Why Take the Burgas to Batumi Ferry?
The Burgas to Batumi ferry is one of the most unusual passenger ferry routes operating in Europe today. Linking Burgas on the western shore of the Black Sea with Batumi on the eastern shore, the route provides a direct maritime connection between the European Union and the Caucasus. While most travellers heading to Georgia travel by air or drive through Turkey, this ferry offers a completely different way to cross the region.
Operated by the MV Drujba, the crossing takes approximately three days and carries both passengers and vehicles. Cars, motorcycles, campervans, motorhomes and commercial vehicles can all be transported, making the route particularly popular with overlanders, long-distance motorcyclists, and travellers planning extended journeys beyond Europe.
One of the biggest advantages of the service is the opportunity to avoid the long overland drive through Turkey. Travellers can drive across Europe to Burgas, board the ferry, and arrive in Georgia three days later having covered over 1,000 kilometres of Black Sea coastline without turning a wheel. For many visitors heading towards the Caucasus, Central Asia, or even the historic Silk Road routes, this can be both a practical and memorable alternative.
Unlike many ferry routes that focus purely on tourism, the Burgas to Batumi ferry serves as a genuine transport corridor. PB Management describes the service as a maritime bridge connecting Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, and the mix of passengers onboard reflects this. Alongside tourists, you may find truck drivers, business travellers, motorcyclists, and adventurers travelling far beyond Georgia itself.
Burgas to Batumi Ferry at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Burgas, Bulgaria – Batumi, Georgia |
| Ferry Operator | PB Management |
| Vessel | MV Drujba |
| Crossing Time | Approximately 72 hours |
| Frequency | Weekly sailings |
| Passenger Service | Yes |
| Cars Accepted | Yes |
| Motorcycles Accepted | Yes |
| Motorhomes Accepted | Yes |
| Freight Transport | Yes |
| Pets | No |
| Cabin Included | Yes |
| Meals Included | Yes |
| Booking Method | Email reservation |
| Live Tracking Available | Yes |
The Burgas Batumi ferry is not a typical short sea crossing. This is a full three-night voyage across the Black Sea, requiring passengers to stay onboard for the duration of the journey. Fortunately, accommodation and meals are included within the standard passenger fare, making the crossing far more comfortable than many travellers initially expect.
The service operates using a Ro-Pax vessel, meaning it is designed for both roll-on roll-off vehicle transport and passenger accommodation. Whether travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle, passengers receive cabin accommodation and full-board meals throughout the crossing.
Because capacity can be limited and freight traffic often forms an important part of the vessel’s operation, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer travel season.
Burgas to Batumi Ferry Timetable
The ferry generally operates on a continuous weekly rotation between Burgas and Batumi, with departures from Bulgaria typically taking place on Fridays and arrivals in Georgia occurring on Mondays. After a short turnaround in port, the vessel normally departs Batumi later the same day before returning to Burgas on Thursdays. This operating pattern means that passengers can usually expect a crossing of approximately 72 hours in each direction.
In practical terms, travellers boarding in Burgas at the end of the week will normally spend three days crossing the Black Sea before arriving in Batumi at the start of the following week. Passengers travelling westbound from Georgia can generally expect a similar journey time before reaching the Bulgarian coast. While the voyage is considerably longer than a flight, many travellers view the crossing as part of the overall travel experience rather than simply a means of transport.
The route is operated as a working passenger and freight service, meaning schedules remain subject to operational conditions. PB Management advises that arrival and departure times should always be treated as estimates rather than guarantees. Factors such as weather conditions, port berth availability, customs inspections, passport control procedures, and other maritime operational requirements can all affect the timetable. For this reason, travellers are strongly advised to avoid arranging tight onward connections immediately after arrival.
Although the ferry generally follows a consistent weekly pattern throughout the operating season, sailing dates can occasionally change. Passengers should therefore verify the latest schedule directly with the operator before travelling and monitor any updates issued prior to departure.
