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A new international sea route connecting Burgas, Bulgaria to Istanbul, Turkey is set to launch on June 24, 2025, marking a significant development in regional transportation and tourism.
The service will be operated by the Turkish maritime company İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri (İDO), which announced the launch earlier this week.
According to İDO director Murat Orhan, the ferry service will run three times a week during the summer season, offering travelers a convenient and scenic alternative to road or air travel between the two historic cities.
Departures from Burgas are scheduled for 8:00 a.m., while return trips from Istanbul will leave at 3:00 p.m., providing travelers with ample time to explore either city. The new route is expected to attract considerable interest from both tourists and business travelers.
With increasing demand for sustainable and leisurely travel options across the region, the sea connection between the Black Sea port of Burgas and the Bosphorus metropolis of Istanbul is poised to become a popular choice for short-term getaways and cross-border exchanges.
Speaking to Bulgarian news outlet Haberbg.net, Orhan expressed optimism about the route’s potential. “This connection between Burgas and Istanbul will strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries, offering both convenience and comfort to our passengers,” he said.
The ferry route will likely benefit visitors along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, many of whom seek weekend or two- to three-day excursions to Istanbul. The Turkish city, with its vibrant markets, rich history, and world-renowned cuisine, remains a top destination for Bulgarian travelers.
Meanwhile, Burgas stands to gain increased footfall from Turkish tourists looking to discover the Bulgarian coast or connect to other regional destinations.
The city, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest, boasts attractive beaches, a bustling port, and cultural events that could appeal to visitors from Istanbul and beyond.
Local tourism boards and hospitality businesses in both cities have welcomed the initiative, citing opportunities for economic growth and enhanced connectivity.
The new maritime link is expected to encourage greater cooperation between travel agencies, cruise operators, and hotel associations in both countries.
In addition to leisure tourism, the route is also projected to support business travel and cargo movement between the two ports. With growing trade relations between Bulgaria and Turkey, efficient transport solutions have become increasingly important.
Though initially limited to the summer months, İDO has not ruled out extending the service beyond the high season if demand proves strong.
The company has a long-standing reputation for fast and reliable ferry services in Turkey and aims to bring the same standards to its new international route.
With its launch just days away, the Burgas-Istanbul sea route marks a new chapter in regional travel, enhancing accessibility and offering travelers a fresh perspective on two iconic cities linked by history and now by sea.