Çanakkale, Bozcaada — Çanakkale · 2 active ferry routes
Bozcaada Port is located within walking distance of the island's castle and town center. Upon disembarking, you can immediately reach the castle, bazaar, hotels, and coastal road. The surrounding area features fishing boats, cafes, and bicycle rental shops.
Serving as the main gateway to Bozcaada, one of the North Aegean's premier tourism destinations, Bozcaada Port is the island's only regular connection point to the mainland. Located within the provincial borders of Çanakkale, this port is not just a transportation hub, but a starting point that welcomes visitors with its historical charm the moment they step onto the island. The pier lies right in the shadow of the historic Bozcaada Castle, which appears in all its glory as you approach the island from the sea. Operated by GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım, the port is fully equipped to serve both foot passengers and vehicles.
Bozcaada's geographical layout and its isolated nature as an island increase the strategic importance of Bozcaada Port. Fulfilling the basic needs of the islanders, commercial logistics, and all tourism activities depend entirely on the ferry services operating through this port. Welcoming tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists, especially during the summer months (May - September), the port takes on a quieter atmosphere in the winter (October - April), primarily catering to the daily transportation needs of the local residents. The cobblestone streets starting right at the port's exit stretch toward the island's famous Greek and Turkish neighborhoods.
Bozcaada Port is located on the island's eastern coast at coordinates 39.8339000°N latitude and 26.0425000°E longitude. Its official address is Bozcaada Merkez, 17680 Bozcaada/Çanakkale. The most prominent feature of the port is its seamless integration with the island's center. A passenger disembarking from the ferry can reach the heart of the island in seconds without needing any additional transportation. To the right of the pier is the massive Bozcaada Castle, while fish restaurants, tea gardens, and cafes line the coast to the left.
Physically, the port features a wide vehicle boarding ramp and safe embarkation/disembarkation corridors for pedestrians. To manage the heavy vehicle traffic during the summer months, a large waiting area (reservation lanes) has been established behind the pier where vehicles line up. The area surrounding the port is encircled by fishing boats, excursion vessels, and sailboats that reflect the island's spirit. Bicycle and motorcycle rental shops also greet visitors as soon as they exit the port.
Bozcaada Port primarily serves as the point for reciprocal ferry services with Geyikli Port on the mainland. All maritime transportation is provided by GESTAŞ (a subsidiary of the Çanakkale Special Provincial Administration). Frequency of services varies significantly between summer and winter schedules, in accordance with general ferry regulations in Turkey. While ferries operate almost hourly or on a shuttle basis (fill-and-go) with additional trips during the summer, services can drop to 3-4 trips a day in the winter. Before planning your trip, you can review the general network structure on the All Ferry Routes page.
Routes Departing from Bozcaada Port:
Routes Arriving at Bozcaada Port:
Since Bozcaada is an island, local transportation after disembarking takes place entirely within the island's borders. However, for those wishing to reach the mainland (Çanakkale city center or other cities) using Bozcaada Port, various integrated transportation options are available.
Bus and Minibus: After crossing from Bozcaada to Geyikli, you can take the waiting minibuses and buses at Geyikli Port for direct transportation to the Çanakkale city center (bus terminal). It is also possible to transfer to intercity buses heading toward Izmir or Istanbul via the Ezine district. During the summer months, some major bus companies operate direct routes right to Geyikli Port.
By Air: Passengers traveling by plane can cross from Bozcaada to Geyikli by ferry and then reach Çanakkale Airport via a 50-60 minute road journey. Flights from Istanbul and Ankara to Çanakkale support the island's tourism.
Island Transportation (Minibus and Taxi): Foot passengers disembarking at Bozcaada Port can use the minibus stops just past the pier to reach the island's famous beaches (Ayazma, Habbele, Sulubahçe). Minibuses run very frequently during the summer season. Taxis are available 24/7 at the port exit.
Rather than a massive terminal building, Bozcaada Port is an operations center with spacious open areas that harmonize with the island's architecture. Facilities to meet all passenger needs are available within the port area and its immediate 10-20 meter vicinity.
From the moment you step off the pier, Bozcaada's historical and natural beauties welcome you. Here are the must-see places around the port and across the island:
To ensure a smooth ferry journey to Bozcaada or the mainland, it is highly recommended to pay attention to some critical rules and tips.
Reservation Requirement for Vehicles: Especially during the summer months, a timed appointment for vehicles must be made via GESTAŞ's online reservation system for the return trip from Bozcaada to Geyikli. Vehicles without a reservation may be stuck in the waiting area for many hours. You can review the Ferry Prices page for ticket rates and vehicle classifications.
Adverse Weather and Cancellations: The North Aegean Sea is exposed to harsh "Lodos" and "Poyraz" winds, particularly in winter and spring. On stormy days, ferry services may be canceled for safety reasons. Before setting out, be sure to check the Current Announcements section to learn about the status at the port.
Boarding Times: It is sufficient for foot passengers to be at the ticket counter at least 15-20 minutes before departure. However, passengers with vehicles (even if they have reservations) must be present in the port waiting area at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure for ticket control and lane queuing.
Island Traffic Restrictions: During the summer season, vehicle entry into the Bozcaada town center is prohibited in the evening. For this reason, arriving on the island without a car and using minibuses or rented bicycles/motorcycles for transportation is highly preferred by many experienced travelers. You can visit the All Ports page for other port alternatives and routes.
You can purchase your tickets at the GESTAŞ ticket counters located at the port prior to departure. It is also possible to buy online tickets for foot passengers and vehicles via the official GESTAŞ website. Online ticketing is recommended to avoid counter queues during the summer months.
Yes, especially during the summer season, public holidays, and weekends, vehicles returning from Bozcaada Port to Geyikli are required to make a reservation by selecting a day and time through the online system. Vehicles without reservations will only be allowed on board if there is remaining space.
Due to the harsh weather conditions of the North Aegean (especially severe lodos and poyraz winds), services may be temporarily suspended or completely canceled to ensure the safety of life and property. It is essential to follow announcements on days with poor weather.
Bozcaada Port is located right in the center of the island. The moment you disembark from the ferry, you have already reached the island's center, bazaar, restaurants, and Bozcaada Castle; there is no need to take any transportation.
Yes, according to general ferry rules, the vehicle ticket price covers only the driver. A separate foot passenger ticket must be issued for each of the other passengers inside the vehicle (excluding children under a certain age).