According to an announcement by GESTAŞ Sea Transportation, effective Sunday, September 20, 2026, there are updates to ferry services on the Çanakkale Strait routes. On this date, the Çanakkale-Kilitbahir and Çanakkale-Eceabat routes will operate according to their normal schedule, while the Lapseki-Gallipoli route continues without a fixed timetable. Additionally, with the end of the summer season, the online reservation system for returns from Bozcaada has concluded as of September 15, 2026, and passengers will now be able to make their crossings on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunday, September 20, 2026: Strait Route Service Status
For Sunday, September 20, 2026, the following status applies to GESTAŞ's main routes in the Çanakkale Strait:
- Çanakkale - Kilitbahir Route: Services continue according to the schedule. Regular crossings are provided between Çanakkale Pier and Kilitbahir Pier.
- Çanakkale - Eceabat Route: Services continue according to the schedule. Transportation between Çanakkale Pier and Eceabat Pier is maintained as planned.
- Lapseki - Gallipoli Route: Services on this route continue without a fixed timetable. Passengers are advised to check GESTAŞ Sea Transportation's official channels or call their communication center for up-to-date information on current ferry times.
Change in Online Reservations for Bozcaada Returns
With the end of the summer season, the online reservation system for returns from Bozcaada has undergone a significant change. As of September 15, 2026, the online reservation application has concluded. From this date forward, passengers returning from Bozcaada Pier will make their crossings without any prior reservation, on a first-come, first-served basis at the pier. This change provides practical convenience for travelers, especially after the busy summer period.
Important Information and Contact for Passengers
Instantaneous changes, cancellations, or additional services may occur in ferry schedules due to weather conditions or other operational reasons. In such cases, it is crucial for passengers to follow the operator's official announcements directly to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information. GESTAŞ wishes all its passengers a pleasant journey and recommends using the following communication channels for information on current ferry schedules and potential changes:
- GESTAŞ Contact Center: Call 444 0 752 for detailed information.
- Official Website: You can access current ferry schedules via GESTAŞ's official website.
Always check the current status before your trip to help prevent unexpected disruptions. Passengers traveling on busy routes such as Eceabat - Çanakkale or Gallipoli - Lapseki are particularly advised to heed these warnings.