Ticket Prices
One of the pleasant surprises of the Bulgaria to Georgia ferry is that passenger fares already include accommodation and meals. Unlike many cruise ferries where cabins are added as extras, the standard passenger ticket includes a bed in a shared cabin together with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the voyage.
| Passenger Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €220 |
| Child (6–12 years) | €100 |
| Child (Under 6 years) | Free |
| Bicycle | €20 |
| Single Cabin (1 Passenger) | €400 |
| Single Cabin (2 Passengers) | €300 |
Standard accommodation consists of a shared four-berth cabin. Travellers booking the standard fare should be aware that cabin sharing may be with passengers of either gender. Those seeking additional privacy can request single occupancy accommodation, subject to availability.
When comparing the price with the cost of driving around the Black Sea via Romania, Turkey, and the eastern border crossings into Georgia, the ferry often proves surprisingly competitive. Once fuel, tolls, accommodation, and several days of driving are considered, many travellers find the sea route offers good value while also providing a far more relaxing experience.
For travellers seeking one of the most unusual maritime journeys in Europe, the combination of three nights accommodation, full-board meals, and a crossing between two continents makes the fare particularly attractive.
Vehicle Prices
One of the main reasons travellers search for the Burgas to Batumi ferry is the ability to transport a vehicle directly from Bulgaria to Georgia. Whether you are planning a motorcycle expedition through the Caucasus, a campervan tour of Georgia and Armenia, or a longer overland journey towards Central Asia, the ferry provides a direct alternative to the lengthy drive around the Black Sea.
The ferry accepts a wide range of private vehicles including motorcycles, cars, SUVs, campervans and motorhomes.
| Vehicle Type | Burgas → Batumi | Batumi → Burgas |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | €350 | €300 |
| Passenger Car / SUV | €600 | €600 |
| Minibus, Van or Motorhome (up to 7m) | €650 | €650 |
Additional bunker surcharges apply and are reviewed periodically based on fuel prices. Travellers should always confirm the final amount payable when making a reservation.
For many vehicle owners, the attraction of the route lies in the time and distance saved. Driving from Burgas to Batumi via Turkey can involve well over 1,500 kilometres of road travel, multiple border crossings, toll roads, fuel costs and accommodation expenses. The ferry removes much of that complexity, allowing passengers to relax while their vehicle is transported across the Black Sea.
Motorhome travellers are particularly well served by the route. Instead of several days behind the wheel, travellers can spend the crossing resting onboard before arriving ready to explore Georgia’s mountains, wine regions and Black Sea coastline.
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MV Drujba Ferry Overview
The MV Drujba is the vessel currently operating the route between Burgas and Batumi. With IMO number 9031698, the ship functions as a Ro-Pax ferry, combining passenger accommodation with extensive vehicle and freight carrying capacity.
Unlike traditional cruise ferries that focus almost entirely on leisure travel, the MV Drujba serves a wider transport role. Alongside holidaymakers and independent travellers, the vessel regularly carries trucks, trailers, commercial vehicles, project cargo and international freight moving between Europe and the Caucasus.
For passengers, the onboard experience is relatively straightforward and practical. Accommodation is provided in cabin form, while meals are included throughout the voyage. The emphasis is less on entertainment and more on providing a comfortable means of crossing the Black Sea while avoiding a lengthy overland journey.
What makes the MV Drujba particularly interesting is its role in maintaining one of the few remaining regular maritime passenger links across the Black Sea. In an era where most travellers fly between Europe and Georgia, the ship offers a slower but considerably more memorable alternative.
For overlanders and transport enthusiasts, travelling aboard the MV Drujba is often considered an experience in its own right rather than merely a means of getting from A to B.
Onboard Facilities and Life at Sea
One of the first things travellers should understand about the Burgas to Batumi ferry is that the experience is very different from travelling on a modern cruise ferry. The MV Drujba is primarily a working passenger and freight vessel linking Europe with the Caucasus, so facilities are designed around practicality rather than luxury. For many passengers, however, that simplicity becomes one of the most enjoyable aspects of the journey.
