GESTAŞ Deniz UlaşımAdditional 23:00 Ferry for Night Returns from Gökçeada
As the summer season gains momentum, weekend congestion in Gökçeada has prompted new adjustments to ferry schedules. According to the latest GESTAŞ announcement on June 7, 2026, an additional 23:00 ferry has been added to the timetable for passengers wishing to return to the mainland from Gökçeada.
This extra sailing provides great flexibility, especially for vacationers who want to spend a full day on the island and plan to head back after dinner. Sunday evening returns have always been a stressful process for weekend travelers coming from surrounding cities like Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir. The 23:00 departure allows visitors to enjoy dinner in the island's famous villages and comfortably head to the pier after sunset. Traveling in the cool night air, rather than waiting in vehicle queues during the heat of a summer day, also offers a major advantage in terms of comfort. You can check current departure times and ticket availability on our Gökçeada - Kabatepe ferries page. For planning your outbound trip to the island, we recommend taking a look at the Kabatepe - Gökçeada ferries link.
Latest Updates on Dardanelles Strait Crossings (June 2026)
In addition to this update on the Gökçeada route, operational adjustments are being implemented on other ferry lines across the Dardanelles Strait based on summer traffic. According to the latest announcement from GESTAŞ, the current status of the strait routes is as follows:
| Ferry Route | Current Status (June 7, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Gökçeada - Kabatepe | Additional 23:00 ferry added |
| Çanakkale - Eceabat | Operating according to schedule |
| Lapseki - Gelibolu | Unscheduled (departing as vessels fill up) |
| Çanakkale - Kilitbahir | Unscheduled (departing as vessels fill up) |
To avoid the long vehicle queues that can form during strait crossings, particularly on Friday evenings and Sundays, opting for the "unscheduled" routes can shorten your wait time. Since the ships depart as soon as they reach capacity, there is continuous circulation in the waiting area. It is highly recommended to check real-time traffic conditions before arriving at the toll booths.
Practical Advice for the Summer Season
If you are traveling to Gökçeada by car, keep in mind that making a reservation or arriving at the pier early is crucial for both outbound and return trips during the summer months. Although the additional 23:00 ferry alleviates congestion to some extent, you should consider that tickets can sell out quickly. For more comprehensive information on island transportation, accommodation, and ferry tips, you can read our Gökçeada Ferry and Island Guide 2026 article in detail.
Ferry schedules are subject to instant changes depending on adverse weather conditions or sudden vehicle congestion at the piers. For real-time updates on additional sailings and price information, do not forget to check the operator's official channels or call GESTAŞ customer service at (444 0 752) before setting off.