vessel Voyage Express on this route.
Road vs. Sea — The Comparison
~360 km via NH-48
Direct sea crossing
Understanding Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Ferries
Ro-Ro stands for Roll-on/Roll-off — ferries designed to carry wheeled cargo. Vehicles simply drive onto the ferry at one port and drive off at the other. No cranes, no loading docks, no hassle. This makes them ideal for carrying:
- Cars and SUVs
- Motorbikes and scooters
- Buses
- Trucks and commercial vehicles
Ro-Pax (Roll-on/Roll-off + Passenger) is a hybrid variant — the vessel carries both vehicles and human passengers simultaneously. The Ghogha–Hazira ferry is a Ro-Pax service, meaning you can either travel as a foot passenger or bring your vehicle along for the ride.
Route Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure Port 1 | Ghogha Port (Bhavnagar District) |
| Departure Port 2 | Hazira Port (Surat District) |
| Operator | DG Sea Connect |
| Vessel | Voyage Express |
| Travel Time | ~4 hours 45 minutes |
| Frequency | Daily departures from both sides |
What to Expect Onboard
The Voyage Express is a well-equipped vessel with multiple seating options catering to different budgets:
| Class | Approx. Fare | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | ₹800–900 | AC seating, basic comfort |
| Business | ₹800–900 | Reclining seats, more legroom |
| Sleeper | ₹700–800 | Berths for resting during the voyage |
| Cambay Lounge | ~₹1,700 | Premium lounge seating, quieter area |
| Private Cabin | ~₹6,000 | Enclosed private cabin for families/groups |
Onboard amenities include clean washrooms, a cafeteria/snack bar, and an upper deck with sea views. The vehicle deck has dedicated lanes and safety anchoring systems for all types of vehicles.
- Arrive at the terminal 60 minutes before departure for boarding and vehicle loading
- Carry a valid photo ID and your booking confirmation (digital or printed)
- Outside food is typically not allowed onboard — the cafeteria serves basic meals
- You'll receive a wristband at boarding indicating your travel class — keep it on
- Children under 5 travel free; weekend fares may increase by ₹100
Booking & Practical Information
Tickets for the Ghogha–Hazira ferry can be booked through multiple channels:
- Online: www.dgferry.com (official booking portal)
- Customer Care: Call or WhatsApp 99244 41847
- Local Agent: Madhav Travels, Bhavnagar — 91376 64491
- GSRTC Counter: Available near Ghogha port
Payment options include UPI, credit/debit cards, and net banking. Refunds for cancellations are processed within 10–15 working days, though taxes and processing charges are non-refundable.
For the most current ticket prices, revised timetables, and detailed vehicle fare breakdowns, we recommend checking this updated Bhavnagar to surat ferry guide which tracks the latest schedule changes from DG Sea Connect — including the recent March 2026 fare revisions.
Nearby Attractions from Ghogha
If you're arriving at or departing from Ghogha, the Bhavnagar region offers several worthwhile stops before or after your ferry journey:
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🛕 Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, Koliyak
A unique Shiva temple located in the sea near Koliyak village. It's accessible only during low tide, making the visit itself an adventure. About 25 km from Ghogha port.
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🏖️ Kuda Beach
A serene, relatively untouched beach near Ghogha, perfect for a quiet sunset after disembarking from the ferry. Great for families with children.
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🏛️ Bhavnagar City
The nearest city to Ghogha port (about 40 km). Notable for Takhteshwar Temple, Nilambag Palace Hotel, Barton Museum, and the vibrant local bazaars. Bhavnagar.city has useful local travel information including nearby attractions and up-to-date ferry information.
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🦁 Gir National Park
Home to the Asiatic lion. Located about 200 km from Ghogha, it makes for a great extended trip if you're exploring the Saurashtra region.
Is the Ferry Worth Taking?
Absolutely. The Ghogha–Hazira Ro-Ro ferry is one of the most practical and enjoyable ways to travel between Saurashtra and South Gujarat. You save roughly 6–7 hours of road travel, avoid the stress of long-distance driving, and get a unique sea-crossing experience across one of India's most significant gulfs.
It's especially recommended for families with children, elderly travelers, tourists exploring Gujarat, and commercial transporters looking to save fuel and time. The service continues to improve, with schedule refinements and vessel upgrades being made regularly by DG Sea Connect.
DG Sea Connect: 99244 41847 (Call/WhatsApp) · Available Mon–Sat, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM · Official site: dgferry.com