The pace of life onboard is slow and relaxed. With approximately three days crossing the Black Sea, passengers quickly settle into a routine of meals, reading, resting, watching the sea, and preparing for the next stage of their adventure. Unlike a busy cruise ship filled with organised activities, the crossing offers a rare opportunity to slow down and enjoy the journey itself. Many travellers find that the time at sea becomes a welcome break between exploring Bulgaria and discovering Georgia.
Much of daily life revolves around the ship’s dining room, where meals are served throughout the voyage. The food is generally described as simple, hearty and filling, with generous portions that keep passengers well fed during the crossing. Rather than fine dining, the focus is on practical meals designed for long-distance travellers. Breakfasts typically include a selection of fresh vegetables, dairy products and cereals, while lunch and dinner usually feature meat, vegetables, salads and fruit. A small onboard bar operates during meal times, serving beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks for those wishing to purchase refreshments.
Away from the restaurant, passengers will find several communal areas where they can relax. Indoor lounges provide comfortable places to sit during rough weather, while the ship’s outdoor sundeck offers uninterrupted views across the Black Sea. Although there are no swimming pools, sun loungers or poolside bars, many travellers spend hours on deck watching the horizon, enjoying the sea air and photographing the changing conditions as the vessel makes its way between Burgas and Batumi.
Entertainment onboard is deliberately low-key. Televisions are available in public areas, but most passengers bring their own books, tablets, films or music for the crossing. The route attracts an interesting mix of motorcyclists, campervan travellers, overlanders, truck drivers, and independent adventurers, and conversations with fellow passengers often become one of the unexpected highlights of the voyage. It is not unusual to meet travellers heading towards Armenia, Central Asia, or undertaking ambitious overland journeys stretching across multiple continents.
Passengers can purchase internet access onboard, although expectations should remain realistic. Connectivity is available while at sea, but speeds are generally much slower than travellers are accustomed to on land. Many passengers therefore use the crossing as an opportunity to temporarily disconnect from emails, social media and constant notifications.
Additional onboard facilities include coffee machines, snack vending machines, and communal seating areas where passengers can spend time between meals. While the vessel does not offer the extensive amenities found on large cruise ferries, it provides everything needed for a comfortable crossing.
The MV Drujba does not feature casinos, duty-free shopping, cinemas, theatres, swimming pools, or gyms. Instead, it offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: a genuine maritime voyage across one of the world’s great inland seas. For many passengers, the chance to spend several days crossing the Black Sea, watching for dolphins, meeting fellow travellers and arriving in the Caucasus by ship becomes one of the most memorable parts of the entire journey.
Track the Ferry Live
One particularly useful feature for passengers is the ability to monitor the progress of the MV Drujba in real time.
Because arrival and departure times remain subject to weather conditions, customs procedures and operational factors, live vessel tracking can provide a far more accurate picture of the ferry’s progress than scheduled times alone.
Passengers, family members and those meeting arriving travellers can follow the vessel’s position using:
MarineTraffic Live Vessel Tracking
This can be particularly useful during winter crossings or periods of adverse weather when schedules may change. The live tracking system allows users to see the vessel’s current location, speed and estimated progress across the Black Sea.
For travellers making onward transport arrangements in either Burgas or Batumi, checking the vessel’s real-time position shortly before arrival can help avoid unnecessary waiting and provide greater flexibility when planning onward journeys.
Why Overlanders Use This Route
The Burgas to Batumi ferry has developed a strong reputation among the overlanding community because it provides one of the easiest ways to move a vehicle from Europe into the Caucasus without driving through Turkey. While flying may be faster, it is not an option for travellers transporting their own car, motorcycle or campervan. For these travellers, the ferry offers a unique shortcut across the Black Sea.
Many overlanders begin their journey in Western Europe, travelling through countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before boarding the ferry in Burgas. Three days later they arrive in Georgia, ready to continue towards Tbilisi, Armenia, or even further east towards Central Asia.
