GESTAŞ Deniz UlaşımA historic day has arrived for transportation across the Dardanelles Strait. Built through a long-standing collaboration between the Çanakkale Special Provincial Administration and GESTAŞ, the New Gelibolu Ferry Terminal officially opened its doors at midnight on June 7, 2026. This massive investment will significantly ease regional traffic, as all Gelibolu-Lapseki ferry services now operate from this modern facility. Replacing the inadequate capacity of the old pier, the new terminal marks the beginning of a new era, greatly enhancing waiting comfort for both passenger and vehicle transport.
Features and Capacity of the New Gelibolu Ferry Terminal
Designed to alleviate the heavy congestion experienced for years—especially during the summer months, public holidays, and festive seasons—the new terminal stands out with its expansive capacity. In contrast to the cramped waiting areas of the old pier, the new facility offers passengers a highly spacious, modern, and safe environment. The standout technical features of the facility are as follows:
- Total Area: Built on a massive 43,000-square-meter terminal footprint, this vast space ensures that all port operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
- Docking Ramps: Four modern docking ramps have been constructed, allowing multiple vessels to load and unload simultaneously at a rapid pace.
- Vehicle Parking Capacity: To prevent waiting lines from spilling onto the main roads and into the town center, the terminal features a spacious parking area capable of accommodating 115 trucks and 340 cars.
- Passenger Comfort: A 215-square-meter modern, enclosed passenger lounge has been opened, providing foot passengers and those waiting in vehicles a comfortable place to rest, fully protected from the weather.
The Importance of the Gelibolu-Lapseki Route and Crossing the Dardanelles
For drivers looking to cross the Dardanelles Strait, the Gelibolu-Lapseki route is one of the most critical arteries connecting the Marmara and Aegean regions. Among the Dardanelles Strait Crossing alternatives, it is frequently preferred by those seeking a more economical route compared to the bridge, as well as those who want to take a break and enjoy the sea breeze. Thanks to the new terminal's massive vehicle waiting area, the long queues that used to stretch into the town center and gridlock traffic in previous years are expected to become a thing of the past. Drivers will now complete their ticketing procedures within the secure terminal grounds before boarding the vessels in an orderly fashion.
Special Free Crossing Offer on Opening Day, June 7
To celebrate the launch of the new terminal with locals and travelers, a special campaign was run throughout the opening day on June 7, 2026. On this date, ferry crossings from the new pier were completely free of charge for private vehicles, motorcycles, Boğaz Kart holders, and foot passengers. This generous gesture ensured the new terminal was met with great enthusiasm on its very first day.
Schedule and Current Fare Information
Although the terminal's location, physical conditions, and capacity have been completely revamped, there have been no changes to the existing ferry schedules. Vessels continue their reciprocal voyages, strictly adhering to their usual regular timetables. However, it is always important to monitor for real-time updates caused by adverse weather conditions or operational reasons. Before setting out, you can review our Gelibolu-Lapseki Ferry Schedules and the return route Lapseki-Gelibolu Ferry Schedules pages for the latest departure times, ticket prices, and instant announcements.
The new terminal is situated in a strategic location easily accessible from the center of Gelibolu, supported by directional signage along the main arteries. It is crucial for both vehicle and foot passengers to follow the internal terminal signs and the instructions of the staff to ensure a swift and seamless transition, especially during the initial adaptation period. Connecting the two shores of the Dardanelles Strait, this modern facility is expected to offer a comfortable travel experience for both heavy vehicle drivers engaged in commercial transport and holidaymakers en route to their destinations.