MV Karnafuly Express and MV Baro Awlia side by side: the schedule, last season's fares, the seats and cabins each one offers, and which ship suits solo travellers, couples and families.
Last season two tourist ships we know well sailed from Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin's Island: MV Karnafuly Express and MV Baro Awlia. Both leave at the same time from the same jetty and cost the same for the cheapest seats, so the real difference is in the seats and cabins. Here's how they compare, so you can pick the one that suits your group.
The fares are the ones the operators listed for the 2025–26 season. When we wrote this (October 2026), the 2026–27 fares and rules weren't out yet; we confirm the current fare when you book.
The two ships at a glance
- Both sail from Nuniarchhara jetty in Cox's Bazar, not from Teknaf.
- Both leave at about 7:00 am and head back from the island at about 3:00 pm.
- Both have deck seats from ৳3,500 per person for the return trip.
- Karnafuly Express has more lounge choices and a single cabin for one person.
- Baro Awlia has a bunk-bed cabin for two and a family cabin for four.
The schedule
- Leaves Cox's Bazar: about 7:00 am
- Journey: about 5 to 6 hours each way
- Leaves the island: about 3:00 to 3:30 pm
Get to Nuniarchhara jetty well before 7 am, with your ticket and photo ID. The easiest way is to reach Cox's Bazar the evening before. Our guide on how to go to Saint Martin has the whole route.
Last season's fares, side by side
Return fares are per person for seats and per cabin for cabins, with the one-way fare in brackets. They range from ৳3,500 for a deck seat to ৳20,000 for the top cabins.
MV Karnafuly Express
Leaves about 7:00 am · back about 3:00 pm
| Seat | Return (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Economy (Lavender, Marigold) | ৳3,500(৳1,800) |
| Open deck | ৳4,000(৳2,100) |
| Gladiolus | ৳5,000(৳2,600) |
| Lilac Lounge | ৳5,300(৳2,700) |
| Chrysanthemum Lounge | ৳5,600(৳2,900) |
| Single cabin (1 person) | ৳6,500(৳3,300) |
| Twin cabin (2 people) | ৳13,000(৳7,000) |
| VIP cabin (2 people) | ৳16,000(৳8,500) |
| VVIP cabin (2 people) | ৳20,000(৳10,500) |
MV Baro Awlia
Leaves about 7:00 am · back about 3:00 pm
| Seat | Return (one-way) |
|---|---|
| Main deck, Sun deck | ৳3,500(৳1,800) |
| Riviera, Panorama business | ৳4,000(৳2,100) |
| Mozarat chair | ৳4,300(৳2,200) |
| Bunk bed (2 people) | ৳8,000(৳4,100) |
| Deluxe cabin (2 people) | ৳13,000(৳7,000) |
| Family cabin (4 people) | ৳16,000(৳8,500) |
| VIP cabin | ৳16,000(৳8,500) |
| VVIP cabin | ৳20,000(৳10,500) |
Per person for the return trip, one-way fare in brackets; cabins are per cabin. The operators' 2025–26 fares, checked October 8, 2026.
MV Karnafuly Express: the most seat choices
Karnafuly Express offers economy seats (called Lavender and Marigold) and an open deck, then three lounges (Gladiolus, Lilac and Chrysanthemum) at rising prices. Its cabins start with a single cabin for one person, then twin, VIP and VVIP cabins for two.
Good for: solo travellers who want a private cabin, and anyone who wants a lounge seat without paying for a whole cabin.
MV Baro Awlia: cabins for families
Baro Awlia offers seats on the main deck and sun deck, Riviera and Panorama business seats and Mozarat chairs. Its cabins include a bunk-bed cabin for two, a deluxe cabin for two, a family cabin for four, and VIP and VVIP cabins.
Good for: a family of four who want one cabin to themselves, and couples who want a cabin at a lower price than a deluxe one.
Which seat should you choose?
- Deck or economy: the cheapest, and fine for most people on a calm winter crossing.
- Open deck or sun deck: the best views of the sea, with sun and wind, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Lounge or business seat: more comfortable for families with small children or older parents.
- Cabin: privacy and a proper rest on the 5–6 hour trip. Cabins are priced per cabin, not per person.
What about other ships?
We only list ships whose fares we've checked on the operators' own websites. People also search for other names, like Bay Cruise. If you've heard of another ship, ask us whether it's carrying tourists this season before you buy, and check that your ticket has the official travel pass with its QR code. Our article on Saint Martin ship tickets explains the pass.
Tips for the crossing
- Keep your ticket with its QR code and your photo ID in one easy pocket.
- Bring water and a light snack.
- If you get seasick, sit in the middle of the ship, look at the horizon and eat lightly before you board.
- On the open deck, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen make a big difference.
- Keep your return ticket safe: you'll need it at about 3 pm on the way back.
Book your seats with your stay
If you're staying at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip, send us your travel date, the ship and the seat type on WhatsApp. We book your seats along with your cottage and confirm the current fare before you pay. More on booking in how to book a hotel in Saint Martin.