Motorcyclists are particularly fond of the route. The roads of the Caucasus Mountains, including the spectacular Georgian Military Highway, have become increasingly popular among adventure riders. Rather than spending days navigating busy roads through Turkey, many riders prefer to save both time and energy by crossing the Black Sea by ship.
The route is also attractive to campervan and motorhome travellers. Georgia has become one of Europe’s most exciting emerging road-trip destinations, offering dramatic mountain scenery, excellent food, wine-producing regions, and relatively low travel costs. The ferry allows travellers to arrive refreshed and ready to explore rather than exhausted from a multi-day drive.
Perhaps most importantly, the route still retains a sense of adventure. In an age when many international journeys involve airports and motorways, travelling between Bulgaria and Georgia aboard a Black Sea ferry feels like a genuine expedition.
Taking a Car, Motorcycle or Motorhome to Georgia
Travelling with your own vehicle is one of the biggest advantages of the Bulgaria to Georgia ferry. The ferry is specifically designed to transport both passengers and vehicles, making it possible to continue your journey immediately after arriving in Batumi.
Passenger cars, SUVs, motorcycles, vans, campervans and motorhomes are all accepted onboard. During the booking process, travellers must provide detailed vehicle information including the make, model and overall length. This information is important because vehicle dimensions directly affect pricing and loading arrangements.
Owners of motorhomes and campervans should note that vehicles carrying gas cylinders are permitted under certain conditions. Gas bottles up to 47 kilograms are allowed for passenger use, but they must be disconnected and switched off while onboard the vessel.
Vehicles powered by LPG or natural gas are also accepted provided they are recognised production vehicles fitted with manufacturer-approved systems and possess valid technical inspections.
Commercial goods are generally not permitted within private passenger vehicles. The route is intended for personal travel rather than undeclared freight transport. Passengers carrying commercial goods may be subject to additional freight charges or customs requirements.
For travellers heading deeper into the Caucasus, bringing your own vehicle offers considerable freedom. Popular onward routes include Batumi to Tbilisi, Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Georgia to Armenia, and longer journeys towards Azerbaijan and Central Asia, where border regulations permit.
How to Book the Burgas to Batumi Ferry
Booking the Burgas to Batumi ferry is slightly different from booking a typical European ferry crossing. Unlike operators such as DFDS, Stena Line, or Irish Ferries, the route does not currently use a public online booking engine. Instead, reservations are handled directly by the operator using a manual booking process.
Passengers wishing to travel on the MV Drujba should submit a reservation request directly to the ferry operator. The booking request should include the full names of all passengers exactly as they appear on their passports, together with the preferred sailing date and departure port. Travellers taking a vehicle must also provide detailed information about the vehicle, including the make, model and overall length. This information is particularly important because vehicle dimensions affect both loading arrangements and pricing.
Once the reservation request has been received, the operator will check availability for the requested sailing and provide confirmation together with payment instructions. According to the published conditions of carriage, a reservation only becomes fully confirmed once payment has been received. Travellers should therefore avoid making non-refundable onward travel arrangements until their booking has been formally confirmed.
Because the ferry carries a mixture of passengers, motorcycles, cars, motorhomes, and commercial freight, availability can vary significantly between sailings. Vehicle space is often more limited than passenger accommodation, particularly during the summer travel season when demand from overlanders and long-distance vehicle travellers tends to increase. For this reason, travellers planning to take a vehicle to Georgia are strongly advised to book as far in advance as possible.
Passengers should also remember that this is a working international ferry service rather than a cruise operation. Sailing schedules can occasionally change due to weather conditions, port availability, customs procedures, or other operational requirements. Checking for schedule updates in the days leading up to departure is therefore highly recommended.
At the time of writing, reservations can be requested by contacting the operator directly via [email protected] or by telephone on +359 56 871 628. Before submitting a request, it is worth having all passenger and vehicle information prepared in advance, as this can help speed up the booking process and reduce the likelihood of delays in receiving confirmation.
