From 24 June, visitors to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast will be able to take a trip to Istanbul in Turkey. The first high-speed catamaran service on the Burgas–Istanbul route is scheduled to begin on this date, according to a report by the Turkish news agency Demirören Haber Ajansı (DHA).

The service was officially inaugurated by Istanbul Deniz Otobüsleri (İDO) director Murat Orhan on 12 June during a ceremony held in Istanbul.

Although the maiden voyage is set for 24 June, regular services will begin in July. Ferries will depart from Istanbul every Thursday and Sunday, and from Burgas every Monday and Friday. A one-way ticket costs €60, and a return ticket is €99. For children aged 6–12, the one-way fare is €50 and the return fare is €80, according to BTA.

The new route is expected to play a key role in enhancing Bulgaria’s maritime infrastructure, further strengthening Burgas's position as a major transport and tourism hub in the region. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable transport and regional cooperation along the Black Sea coast. Regular summer services are expected to facilitate tourism between the two cities and create new opportunities for local businesses by encouraging the exchange of goods, services and cultural events.

The Municipality of Burgas emphasises that the direct sea link with Istanbul will have a significant economic impact on the entire south-eastern region of Bulgaria, leading to increased employment in tourism and transport.

The idea of a sea connection between Burgas and Istanbul has existed for a long time, but the outbreak of the pandemic delayed its implementation.