Türkiye-Bulgaria ferry route to launch on October 11

Istanbul Fast Ferries Co. Inc. (IDO) is launching a new international route between Istanbul’s Sarayburnu and the Bulgarian coastal city of Burgas on October 11. The service will debut with a luxurious catamaran that can accommodate 423 passengers, marking a key expansion of IDO’s international operations.

The ferry will stay in Burgas for 24 hours before returning to Istanbul, with plans to potentially make the route a regular service by April 2025.

This will include integration into one-day tour itineraries for cruise ships docking in Istanbul, offering Turkish tourists with Schengen visas a convenient travel option.

The inaugural voyage will set sail from Sarayburnu Port, and a ceremonial welcome is planned at Burgas Port after the 5.5-hour journey.