Check-In and Boarding
Passengers should allow plenty of time for check-in and customs formalities when travelling on the MV Drujba. Unlike many domestic ferry services, this route involves international border procedures and vehicle inspections where applicable.
For departures from Burgas, passengers must complete check-in no later than 14:00 on the day of departure. The operator advises that passengers arriving after this deadline may be placed on a waiting list and loading cannot be guaranteed.
For departures from Batumi, check-in should be completed by 18:00 on the day of arrival. As with Burgas, late arrivals risk losing their reserved space if the vessel reaches capacity.
Passengers should carry all necessary travel documentation, including valid passports, visas where required, vehicle registration documents, insurance certificates and any additional paperwork required by border authorities.
It is particularly important to verify entry requirements for Georgia before travelling. Since January 2026, tourists entering Georgia are required to hold valid health and accident insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL. Border officials may request proof of this insurance upon arrival.
Because vehicle loading, customs inspections and immigration procedures can take time, arriving well before the published check-in deadline is strongly recommended. Missing the check-in cut-off could result in significant delays given the ferry’s relatively infrequent sailing schedule.
Burgas Ferry Terminal
The western end of the Burgas to Batumi ferry route is located in Burgas, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city and one of the country’s most important maritime gateways. Situated on the western shore of the Black Sea, Burgas serves as a major commercial port while also acting as a transport hub for travellers heading towards the Caucasus.
The ferry operates from the Port of Burgas cargo facilities rather than the city’s cruise terminal. Because the service carries both passengers and freight, travellers should expect a working port environment rather than a conventional passenger ferry terminal. Vehicle inspections, customs checks and passport control procedures all form part of the boarding process.
For travellers arriving by air, Burgas Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre and offers seasonal flights to numerous European destinations. Taxis, airport transfers and local buses provide convenient access to the port area.
Those arriving by rail will use Burgas Central Railway Station, the city’s main station and the terminus for trains from Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and other destinations across Bulgaria. The station is located close to the waterfront in central Burgas, but the Burgas to Batumi ferry does not depart from the nearby cruise terminal area. Instead, passengers must travel to Port Bulgaria West, a commercial cargo terminal located in the north-western section of the wider Port of Burgas complex.
For most foot passengers, a taxi is the easiest option, with the journey typically taking around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact departure berth being used on the day. Travellers arriving with heavy luggage are strongly advised to use a taxi rather than attempt to walk through the industrial port area. Those travelling with vehicles can simply follow the operator’s instructions for check-in and loading procedures.
Because the ferry operates from a working freight terminal rather than a dedicated passenger port, facilities in the immediate area are limited. Purchasing food, drinks, currency and any last-minute travel essentials in central Burgas before heading to the port is therefore advisable.
Travellers arriving by car will find Burgas well connected to the Bulgarian road network via the A1 Trakia Motorway, making it relatively straightforward to reach from Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and the rest of Europe.
Passengers should remember that the ferry operator requires check-in to be completed by 14:00 on departure day, meaning arriving in Burgas at least several hours before this deadline is advisable. Given the importance of customs and vehicle processing, arriving early can significantly reduce stress before boarding.
Batumi Ferry Terminal
After approximately three days at sea, the ferry arrives in Batumi, Georgia’s principal Black Sea port and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Surrounded by the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, Batumi provides a dramatic first impression for travellers arriving from Europe.
As with Burgas, passengers should expect arrival procedures to take place within a functioning commercial port environment. Immigration controls, customs checks and vehicle inspections are all conducted before travellers can enter Georgia officially.
For many passengers, arriving in Batumi represents the start of a much larger adventure. The city itself offers attractive beaches, modern architecture, lively cafés and a pleasant seafront promenade, making it well worth exploring before travelling onwards. Many overlanders spend several days in Batumi before continuing deeper into the country.
