The Black Sea washes the shores of six countries and has traditionally served as an important transport corridor between Europe and Asia. For Russian citizens, ferry transportation across the Black Sea is an interesting alternative to land and air travel, especially when traveling with a car or large luggage.
The current state of ferry services
Ferry service on the Black Sea is going through difficult times in 2025. Many traditional routes have been temporarily suspended or are operating with restrictions. The main factors influencing the development of the industry were the geopolitical situation, high port charges and the underdeveloped infrastructure of passenger terminals.
Key market players
The main ferry operators on the Black Sea are:
- The Ukrainian company Ukrferri is the leader in the number of routes
- The Bulgarian company "Navibulgar"
- Russian companies AnRussTrans, Black Sea Ferry & Investments
- Turkish operators on domestic lines
Current routes from Russian ports
Novorossiysk is the main Russian ferry hub
Novorossiysk remains the main port for international ferry traffic from the Russian side. The following areas are currently operating:
Novorossiysk - Burgas (Bulgaria)
The Druzhba ferry operated by the Bulgarian PB Management company serves the Novorossiysk- Burgas route. This route is especially popular among trucking companies, as it allows you to avoid transit through several countries and save time and money.
Novorossiysk - Poti/Batumi (Georgia)
The Georgian direction remains one of the most stable. Ferries run on the Novorossiysk - Poti - Batumi route several times a month. The cost of the crossing for a truck is about 850 euros.
Sochi - tourist cruises
Starting in 2022, the Astoria Grande cruise ship began operating from Sochi on the Sochi- Istanbul-Amasra - Samsun - Trabzon - Sochi route. This 8-day trip has become popular among tourists wishing to visit Turkish cities by sea.
Regional routes
Domestic Russian lines
Novorossiysk Passenger Port serves regional routes by catamarans:
- Novorossiysk - Sochi
- Novorossiysk - Gelendzhik
These routes operate mainly during the summer season and are popular with tourists.
Kerch ferry
After the opening of the Crimean Bridge, the Kerch Ferry significantly reduced passenger traffic. Currently, it mainly serves special vehicles and trucks.
International routes
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Ukrainian lines (limited availability)
Ukrferri has traditionally been the leader of Black Sea ferry services, serving the routes:
- Chernomorsk - Batumi (37-55 hours, once every three days)
- Chernomorsk - Poti (35-39 hours, once every 9 days)
- Chernomorsk - Karasu, Turkey (21-25 hours, every four days)
However, passenger traffic on these routes is currently suspended.
Turkish domestic lines
Istanbul offers a well-developed network of domestic ferry routes, including:
- European - Asian part of the city
- Routes along the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn
- Connection to the Prince Islands
Practical tips for travelers
Cost and booking
Ferry prices vary depending on the route and type of transport.:
- Passenger car: from 250 to 400 euros per transfer
- Motorcycle: from 100 to 150 euros
- Passenger without transport: from 50 to 150 euros
What is important to know
When planning a ferry trip across the Black Sea, consider:
- The need for advance booking
- Possible schedule changes due to weather conditions
- Requirements for documents for border crossing
- Restrictions on the carriage of certain types of goods
Alternatives to ferry services
In the absence of suitable ferry routes, Russian tourists may consider:
- Air travel is a faster but more expensive option.
- Automobile routes across land borders
- Railway connection
- Combined routes with transfers
The future of Black Sea ferries
The development of ferry services on the Black Sea is closely linked to the East-West international transport corridor, which is part of the One Belt, One Road initiative. This corridor includes a route: China - Kazakhstan - ferry across the Caspian Sea - Azerbaijan - Georgia - ferry across the Black Sea - Europe, with a total length of 9400-11000 km and a duration of 13-21 days.
Despite the current difficulties, experts predict the gradual restoration and development of ferry lines as the regional situation stabilizes and trade flows increase.
Conclusion
Ferry service across the Black Sea remains an important element of the region's transport system, despite time constraints. Routes from Novorossiysk to Bulgaria and Georgia, as well as tourist cruises from Sochi to Turkey are available for Russian travelers. When planning a trip, it is important to provide up-to-date information about the schedule and availability of seats in advance, as the situation may change.
Sea voyages offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Black Sea, avoid tedious land crossings and at the same time reach the desired destinations in comfort. As the infrastructure develops and the international situation stabilizes, we can expect an expansion of the ferry route network and an improvement in the quality of services.
