GESTAŞ Deniz UlaşımAccording to an announcement by GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım, ferry services on the Çanakkale - Kilitbahir and Çanakkale - Eceabat routes will be temporarily suspended on Sunday, August 30, 2026, due to the Victory Day swimming races to be held in the Çanakkale Strait. Following the last reciprocal services on Sunday, August 30, at 08:00, the Strait route will be closed to marine traffic until 11:00. This situation is brought to the attention of passengers planning to travel especially in the morning hours.
Reason for Service Suspension and Affected Routes
As part of the annual traditional Victory Day celebrations, an exciting swimming race will be held in the Çanakkale Strait. To ensure the safe conduct of this important sporting event, a temporary regulation in marine traffic has become necessary. GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım has, therefore, decided to suspend ferry services on the Çanakkale - Kilitbahir and Çanakkale - Eceabat routes, which are among the main transit routes of the Çanakkale Strait, between certain hours.
Interruption Details and Important Information for Passengers
To prevent any inconvenience to our passengers, please note the following details:
- Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Event: Victory Day swimming race
- Affected Routes: Çanakkale - Kilitbahir and Çanakkale - Eceabat
- Last Services: The reciprocal services on these routes at 08:00 on Sunday, August 30, will be the last services before the interruption.
- Closure Time: Following the last services at 08:00, the Strait route will be closed to ferry services until 11:00.
- Resumption: Services are expected to return to their normal schedule as of 11:00. However, it is important to follow GESTAŞ's official announcements for any potential changes.
What Passengers Should Do
Passengers affected by this temporary arrangement are advised to review their travel plans and consider alternative routes or times. Especially for vehicle or foot passengers planning to cross from Çanakkale Pier towards Eceabat or Kilitbahir in the early morning, it is necessary to use services before 08:00 or wait until after 11:00. To avoid potential congestion, arriving early or checking online ticket/reservation options may be beneficial.
General Information About Çanakkale Strait Crossings
The Çanakkale Strait is one of Turkey's important maritime crossing points, holding strategic significance for both local residents and tourists. The Çanakkale Strait Crossing plays a key role in transportation, especially between Çanakkale city center and the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Çanakkale - Eceabat and Çanakkale - Kilitbahir routes are the most frequently used for this crossing. On special days like August 30 Victory Day, such temporary arrangements may occasionally be made due to events. Passengers are advised to regularly check our All Announcements list page and GESTAŞ's official channels for current announcements.