Transport links from the port are excellent. Regular trains connect Batumi with Tbilisi, while roads heading inland provide access to the Georgian Military Highway, the Svaneti region, Kutaisi, and the wine-producing regions of eastern Georgia. International road routes also connect Georgia with Armenia and, where border regulations permit, Azerbaijan.
Because Batumi serves as one of Georgia’s primary gateways, arriving passengers will generally find all necessary services nearby, including currency exchange facilities, accommodation, vehicle services and supermarkets.
Entering Georgia by Ferry
One of the most important sections of any Bulgaria to Georgia ferry guide concerns entry requirements. Travellers should always verify current regulations before departure, but several key rules are particularly relevant for ferry passengers.
All passengers must carry a valid passport and comply with Georgian immigration requirements applicable to their nationality. Many visitors from Europe can enter Georgia without a visa, although requirements vary depending on citizenship and may change over time.
Since 1 January 2026, Georgia has introduced a significant additional requirement for visitors. Tourists entering the country must possess valid health and accident insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL. The policy may be issued by either a Georgian or foreign insurer but must be available in either English or Georgian if requested by authorities.
Travellers arriving with vehicles should also ensure they carry all relevant documentation. This typically includes vehicle registration papers, proof of ownership or authorisation to use the vehicle, driving licences and any insurance documentation required for travel within Georgia.
Motorhome owners, motorcyclists and long-distance overlanders should take particular care when preparing paperwork. Border crossings involving vehicles naturally involve more documentation than those for foot passengers, and ensuring everything is in order before departure can save significant time upon arrival.
Because regulations can change, travellers should always confirm current requirements with the relevant authorities before beginning their journey.
Travelling Onward from Batumi
For many passengers, the Burgas to Batumi ferry is only the beginning of a much larger journey. Georgia occupies a strategic position between Europe and Asia, making Batumi an excellent gateway for exploring the wider Caucasus region.
One of the most popular onward routes leads east towards Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. The journey takes travellers through spectacular mountain scenery, historic towns and some of the country’s most famous wine-producing regions. Tbilisi itself offers a fascinating mix of medieval architecture, Soviet-era landmarks and modern development, making it one of the most rewarding cities in the region.
Many travellers also continue north towards the Georgian Military Highway, widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic road journeys. Highlights include Ananuri Fortress, the Jvari Pass, and the mountain settlement of Stepantsminda, overlooked by the iconic Mount Kazbek.
For adventure travellers, Batumi also serves as a gateway to the remote mountain regions of Svaneti and Adjara. These areas offer dramatic landscapes, medieval defensive towers and some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in Europe.
Long-distance overlanders often continue beyond Georgia altogether. Depending on current border regulations, routes may extend towards Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, and ultimately Central Asia. In this way, the ferry becomes part of a much larger transcontinental journey linking the shores of the Black Sea with some of the most remote and fascinating destinations on the Eurasian continent.
Ferry Cancellation and Refund Policy
Because the Burgas to Batumi ferry operates only once per week, understanding the cancellation rules before booking is particularly important. Missing a sailing could result in a delay of several days before the next departure becomes available.
According to the published conditions of carriage, passengers can cancel their reservation and receive a refund depending on how much notice is provided before departure.
| Cancellation Notice | Refund |
|---|---|
| At least 7 days before departure | 100% refund |
| At least 3 days before departure | 50% refund |
| Less than 3 days before departure | No refund |
The operator also reserves the right to alter sailing schedules when necessary. As with most international ferry services, factors such as weather conditions, port congestion, customs formalities, passport controls, and other operational circumstances may affect departure and arrival times.
Should a sailing be cancelled by the operator, passengers may be offered either a refund or a voucher for future travel. Because the route operates across an open sea crossing rather than a sheltered coastal route, travellers should always maintain some flexibility within their itinerary.
Important Rules and Restrictions
Although the MV Drujba is a relatively relaxed way to travel between Bulgaria and Georgia, there are several important restrictions that passengers should understand before boarding.
