How long is the Istanbul Canal and where will it run?
Posted on Mar 01, 2026 / Travel
Plans show the Istanbul Canal will stretch roughly 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the Black Sea down to the Sea of Marmara, cutting across Istanbul’s European side. It’s designed to create a new maritime shortcut that avoids the Bosporus Strait — one of the world’s busiest shipping channels — which currently funnels millions of tons of goods each year between seas. The proposed route moves west of central Istanbul, passing near places like Küçükçekmece and Durusu before reaching its southern exit. Along the canal’s banks, officials and developers envision new ports, transport hubs, residential zones, and business districts that could reshape the urban footprint of the region. The length and placement are meant to maximize maritime flow while opening up land for other infrastructure. Still, because the project crosses such a big area of land and water, engineering and environmental experts are closely watching the detailed plans. Debate about the precise route and timeline continues as preparations move forward.
Please share the link with friends and neighbors:
Also! Recommended for you:
What is the Istanbul Canal and why is Turkey building it?When will the Istanbul Canal be finished and how much will it cost?
What are the main benefits supporters claim about the Istanbul Canal?
What are the biggest environmental concerns about the Istanbul Canal?
How does the Istanbul Canal interact with the Montreux Convention?
Why is the Istanbul Canal controversial among locals and experts?
© 2026 City maps and famous places