Perhaps the most significant rule for many travellers is that pets are not currently accepted onboard. The ferry does not provide facilities for accommodating animals, meaning travellers with dogs, cats or other pets will need to consider alternative routes.
Luggage allowances are generous compared with most airlines. Adult passengers may bring up to 50 kilograms of luggage, while children are permitted up to 25 kilograms. This makes the ferry particularly attractive for long-term travellers, cyclists and overlanders carrying extensive equipment.
Dangerous goods are strictly regulated. Weapons, explosives, illegal drugs, spare fuel containers, chemicals and similar items are prohibited. Vehicles carrying undeclared commercial goods may also face additional charges or be refused carriage.
Smoking is only permitted in designated onboard areas. Smoking inside cabins is prohibited and can result in significant cleaning charges. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption and disruptive behaviour are not tolerated onboard.
Travellers should also be aware that electric vehicles cannot be connected to the ship’s electrical systems for charging during the voyage. Owners should therefore ensure adequate battery levels before boarding and plan charging arrangements after arrival.
Finally, passengers travelling with vehicles should remember that driving onboard and during loading operations is undertaken at their own risk. Any damage should be reported immediately before disembarkation to ensure that appropriate procedures can be followed.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
- Rupert recommends arriving in Burgas at least one day before departure. Missing a weekly sailing could delay your journey by several days.
- Bring entertainment for the crossing. The voyage lasts around 72 hours, making books, downloaded films and podcasts useful companions.
- If you are prone to seasickness, Rupert suggests carrying motion sickness medication before boarding, as the Black Sea can occasionally become rough.
- Keep all vehicle paperwork organised and easily accessible. Customs and immigration checks are much easier when documents can be produced quickly.
- Travellers entering Georgia should arrange their mandatory travel insurance before departure and keep both printed and digital copies available.
- Rupert advises booking vehicle spaces as early as possible during summer because freight demand can reduce availability on some sailings.
Want more travel advice from Rupert? Visit the Who is Rupert? page to learn more about AppSavvyTraveller’s favourite travelling reindeer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Burgas to Batumi ferry take?
The crossing normally takes approximately 72 hours, or around three days, depending on weather and operational conditions.
Can you travel as a foot passenger?
Yes. Passengers can travel without a vehicle and receive cabin accommodation and meals as part of their ticket.
What ship operates the route?
The route is operated by the MV Drujba, a Ro-Pax vessel carrying both passengers and vehicles.
Are meals included in the ticket price?
Yes. Passenger tickets include breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the voyage.
Can I take my motorcycle on the ferry?
Yes. Motorcycles are accepted and are among the most popular vehicle types carried on the route.
Can I take a motorhome to Georgia?
Yes. Campervans, vans and motorhomes up to seven metres are accepted under the published tariff.
Are pets allowed onboard?
No. The ferry currently does not provide facilities for pets.
Do I need travel insurance for Georgia?
Yes. Since January 2026, Georgia requires visitors to hold health and accident insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL.
How do I book tickets?
Reservations are made directly with the operator by email and require passenger and vehicle details where applicable.
Can sailing times change?
Yes. Departure and arrival times remain subject to weather conditions, customs procedures and operational requirements.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning a journey on the Burgas to Batumi ferry, it is worth exploring more of the destinations connected by this remarkable route. Before departure, our Burgas Travel Guide explains what to see in Bulgaria’s main Black Sea port, while the Bulgaria Travel Guide provides a wider overview of the country for travellers arriving by road, rail or air. If you are combining your journey with rail travel, the Bulgaria Interrail Guide offers useful information on train routes throughout the country. Travellers continuing east should also explore our growing Caucasus coverage, while staying connected is easier with our comprehensive eSIM Apps Guide, which explains the best options for mobile data in both Bulgaria and Georgia.
Last Updated
June 2026
Route schedules, fares and regulations can change. Always confirm current details directly with the ferry operator before making travel arrangements.
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